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Nantahala River Gorge - Macon County - North Carolina
Cabin for Rent by Owner near Nantahala River White Water Rafting

Nantahala River Gorge and
Nantahala River White Water Rafting Information

Nantahala River Map

Nantahala River Whitewater Outfitters - Rafting Companies
Guided Trips - Raft and Canoe Rentals

Nantahala River

The Nantahala River, located in the USFS Nantahala National Forest, is one of America's favorite whitewater playgrounds. Its ideal location at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, close to Atlanta GA, Knoxville TN, Greenville SC, Asheville NC and just a short distance from Murphy, Andrews, Robbinsville, Franklin, Cherokee and Bryson City, NC makes the Nantahala River convenient to mountain vacationers.

Over thousands of years, the swift currents of the Nantahala River have slowly carved an incredible gorge in the mountains of western North Carolina. The Nantahala River remained a remote trout stream until 1942, at which time a hydroelectrical plant was built that guaranteed downstream releases, the Nantahala River is today one of the most popular rivers in the U.S.

Flowing through the scenic Nantahala Gorge, the Nantahala River offers the thrill and excitement of riding the river rapids in a raft, canoe or kayak. Eight miles of clear water, constant waves and swift currents make the crystal clear Nantahala River the perfect river to enjoy with family and friends. The Nantahala River is delight for all ages (min. 60 lbs) and groups interested in an exhilarating introduction to whitewater rafting.. The trip takes a little over 3 hours and contains several class I and II rapids, with an optional class III at the end.  No matter if you go-it alone or with a guide, it will be a memory you'll treasure for a lifetime. Since the Nantahala River is a dam-controlled river, one can expect good water flows at all times of the year.

The Nantahala River is not a one-trip-a-year river, but one that can be enjoyed over and over again. It is a favorite destination of boaters of all skill levels, as well as adventure seekers looking for whitewater rafting. The river also draws vacationers who want to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, hikers traveling on the Appalachian Trail, mountain bikers exploring the Tsali Recreation Area Mountain Bike Trails or one of the many other bike trails, and people who just come to relax. Whatever your interests, the Nantahala River Gorge area has something for you.

The Nantahala River serves as the first experience with whitewater for hundreds of boaters each year. Chances are, if you learned to kayak in the east, you started here. The neat thing about the Nantahala River is, no matter how long you’ve been paddling, the river still has something to offer you. It is not a very difficult or technical river, but has lots of places to learn, practice and play.

Revered by the Cherokee Indians, who migrated to this region more than 1000 years ago, the serpentine Nantahala River is associated with creatures prominent in Cherokee legends. The word Nantahala itself means “middle sun” or “midday sun” in the Cherokee language. There are places alongside the river where the high cliffs shut out direct sunlight until noon.

In addition to the Nantahala Rivers' whitewater activity, the Nantahala River also has a reputation for its excellent trout fishing. The Nantahala River offers different regulations for different areas. The area directly above the power plant is known for its Delayed Harvest waters, while the area below the power plant is Hatchery Supported waters. While stream habitat is managed by the Forest Service, the fishing is regulated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Access

The Nantahala river runs parallel to US Highway 19, which makes for easy access and scouting. The put-in is located about 21 miles west of Bryson City, NC on Highway 19 or three miles east of the town of Topton, NC. Topton is located near the intersection of US 19 and US 129. The put-in can be seen from the highway, but is located at the turn-off to go to the power plant where the river goes away from the road. The put-in is at a large parking lot maintained by the forest service. They charge $2.00 per person for a river usage fee.

An alternate put-in is located about three miles down river at Farabee park.

The take out is located on Highway 19 just above the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) restaurant on river right. Do not park here, the take out is for loading and unloading only. You can also take out at the NOC parking lot located on the river's left. To access the parking lot, cross the Nantahala river over the one lane bridge, just below the NOC store and turn left. Make sure not to park or take out in any of the commercial raft take-outs located on river right.

One shuttle technique is to park at the end of the river and try to catch a ride with a friendly motorist traveling back up river. You can hitch a ride by standing at the take out area, but keep in mind it is your decision to heed your mother’s warning about taking a ride from strangers.

Nantahala River Whitewater Outfitters - Rafting Companies
Guided Trips - Raft and Canoe Rentals

Adventurous Fast Rivers Rafting
14690 Nantahala River, 19W, Bryson City, NC 28713
800-438-7238 or 828-488-2386
Fax: 828-4886481
Contact: Steven & Susan Matz
Experience the beauty and adventure of whitewater rafting or funyaking on the pristine, crystal-clear Nantahala River. Your whitewater fun will take you through the world-famous Nantahala Gorge where you'll see the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains in all directions. We are family owned and located directly on the Nantahala River. Our specialty is giving economical prices with the very best in personal service, equipment, facilities, and staff while offering the most options; when you paddle, what you paddle, and how long you paddle. No experience necessary. Guided & unguided trips available March through October. Walk-ins are welcome or call now to reserve your next adventure. We look forward to seeing you on the river with us.

Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 Hwy 19 W, Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-6900 or 800-232-7238
Fax: 828-488-0301
Established in 1972, NOC's outdoor adventure resort offers world-class paddling instruction, rafting on the Nantahala, Ocoee, Chattooga, French Broad, and Nolichucky Rivers, biking, hiking, lake touring, Alpine Tower and ropes courses, group programs, international adventure travel, lodging, riverside dining and a renowned Outfitter's store. Come experience employee-owned NOC for an extraordinary outdoor recreation vacation with your family and friends.

USA Raft
11044 Hwy 19 W, Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-3316 or 800-USA-RAFT
Fax: 828-488-6108
At USA Raft we have specialized in providing affordable river adventures for over ten years. Whether you are seeking a relaxing escape from the crowds for your family or a heart-pounging wilderness adventure, we have the trip to suit you and your budget. Self-bailing rafts and duckies are available. Trips are offered on the Nantahala, Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, and Ocoee Rivers. We also have a campground on our property.

Blue Ridge Outing Company
PO Box 86, Whittier, NC 28789
828-586-3510 or 800-572-3510
Trips are offered on the Tuckaseigee River, which provides Class I and II rapids. We are located on US Highway 74 between Bryson City and Sylva.

Carolina Outfitters Rafting Company
12121 Hwy 19 W, Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-6345 or 800-GOT-RAFT
Offers guide-in-boat assisted, or non-guided whitewater rafting trips on popular and scenic Nantahala River. Inflatable funyak/ducky rentals. Excellent equipment, friendly staff, and comforable facilities. Great low prices and group rates available! Fully furnished vacation lodging rentals ranging from small simple "camping cabins" to large attractive vacation homes in the Nantahala Rive Gorge area. Convenient to all area attractions.

Endless River Adventures
PO Box 246, 14157 Hwy 19 W Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-6199 or 800-224-RAFT
Fax: 828-488-2259
Offers whitewater rafting on the Nantahala and Ocoee Rivers. Ocoee rafting package includes transportation from our Nantahala Outpost, saving you the extra driving. Kayak instruction from the beginner to advanced level and kayak/mountain trips to Costa Rica and Ecuador. Lake touring offered for half-and full-day trips. Also, fly fishing instruction & guide service with drift boat option.

Wildwater, LTD Rafting
10345 Hwy 19W, Bryson City, NC 28713 PO Box 190, Almond, NC 28702
800-451-9972 or 828-488-2384
Fax: 828-488-9130
Fully Guided, Guide Assisted, and Rental trips available. A family-owned business since 1971, Wildwater runs on the Nantahala, Ocoee, Big Pigeon, and Chattooga Rivers. Offering the Raft 'N Rail® since 1988, this excursion combines a scenic rail trip with beginning whitewater rafting. All tranportation and lunch is included. Wildwater, the only outdoor provider who offers 100% quality service guarantee.
Wildwater also offers unique lodging at Falling Waters Adventure Resort. Yurt cabins offers the experience of camping with the comforts of home. Each sleeps up to 4 people. The Group Lodge handles groups of up to 44. Each room sleeps up to 8 in bunk-style beds with its own bathroom. A handicapped room sleeps 4. A kitchen may be rented separately.

Paddle Inn Rafting Company
14611 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-9651 or 800-711-RAFT
Fax: 877-265-7253
Contact: Mark Thomas
We offer "Guided," "Guide Assisted," and "Be Your Own Boss" (Rentals.) We have Funyaks (single and double), Pumas, Self Bailers and regular rafts. Come and enjoy our riverfront cabins, RV sites and group tenting areas. We are here to share our passion for the river with you and we take pride in our customer service excellence. At our business, you are our number one concern. 15 miles from Bryson City, Open April-Nov. Also open by advance reservation Nov. - April.

Appalachian Rivers Raft Co., Inc.
Highway 19&74, Topton, NC
800-330-1999 or 838-321-3815
Fax: 864-244-0168
Contact: John L. Griffin
Appalachian Rivers Raft Company has, since 1979, offered exciting and enjoyable whitewater activities for families and groups. We feature excellent equipment and a courteous, professional staff as well as very reasonable rates. We invite you to come and enjoy the river in one of our self-bailing rafts or funyaks. For the inexperienced, we offer guide-assisted or fully guided trips. The more adventurous may enjoy renting a raft. Contact us soon and join the fun!!

Rolling Thunder River Company
10160 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-2030 or 800-408-7238
Welcome to Rolling Thunder River Company. We offer guided and rental whitewater rafting trips on the Nantahala and Ocoee rivers. We offer lodging for groups in our bunkhouse, the Thunder Inn. There is also a campground and HOT showers. Great equiptment plus great guides add up to a very good family adventure at Rolling Thunder.