Smoky Mountain Outdoors has been providing whitewater rafting adventures since 1993, contributing greatly to the growth of commercial rafting on the Pigeon River over the years. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Our two highest platforms have unbelievable views of Clingman's Dome, Fontana Lake and waterfalls. The first mile of the Upper is considerable "tamer" than the remainder of the Ocoee and allows you to acclimate to rafting at a slower pace. The railroad offers scenic rail excursions through the fairly remote corner of Western North Carolina. When I was a kid, Id go to visit my grandparents in Northeast Ohio, and my grandfather would take me to a train museum that featured a large, intricate model train set. Splash through nearly continuous Class II-IV rapids like Lost Guide and Accelerator with expert guides at the helm. Looks beautiful and interesting, Where is agood fishing spot,swimming spot,and hiking spot at? car you do not get a personal tour guide but an occasional pre recorded tour speaker. 3h 30m. Received a phone call today. I was comfortable in the VIP car and will pay for it again, Kayaking, canoeing and rafting excursions on the Nantahala and Tuckasegee and more are abundantly available near Bryson City. Experience a ride through the 836 foot long Cowee Tunnel. Choose from a tubing trip, or try out a variety of river crafts like kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. 4h 30m. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Then theres the dam-release foam and spray of the Cheoah River in far southwestern North Carolina, a tributary of the Little Tennessee that includes Class IV and V rapids in its coveted course. Nantahala Weather in July Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. . The NOC has what an Arizona river guide recently described as "a world-class reputation"; I'd go with them. The Pigeon River is dam-controlled and split into two segments: the Upper and the Lower Pigeon River. Looking for the best activity deal? Stay tuned for more whitewater rafting rivers in (and near) Tennessee including Class III-V rivers! This is another exceptionally wild flow, a free-flowing tributary of the French Broad that rises north of Asheville in the Unaka and Bald mountains. The most affordable option is coach class, which starts at about $58 for adults and $33 for children. Oconaluftee River, Western North Carolina. While its considered one of the best whitewater rivers in the Southeast for Class II-IV rapids, there are no commercial outfitters to take visitors on guided rafting tours. Cherokee is just 10 or 15 mins away. We guarantee the class of service you select. Route 1652 to NC Route 772. Flowing right through Asheville, it also supplies the citys most accessible river trips and a lot of variety: from broad, calm, flat-water stretches to more tumbling whitewater with rapids up to Class IV. The eight-mile river ride takes about 2.5 hours. Ultimate Guide to Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking in Asheville, NC, Asheville Weather and Average Temperatures by Month, Asheville Amadeus Festival: Connect with Ashevilles Most Innovative Creatives, Celebrate All Things Baked at the Asheville Bread Festival, 10 Ideas for a Self-Care Getaway to Asheville, Your Guide to Pet Friendly Cabins in Asheville NC, Blue Heron Whitewater (French Broad River), USA Raft (Nolichucky River, French Broad River), Carolina Outfitters (Nantahala River, Ocoee River), Endless River Adventures (Nantahala River, Ocoee River, Cheoah River), Wildwater Rafting (Chattooga River, Ocoee River, Pigeon River, Nantahala River), Rolling Thunder River Co. (Nantahala River, Ocoee/Toccoa River). Located deep in Western North Carolinas Pisgah National Forest, the French Broad features warm water, scenic mountain views, and plenty of fun Class II and III rapids. We had a wonderful time and the service on the train was great! 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. The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. 2. I went in April I was in the VIP section and had bottomless mimosas and breakfast. 4 years ago. From there, you also have a premium open air gondola, crown class, coach class and the open air gondola. Simply take Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and go just a bit further. This Tennessee State Scenic River is located in the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park. Rafters looking for a gentle river ride and Class I-II rapids will want to opt for a Lower Pigeon River rafting adventure. Pigeon is an awesome in between river. Visit the Smoky Mountain Outdoors Reservations page and save 40% when you schedule your whitewater rafting adventure by February 28, 2015! 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. Research from the American Outdoors Association also shows that adventure travel, which includes whitewater rafting, is the fastest growing segment of the countrys tourism industry. in Tennessee! Preorder your boxed lunch to enjoy onboard dining! For example, the Tarzan Train includes a ziplining tour. Every section ha sstable and booth style seating allowing 4 people at a table. Done the Polar Express with the family December of 2019. It includes a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Gorge where guests can relax by the river or go sightseeing. This is perfect for families or groups traveling together that want the convenience oftheir own table! to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. in Tennessee! Be sure not to miss this take-out spot, as dangerous Class V rapids at Lower Nantahala Falls begin just downstream. Rivers End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to come enjoy delicious food and spectacular views of the gorge. , kayaking, paddling, SUPing, etc. Here are some of the regions top river outfitters and the streams they serve: Experience the Best in Southern Appalachian Whitewater Rafting With an Asheville Home Base. NOC has a stellar reputation, but there are many others that are wonderful as well. What To Know About the Shows Creatures, What Is the Upside Down House in Pigeon Forge? It's close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Tennessee resort cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, make it an easy . I paddle with a friend of mine who used to run class 4 kayak and guided on the ocoee who's getting back into kayaking. Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. Time from Departure. Hi Donna, They do have an open-air gondola equipped with a hydraulic lift for wheelchair boarding and deboarding assistance. *During the month of December Nantahala Gorge Winter Trains, all layovers will be 30mins. The most authoritative source for restaurants, attractions, & cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. Thats due to the fact that the river is designated a National Wild and Scenic River and is operated by the National Park Service. Little Tennessee River, East Tennessee & West North Carolina. We just enjoyed a short stay in Bryson City. It was a very long unhappy experience, never again !! Would we ride again is the question. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: 60 mi: Asheville: 74 mi: Atlanta: 155 mi: Directions to Nantahala Purchase Trip Photos. For example, selecting 'Bear Creek' shows bridges across several different Bear Creeks. Passengers can be dropped off at the depot, located at 226 Everett Street. Other privately owned campgrounds include Nantahala Tiny Homes and RV Park where you can rent tent sites, 30A or 50A hook ups, or two adorable tiny houses. However, the river itself is what brings people back time and time again. While many stretches of the river are used for tubing, swimming, and other, s, there is an opportunity for whitewater rafting and kayaking. The parking lot is located at 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City. luh) is a Cherokee word that means "Land of the Noonday Sun." The Nantahala River has carved a deep gorge in the southwestern mountains of North Carolina, such that the sun is rarely visible between the ridges. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing! All trips include transportation to and from the river. Suspension Bridges Crossing Nantahala River . Adults (21+) are served a. by the cars attendant. Easily accessible for those visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or the national park in Eastern Tennessee. Limited bar service available. 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. New - Our canopy tours will now accommodate kids 8 yrs. The Chattooga is just as legendary (maybe even more so) than the Nantahala. View 9 photos of this 1.8 acre lot land with a list price of $29000. Another option for easy Class II rapids (with plenty of time between rapids) is the upper section of the Red Roof Run, just above the dam. However, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite spots right here in Tennessee (or places so close that theyre nearly Tennessee) that are great for those who are new to whitewater rafting or kayaking, are too young to venture into the larger rivers, or simply like to take it easy. My son and I did this ride in July. Premium Open Air Gondola with dining features assigned seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and a roof above to protect passengers from the elements. 2022 Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. 'Nantahala' ( Fig. 7. If you haven't rafted before, I'd do the Nantahala to see how all of you react. I took my granddaughter this time This was her 1st trip. You and your group can explore eight miles of the Nantahalas class I and II rapids at your own pace, before splashing through the rivers only class III drop, Nantahala Falls at the trips end. They have no fear. Usually is a matter of personal opinion as what may be of good value to one may not to another but for me as a train enthusiast and also nature/outdoors activities it is something I like and enjoy and see the price tag as reasonably fair.benny. If you go to Bryson City, I recommend allowing some extra time for the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum. Just as youre spoiled for choices when it comes to whitewater rafting and floating in Ashevilles hinterland, youve got no shortage of outstanding outfitters and guides to make those runs happen for you. Theres just something soothing about it. The original zipline canopy tour in Western North Carolina, Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours offers 11 different zip lines and 7 sky bridges. Scenic rail excursions through the fairly remote corner of Western North Carolina river, East Tennessee & North... And interesting, Where is agood fishing spot, and canoes out a variety of river like. 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