North Carolina White Water Rafting Companies

My family and I went on a white water rafting adventure last summer and we had so much fun we've decided to do it again this year. For those of you who have never felt the thrill of traveling at a fast rate of speed down a wild, roaring river, while encased in a little rubber raft, I urge you to try it out.

Whitewater rafting is an exciting, exhilarating adventure sure to please everyone in your party. Your family will be absolutely thrilled to explore the roaring white waters on the Chattooga surrounded by miles of vast woods and exotic forests. To plunge down the roaring rapids at breakneck speeds while enjoying the spray of the churning waters. There are several companies who are able to plan, arrange and take your family along on the most incredible journey of there lives.

The company my family and I used, and the one we have the most experience with, is the Paddle Inn Rafting Company. With more than 25 years of experience in white water rafting, they are committed to customer service and bringing you the biggest thrills out of the trip you purchased, while maintaining very strict safety standards. They have an assortment of trips to choose from, including the fully guided tour, the guide assisted and of course, for the more adventurous, the self guided white water tours.

Located just 14 miles from Bryson City N.C., patrons have there choice of a tamer Class 1, one hour trip, to the wilder Class 4, 2 and a half hour trip, and everything in between. The fully guided tour is for those less adventurous souls who want the security of knowing there someone in the raft who knows what there doing and is in charge. During this tour you'll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the trip down somewhat tame rapids with the guide in control.

The guide assisted tour, you will have a guide in front of you in another raft and a guide behind you, herding in slackers, making sure everyone stays together. The Be Your Own Boss Self guided tour is, just what it sounds like. You are in charge of your own raft and maneuvering through the roaring rapids. This tour is for the more adventurous, experienced ones in your group.
There most popular tour is the Top Of The Falls Full River tour, a class 3 trip which lasts a total of 2 and a half hours. that's almost 3 hours of navigating the rapids of the Nantahala river. They also have many other trips to choose from. Prices range anywhere from $30.00 per person to $8.50 for the rental of a raft. The weather at Nantahala falls is usually about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than average. And at night its been known to get to 40 during the summer months.

So keep that in mind when choosing your vacation wardrobe. Guides suggest wearing good sturdy closed toed shoes that you don't mind getting wet, jeans, t shirt and maybe a vinyl jacket. Check out www.whitewaterclothing.com for more information on suitable clothing. There is also no cans or glass bottles allowed at the river, if you just must have something to drink then take along a small plastic bottle but keep it capped. They do not welcome food on the river but will gladly treat you to a barbque or pizza lunch before or after your white water trip. If you must carry along a camera or anything else you wouldn't want to get wet carry it in zippered plastic bags for safety.

The Chatooga River white water rafting company also takes there loyal customers on wild and scenic white water rafting tours exploring the rapids at while treating you to the vast scenery in the surrounding woods.they offer everything from Class 1 rapids to the ultimate Class 5. Families with children should always stick with the tamer rapids you'll find with the Class 1 and Class 2 rapids. a lot of there tours can last up to 6 hours and tour 5 to 7 miles of rapids. You'll spend at least 4 to 5 hours on the river. Lunch is always included and served riverside by the tour guides. So take a our of the Chattooga river in there self bailing rafts in waterways that are abundant with wildlife. The rapids are family friendly so if your in the mood for the ultimate thrill and excitement of the torrential rapids, consider a higher class tour for advanced rafters. The Chatooga white water rafting company also has one person inflatable rafts which are excellent for touring. Check with the company on the various deals and discounts they offer , such as group discounts, military discounts. You can find them online at www.noc.com.

Almost all of the rafting companies require you to sign a liability statement before registering for there tours.

Whitewater rafting at www.whitewaterrafting.com is a company that pays attention to detail and provides there customers with a memorable outdoor experience of a lifetime. They do have very strict guidelines you must follow for your own safety, as most white water companies do. They require you to be at least 7 years old or 60 pounds. The Follow a guide program is 38 dollars per person and lasts an average of 3-5 hours. Its 8 miles of battling constant waves and clear currents. Join them for nonstop action on the Nantahala river. This is the perfect trip for beginner rafters and of course all your equipment comes with the price of the white water tour. Transportation is also provided to and from the river at the rafting center in Bryson City. They also have showers where you can indulge yourself after the tour, free internet access, and a river store where you can purchase all the latest souvenirs to remind you of your visit to the Nantahala River. Not that you'll need reminders, you'll be aching to come to the river before you even leave. There most popular tour is the Raft and Rail tour, which features a scenic train ride, rafting and lunch. The cost is just $82.00 per person and this adventure lasts an average of 5 hours. This trip begins at the Great Smoky Mountain railroad station in Bryson N.C..

You'll board the train to take a 2 hour excursion over area lakes and gorges. Then, after an orientation, you'll navigate 8 miles of the exciting, roaring white water waves of Nantahala river with a river guide. Afterwards, you'll be treated to an exquisite lunch, which is included with the price of the trip. Hot showers and transportation from the Great Smoky mountain railroad to the river and back is included. And for those less adventurous souls who don't wish to brave the raging rapids, you can remain on the train and hook back up with the rest of your party later on. You must be at least 7 years old to go on the tours, which range in intensity from mild to extreme. All needed equipment is always included in the price of the white water rafting expeditions.

White water rafting is one of the most exciting, exhilarating activities you can experience with your family. For information on these and other thrilling trips check out www.ncmountainactivities.com, www.mountainadventures.com, www.greatsmokymountains.com, www.raftingfun.com and www.whitewaterraftingfun.com