Rafting North Carolina
Guided Rafting Trips
Guided Rafting Trips are a great way for anyone to experience whitewater for the first time!
Duration
3 hours long
Departure
19355 US HWY 19
Andrews, NC 28901
Notes
Minimum 7 years old or 60 lbs
About This Trip
Rafters on the Nantahala River must be at least 7 years old or weighing 60lbs or more. Rafters will collect a PFD and paddle at the outpost before being shuttled to the river. Once on the river, rafters will splash their way through many Class I/II rapids, building up to the Class III “Nantahala Falls” rapid on their 3-hour trip. This trip is perfect for family white water rafting adventure.
What To Bring
What To Wear
Quick dry, active wear or a swimsuit. Don’t forget sunscreen!
Shoes Are Required
Shoes with a heel strap (i.e. Chacos, sandals, old tennis shoes. No flip-flops!)
Leave It In The Car
Leave behind all valuables or anything you do not want to lose!
Customer Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
We run trips “rain or shine.” Whitewater rafting is an inherently wet activity, in fact we think this is the very best outdoor activity for a rainy day!
You do not need experience to raft all trips are Professionally Guided, but you should be comfortable in and around water
We accommodate 4-6 guests per boat. Occasionally we can accommodate groups of 7, depending on a variety of factors that influence a “game-time” decision.
Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet (because you will)! We recommend Quick dry activewear, swimsuits, and Sunscreen! Avoid cotton clothing. All our guests must wear shoes that stay on their feet. Swim shoes, Sandals with a heel strap or even old sneakers work great. Flip flops are not recommended and shouldn’t be worn.
The Nantahala is one of the longest rafting seasons in the southeast from the beginning of April through October.
WE ARE ON EASTERN TIME.
Yes. We provide top-of-the-line safety equipment, including raft, personal flotation device, helmet and paddle (and cold-weather gear as necessary).
With over 40 years of experience, Whitewater Express’ risk management procedures are unsurpassed. We train our guides extensively and follow the most up-to-date industry standards. However, it is important that you and your group know this: Whitewater rafting, like all adventure activities, involves inherent risks. It is important that guests know their comfort level and take proper responsibility for their own safety. If Whitewater Express staff feel that any individual is not in the proper condition to raft, we reserve the right to not allow that individual to raft for his or her own safety.
We ask all our guests to arrive 30-45 minutes prior to you trip. This extra time is to complete our check-in process, and gear up for your Adventure. Please allow time for traffic, wrecks, etc as we cannot wait for latecomers.
Reservations are required. A lot goes into the planning of a river trip, including scheduling of guides, photographers and bus drivers. If you are nearby, you can walk-in to see if we have space, but please don’t drive long distances without a reservation as our trips are routinely full in the summertime.
Photos
Need a place to stay
after your adventure?
Staying at the Nantahala camp allows you to experience the scenic gorge and the many trails in the area. We offer bunk houses for groups and deluxe cabins for couples or a fly fishing retreat. Our 300 acre Ocoee Camp is also only a short drive away with a larger variety of cabins and other activities to keep the adventure continuing!