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Rush down the Rapids to Nantahala Falls

paddling the Nantahala River
If you want fun, sun, water and adventure you can have it all in Nantahala, North Carolina. It’s home to the Nantahala Gorge, one of the premier whitewater rafting rivers. The river boasts eight miles of waves and swift currents, with a three-hour trip that culminates (for you Class III rafters) in a trip down the Nantahala Falls. Known by the Cherokee as the “Land of the Noonday Sun,” this steep gorge offers Class I and Class II rafting for the majority of the trip and is a favorite training ground for Olympic kayakers. The outfitters offer guided and unguided trips in eight-person rafts or inflatable kayaks. You can bus to one of their outpost locations, hit the river for some fun and catch the bus back. The whitewater rafting season typically lasts from March to October and is a great way to create lasting memories. If you’re looking for the adventure of a lifetime, look no further than Nantahala!