Whitewater Rafting in Georgia

Whitewater Rafting Near Georgia

Nantahala Outdoor Center offers whitewater rafting trips just a short drive from Atlanta and other area cities. The Chattooga River serves as part of a boundary between the Georgia and South Carolina border and has been federally protected since 1974 by the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, forever preserving its rugged river gorge. Experience breathtaking scenery and treasured whitewater in an unmatched wilderness setting with a trip from NOC!

NOC offers two trips on the Chattooga that depart from our outpost located in Clayton, Georgia. Section III is the perfect trip for families and groups of any skill level with its exciting Class II-III rapids. NOC highly trained guides lead your raft through drops and rapids, with breaks for swimming and a riverside lunch. The trip finishes with a memorable grand finale, the famous Class IV Bull Sluice rapid. Section IV is the Southeast’s most definitive whitewater rafting experience. This section boasts some of the most iconic rapids like Seven-Foot Falls, Raven’s Chute Rapid, and the famous Five Falls—where five Class IV-V rapids unfold in 1/3 of a river mile.

Southern Living called rafting the Chattooga “The #1 Thing Every Southerner Ought to Do.”

Just a short drive outside of Georgia are several other opportunities for adventure on NOC’s 500-acre main campus on the Nantahala River near Bryson City with rafting, aerial adventures, dining, shopping, and lodging. Other area rivers include:

• French Broad, NC – Scenic with fun rapids, these trips offer the perfect addition to any Asheville vacation
• Ocoee River, TN – Fast paced, splashy whitewater rafting trips
• Pigeon River, TN – Scenic mountain views with family friendly rafting for ages 3+ outside Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

If you’re looking for a local river trip just north of Atlanta, join NOC on the Chattahoochee River for a tube float, or grab a raft, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard rental!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much is whitewater rafting in Georgia?
A: That depends on the trip section and day/time of year. NOC offers multiple weekday and weekend trips on both Section III and Section IV of the Chattooga. Section IV is a longer and more exciting river trip so it would be considered a premium experience. Check out our trip pages for more up to date information and pricing.

Q: What class rapids are on the Chattooga?
A: The Chattooga River offers two sections. Section III is ideal for beginners, groups or families with children eight years old and up with a variety of Class I, II and III rapids with the option of taking on the grand finale Bull Sluice. Chattooga Section IV is an exciting trip for any skill level, but a higher level of adventure, offering more technical whitewater including the infamous Five Falls, a 1/3 mile of Class IV-V rapids.

Q: What is the best time to go white water rafting in Georgia?
A: NOC offers trips on the Chattooga River from early Spring into the Fall, closing for winter. The summers offer warm weather and water, fully bloomed flora and fauna. Fall trips put the beautiful fall colors on display in this wild and scenic adventure.