Best Whitewater Rafting (Asheville, Hot Springs: rentals, cabin, vacations)

[flipflopper]

Hello,

I will be visiting the Asheville/knoxville area the week of June 22nd. I would like to plan a white water rafting trip. There seem to be a lot of outfitters in the area. Does anyone have suggestions for the best trip/river.. Maybe 3-4 class rapids

Thanks

[Catbirds]

In this months June,"Our State North Carolina" magazine, it states that in 2006, "Good Morning America" named the NOC ( Nantahala Outdoor Center)the #1 Vacation with a Splash. In Nov. 2007, National Geographic Adventure named it "Best Outfitters on Earth" in the river and sea category. One of the best vacations my family had was a week spent in the area.

[freedom2]

Nantahala Catbirds right its great if you enjoy rafting I was raised in that area It wasn't very popular when I was young but today its a famous place now

[coxe]

If you're looking for class III & IV rapids...don't waste your time with the class II Nantahala rapids...head to the Ocoee...the water is MUCH warmer and you'll have a much more fun time IMHO.

Here are some links

Ocoee River whitewater rafting in Ocoee, Tennessee

Wildwater Ltd. Rafting- Ocoee River Rafting- Ducktown, Tennessee

Ocoee River Rafting, Ocoee River Lodging - Tennessee Whitewater Rafting and Log Cabin Rental

[Catbirds]

Coxe is right about the Ocoee River. It is so much fun, however, NOC goes down different rivers and not just the Nantahala.

[soundforlanguage81]

Nantahala or Nolichucky in TN.

I used to work at nantahala outdoor center, they'll fix you up.

[NC_Paddler]

Originally Posted by flipflopper

Hello,

I will be visiting the Asheville/knoxville area the week of June 22nd. I would like to plan a white water rafting trip. There seem to be a lot of outfitters in the area. Does anyone have suggestions for the best trip/river.. Maybe 3-4 class rapids

Thanks

Agree about the Ocoee . . . do the all-day upper and middle trip for the most adventure (class IV, III). The Ocoee Adventure Center is excellent:

Ocoee River, whitewater rafting with Ocoee Adventure Center in Tennessee. Ocoee River at its best! - Ocoee Adventure Center

[NC_Paddler]

One other thing to consider is logistics . . . if you're coming from the Asheville area to run the Ocoee, then NOC is also an excellent choice:

Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee, Chattooga, Nantahala, Pigeon, French Broad, Nolichucky, Cheoah, New and Gauley Rivers - Whitewater rafting on the Nantahala, Ocoee, Chattooga, Pigeon, French Broad, Nolichucky, Cheoah, New and Gauley Rivers with NOC

On the other hand, if you're staying west of NOC or coming from Knoxville, it will probably be easier to go with one of the local outfitters like OAC, since you'd be driving out of your way to get to NOC.

The Chattooga River (section IV) is another option to consider.

[Comfort Food]

I went with French Broad Rafting Expeditions this past weekend. Great time - we did the 9 mile run, probably 4 Class III and 2 Class IV. Stopped along the way for a cookout. The guides were great and lots of fun.

Really nice time, and the river is beautiful.

Whitewater Rafting, Float Trips and Rentals in Asheville North Carolina (NC) and Hot Springs North Carolina (NC) on the French Broad River