Rafting Near Me
Whitewater Rafting in the Southeast
As the Leaders in Outdoor Adventure, Nantahala Outdoor Center offers whitewater rafting and adventure on multiple rivers throughout the Southeast perfect for any adventure level, whether it be a mild float trip or heart-pumping Class IV rapids!
Nantahala River - Bryson City, NC
Our main campus is located on the shimmering Nantahala River in a spectacular gorge. With 500-acres of adventure, guests can choose from family-friendly, guided whitewater rafting on mild but exciting rapids, ducky rentals, aerial and zipline activities, and mountain biking. Dine onsite, shop in the Outfitter’s store and stay in mountainside lodging.
Age Minimums & Requirements:
- Guided Rafting 7+ / 60lbs
- Mountain Top Zip Line 10+ / 100lbs
- Zip Line Adventure Park 6+ / 60lbs
Pigeon River - Hartford, TN
The Pigeon River is conveniently located just outside of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, offering trips on two sections of the river. The Lower Pigeon is perfect for families with young children or those looking for a mild float trip. The Upper Pigeon offers a full dose of Class III excitement and Smoky Mountain scenery in just three short hours, making it the perfect addition to your Smoky Mountains vacation!
Age Requirements:
- Lower Pigeon – 3+ Years of Age
- Upper Pigeon – 8+ Years of Age
Chattooga River - Mountain Rest, SC
For thrill-seekers, the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River is the Southeast’s premier whitewater experience and described as the #1 Thing Every Southerner Ought to do by Southern Living. Federally protected, this river offers breathtaking scenery in an unmatched wilderness setting. Our elite guides offer two rafting trips; Section IV offers the most exciting whitewater with its Class IV-V and a riverside lunch, while Section III is more family-friendly featuring Class II-III rapids and stops for lunch, playing, and swimming.
Age Requirements:
- Section III – 8+ Years of Age
- Section IV – 12+ Years of Age
Ocoee River - Benton, TN
If you’re looking for a rafting trip with big waves, warm water, and non-stop whitewater action, the Ocoee River delivers. Located in Eastern Tennessee, its a short drive from Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. The Middle Ocoee earns its title as “America’s most popular river trip” with a half-day trip and five miles of continuous Class III rapids. Our full-day option combines the Middle Ocoee with an extra five miles of intense class III and IV rapids – including a run down the 1996 Olympic whitewater slalom course.
Age Requirements:
- Middle Ocoee – 12+ Years of Age
- Ocoee Combo & High Adventure – 13+ Years of Age
French Broad River - Marshall, NC
No trip to Asheville, North Carolina is complete without a rafting adventure on one of the oldest rivers in the world, the French Broad River. Located deep in Western North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, the French Broad features warm water, scenic mountain views, and plenty of fun Class II and III rapids. Raft five miles on one of NOC’s half-day trips, or spend the day and enjoy eight miles of exciting whitewater – plus a freshly-prepared riverside lunch.
Age Requirements: 8+ Years of Age
Chattahoochee River - Atlanta, GA
Located just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, the Chattahoochee River is a popular escape for local residents and visitors to the region with its stunning scenery and cool, clear water. Nantahala Outdoor Center has several outpost locations, conveniently located in Roswell’s Azalea Park and Metro Atlanta in Sandy Springs. Choose from a tubing trip, or try out a variety of river crafts like kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. NOC Roswell also rents out bikes and e-bikes to cruise Azalea Park.