Whitewater Rafting on the Nolichucky River

Whitewater rafting is a great summer adventure for people of all ages. This makes the Nolichucky River and the surrounding area a popular destination. According to Wikipedia, between Poplar, North Carolina, and Unaka Springs, Tennessee, the Nolichucky River gorge provides one of the more scenic and technical whitewater trips in the southern United States. The Nolichucky River gorge contains over 25 class II, III, and IV rapids. The beautiful scenery is breathtaking and will keep you coming back again and again.

If this sounds like an adventure you would love to embark on, be sure to check out the companies listed below. Each of these companies has an outstanding reputation in the whitewater rafting industry.

Cherokee Adventures
Cherokee Adventures was established in 1979. They put great emphasis on quality, safety, and making the trip fun for everyone. Located adjacent to the Cherokee National Forest, their riverside base camp offers access to hot showers, bathrooms, barbecue pits, and picnic tables. If you want to "rough it" by camping, you can pitch a tent or try one of their primitive cabins. Cherokee Adventures offers a wide variety of rafting trips so it should be easy to find the one that will meet your needs. They also offer whitewater rafting trips on other rivers, riverside camping, mountain biking tours, and rope courses.

Their upper Nolichucky trips include class III and IV rapids that make the 10 mile trip through the gorge exhilarating and thrilling as well as challenging. You do not need any experience to enjoy this trip, although keep in mind that the minimum age is 12 for this option. The trained guides will be there to assist you the entire way. With full day, economy, or overnight options you will surely be able to choose the trip that best fits your schedule.

The lower Nolichucky trips are the perfect option for families. The minimum age for this relaxing choice is 5. With class I and II rapids as well as 1 class III rapid, you can relax and enjoy the full experience. While floating down the river you can enjoy the stunning scenery, and may even see some wildlife along the way. You can choose either half day, half day with lunch, or full day. No matter which you choose this trip will be a memorable experience.

For more information you can visit the Cherokee Adventures website or call the number below.
www.cherokeeadventures.com
1-800-445-7238

Nantahala Outdoor Center
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) has been providing whitewater rafting trips since 1972. With more than 35 years of experience, you can expect professional guides and outstanding customer service. NOC runs smaller more intimate trips on the Nolichucky, allowing the guides to use their training and skills to maximize the fun you have along the way. Their Nolichucky Outpost is located in Erwin, TN. They have changing rooms, bathrooms, hot showers, a sauna, and an outpost store available. NOC also offers rafting trips on other rivers, paddling school, rope courses, flat water kayaking, fly fishing, and hiking.

Nolichucky Gorge
This full day trip will be a total of approximately 4-7 hours long, this includes the ride to the put in. You will spend 3-5 hours in the water navigating the class III and IV rapids on this 9 mile trip. Experience is not required, but you do have to be at least 12 years old.

Lower Nolichucky Float Trip
The lower Nolichucky River is 3-5 miles of class I and II rapids. Total trip time is estimated to be about 2.5-3 hours. 1.5-2 hours will be spent on the water enjoying the view. This is the best option for families with younger children, since the minimum requirement is 5 years old.

For more information you can visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center website or call the number below.
www.noc.com
1-888-905-7238

Mountain Adventure Guides/USA Raft
Mountain Adventure Guides (MAG)/USA Raft are committed to providing the highest quality guides and equipment. The MAG/USA Raft base camp is surrounded by splendid scenery, with the river on one side and the Cherokee National Forest on the other. They also offer whitewater rafting on other rivers, summer camps, caving, and climbing.

Nolichucky River Gorge
MAG/USA Raft is the only Nolichucky River outfitter that offers a guaranteed guide on every raft. They offer half and full day trips. Experience is not required. The minimum age for this trip is 10. Expect to spend at least 5 hours with us. This includes the trip itself, shuttle to put in, gearing up, and the pre trip speech.

Lower Nolichucky River
This laid back trip gives you the opportunity to swim as well as enjoy the gorgeous view along the way. Expect to spend at least 5 hours with us on this half day trip. This includes the trip, shuttle, gearing up, and the pre trip speech. No experience is required. The minimum age for this trip is 4.

For more information you can visit the Mountain Adventure Guides/USA Raft website or call the number below.
www.mtnadventureguides.com/
1-866-USA-Raft

Whitewater rafting can be an adventurous vacation or a fun weekend getaway. Each company is different and they all offer different rates, requirements, and trip options. Be sure and look them over thoroughly so that you choose the one that best suits your needs. The Nolichucky is a beautiful river and you can find many activities where you, your family, and friends can enjoy this mesmerizing beauty.

Nolichucky River, Wikipedia