Rafting on the Nantahala River in the Great Smoky Mountains

rafting the rapids on the NantahalaAny vacation in the Smoky Mountains region of North Carolina should include rafting down the Nantahala River. Paddlers of all experience levels, including experts, families with children, or older generations, can enjoy unforgettable experiences on the spectacular waters of the Nantahala.

About The Nantahala River

The Nantahala is one of the most famous rivers in the Southeastern United States and a popular spot for rafters, canoeing, and kayaking. Its Hydroelectric dam-controlled flows mean you can always count on a fun trip. The river is part of an eight-mile-long scenic gorge that cuts through the Nantahala National Forest, the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina.

Commercial rafting of the Nantahala began in 1972 with the opening of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Today, ten different outfitters operate on the Nantahala, bringing in thousands of paddlers annually.

Previously, the Nantahala has hosted the International Canoe Federation’s (ICF) Canoe Freestyle World Championships. While portions of the river are thrilling enough for expert rafters and the like to take daring trips, other spots are gentle enough for families with young children to enjoy.

Take A Trip Down River

Paddlers on the Nantahala wave to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train as it passes by them.
Photo Courtesy Swain County TDA / Chamber of Commerce.

Rafting on the Nantahala is one of the most popular activities at this outdoor recreation destination. As you travel down the crystal clear river, you’ll be treated to incredible views of this beautiful mountain gorge. Plus, rafting isn’t the only way to travel – you can canoe or kayak it as well! Discover for yourself why so many people come back year after year to play in this natural wonderland.

Other Outdoor Adventures In The Area

Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and more can all be a part of your Smoky Mountains adventure vacation! Come where the shopping is unique, the adventures are exciting, and the mountain air is fresh!

Whether you choose to go gem mining, ziplining, explore a trail on horseback, or visit one of the many museums here in the Great Smoky Mountains, there are so many opportunities for fun and excitement, as well as plenty of culture and history!

Plan Your Getaway Today

We can help you find the perfect place to stay, great places to eat and drink, and other spectacular adventures to have on your trip! Start planning your vacation to Western North Carolina today, and remember, your summer trip would be incomplete without planning to raft down the beautiful Nantahala River!

Rafting/Kayaking/Canoe/Tubing

Brookside Campground & Rafting
Brookside Campground and Rafting is a modern facility offering recreational camping and white water rafting. Brookside is located deep in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains with grassy campsites along the creek, complete hook-ups, hot showers and clean restrooms, picnic tables, covered garbage cans that are emptied daily, laundry facilities, a game room, pay telephone and playground. Brookside's country store offers snacks, drinks, and everything the average camper might need. In addition, there is whitewater rafting.
764 Hwy 19 Nantahala, NC 28781 (828) 321-5209 brooksiderafting.com Get Directions
Carolina Outfitters Whitewater Rafting
Experience whitewater rafting! Nantahala and Ocoee River family whitewater rafting adventures is located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the majestic mountains of western North Carolina. Enjoy the scenic splendor of the Nantahala National Forest and thrill to the challenge and excitement of whitewater rafting on the most popular rivers in the Southeast. Experience unnecessary. Combine our rafting with gemstone mining, horseback riding, and scenic train tours. Vacation homes and cabins available.
715 U.S. Hwy. 19 Topton, NC 28781 (828) 488-6348 www.carolinaoutfitters.com Get Directions
Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground
Deep Creek flows out of the Great Smokies National Park and by our campground. We rent light-weight vinyl tubes for $6 (all day rental). Tubes are available at a discount to registered campers and groups. Life jackets are available for children. Our camp store also sells creek shoes and other tubing accessories and souvenirs. We have twenty-one rental cabins, from modern campground cabins to hand-hewn log cabins, plus a large house for small groups. More than 40 campsites, from creekside tent camping to pop-ups, travel trailers, RVs and mobile homes. Gem Mining: Pan for rubies, sapphires, quartz, topaz, emeralds and other colorful gems at the Deep Creek Tube Center Mining Company.
1090 West Deep Creek Rd Bryson City, NC 28713 (828) 488-6055 deepcreekcamping.com Get Directions
Nantahala Outdoor Center
NOC’s main campus is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River, just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, NOC’s 500-acre campus boasts plenty of exciting adventures to keep your group happy & active. Whitewater raft, explore Fontana Lake in a kayak or canoe, zipline, or mountain bike and hike! Between adventures, check out NOC’s riverfront restaurants and retail stores, and even spend the night in a cozy trailside cabin.
13077 Hwy 19 West Bryson City, NC 28713 (828) 785-5082 www.noc.com Get Directions
NOC Paddling School
Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside Magazine, NOC’s elite team of instructors offer kayak and canoe courses for all ages and skill levels. Choose a weekend or weekday course and try something new or build on your existing skills! With 40+ years going into every course, you know you’re in great hands.
13077 Hwy 19 West Bryson City, NC 28713 (866) 297-5281 www.noc.com Get Directions
Come and enjoy nature at its best. We offer leisurely self guided kayak trips down the Little Tennessee River. The trips are 2 1/2 -3 hours long and we supply you with all your equipment needed. You will see along your trip river otters, beavers, deer and endless birds. It is a beautiful and peaceful trip to enjoy nature at its best. If you have your own equipment, we offer a "Drop and Shuttle service" so that you can use your own equipment and enjoy the river. Also, enjoy Gem Mining rain or shine in our Covered Outdoor Gem Flume along the Little Tennessee River. You will discover many different gemstones and fossils including topaz, rubies, amethyst, emeralds and many others. We help you to identify your gemstones. We welcome all rockhounds and treasure seekers, it’s great fun for the entire family. Your adventure and treasure await you!
155 Robin Lynn Lane Otto, NC 28763 (828) 349-1717 www.primitiveoutback.com Get Directions
Rolling Thunder River Company
Family-friendly rafting trips for over 30 years. Guided/Non-guided on the Nantahala River; guided only on the Ocoee River.
10160 Hwy. 19 West Bryson City, NC 28713 (800) 408-7238 www.rollingthunderriverco.com Get Directions
Smoky Mountain River Adventures
Great Family-oriented Whitewater Rafting Trip!!!! Rafting/Kayaking/Tubing/Canoeing
5036 US Hwy 74 Whittier, NC 28789 (828) 586-5285 www.smokymountainriveradventures.com Get Directions
Wildwater Nantahala Gorge Adventure Center
We offer fully guided, guide assisted, and rental trips on the Nantahala, Ocoee, Big Pigeon, and Chattooga Rivers. Take advantage of the original Raft and Rail package at Wildwater Nantahala! Climb aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and enjoy a delicious deli lunch, followed by a guided 8-mile Nantahala River whitewater trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City train depot. The Raft and Rail package is a great way for families to enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day.
10345 Hwy. 19 W. Bryson City, NC 28713 (866) 319-8870 wildwaterrafting.com Get Directions