The Best Places in America to Go Whitewater Rafting

What does spring and summer mean? Fun and adventure in the great outdoors. What better way to let loose on your first outing of the summer, than to hit the river and do some whitewater rafting. Rafting is one of the most exciting water activities available for the entire family to enjoy. I have lived all over the United States from the east coast to the west coast and a few places in between and have experienced just about every outdoor activity you could think of, from rock climbing, whitewater rafting, cliff jumping and so much more. Extreme sports have been a major part of my life since I was a child and our family trip up to the American River is what got me hooked on white water rafting was I was nine and I never stopped loving this wonderful adventurous activity.

Most of the white water rafting expeditions offer runs for everyone from beginners to experts. Listed are my three best places in America to take the family on a white water rafting vacation.

American Whitewater Expeditions
6019 New River Rd
Coloma, CA 95613
Toll-Free: 800-825-3205
Local Phone: 818-352-3205
fax: 818-353-5391

American whitewater expeditions is nestled on the American River in California and receives over 250,000 visitors from all over the world. All of these thrill seekers and nature lovers come to the American River to experience fun, excitement, challenges and thrills along with a true natural wilderness experience. When you bring your friends and family to raft with American whitewater expeditions staff you will receive a quality trip. The guides are very competent and friendly, the rafting equipment is always up to date and new and the campsites are well kept with hot showers and clean restrooms available. There are three different rivers with three skill levels to meet everyone's adventure needs. Price per person differs depending on the day and the weekends are more expensive; all prices are per person, one day trip for adults is $124.00 and youths $114.00 for a class IV and V. Two day trip for adults is $279.00 and youths $239.00 for a class III to V ll prices also include meals.

Ocoee Rafting
1548 Windy Ridge Rd
Ducktown, TN 37326
Toll-Free: 800-251-4800

The Ocoee River is in Tennessee and was home to the 1996 summer Olympics for rafting and kayaking. This beautiful river runs with exhilarating class III to V rapids and is full of fun and adventure from the moment you step out of your car. The landscape around this area seems un-touched and is literally captivating. The Ocoee Rivers popularity has grown considerably sine the 1996 Olympics and bring more and more new visitors year after year. Being that the cost of living is fairly cheap in TN, the same goes with the entertainment cost. The prices at Ocoee Rafting are amazing, all prices listed are per person. Depending on the day, middle river run for adults is $58.00 to $88.00 and $30.00 to $48.00 for youths with groups receiving a two to three dollar discount for groups of 15 or more. It is highly recommended to visit their website because the prices change not only per day but per month as well, with holiday's being more expensive.

Pocono Whitewater
1519 State Route 903
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Toll-Free (800) WHITEWATER (944-8392)
Phone (570) 325-3655
Fax (570) 325-4097

Another great place to take the whole family. The Pocono's in Pennsylvania welcomes all to come experience tranquil whitewater experience. This river is a little more calm than the others mentioned and is developed more for the family vacation. There's a section of the river through the Lehigh River Gorge that makes for fun filled adventure and family style rafting. Pocono whitewater caters to a lot of big groups such as, church groups, scout groups, school groups and company groups are just a few. The water here is mostly calm with several sections with class II rapids, which if you know anything about rafting, class II rapids are just little bumps in the road! There is a eight mile stretch of this river that is simply relaxing and beautiful and you will also enjoy the price on your wallet. All prices are per person, also depending on the day hear as well, it is always good to make reservations. Adults pay $39.00 to $59.00 and youths pay $29.00 to $49.00 per day, if you are looking for an overnight camping expedition along with the rafting that will run between $159.00 to $279.00 depending on how many nights you want to go for.

Wilderness River Adventures toll free 8009928022
PO Box 717
Page, AZ 86040
Toll free: 800-992-8022
Phone: (928) 645-3296
Fax: (928) 645-6113

Come enjoy the Mighty Colorado River and get up close to inspiring surroundings for a thrilling adventure. Wilderness river adventure is well known for their extended trips like the 16 day trip rafting and camping along the Colorado River. Prices are listed per person. This company specializes in vacationing not day trips. The prices are expensive, but the quality vacation you will receive is well worth it.

Arkansas Valley Adventurers (AVA)
AVA's Granite Outpost (14 miles north of Buena Vista)
40671 US Hwy 24 North
Buena Vista CO 81211
719-486-2827 (not active outside of the rafting season)
Toll free: 800-370-0581

VA's Idaho Springs Outpost
431 Chicago Creek Rd. (Hwy 103)
daho Springs, CO 80452info@coloradorafting.net

4 Day Motor - $730
May 3 - 6, 2010
May 10 - 13, 2010
June 21 -24, 2010
June 28 -July 1, 2010

5 Day Oar - $875
August 2 - 6, 2010

This outdoor adventure company also specializes in extended vacations, so if you are looking for a family vacation that will stay with you in memory forever, take the challenge. Prices here are expensive, but remember that these are not day trips, they are vacation packages. Prices are per person, per day.

Brown's Canyon Express
3/4 day
Intermediate Class III
$69 adult, $59 child 7-12

References for this article came from www.coloradorafting.net, www.ocoeerafint.com, www.poconowhitewater.com. Also reference myself since I have been rating at the top three locations.