NANTAHALA RIVER . . . Kayack, Raft, Duckies, Fish The Nantahala River boasts mostly Class 2 & Class 3 Rapids, with a challenging Class 4 near the Nantahala Outdoor Center. The river runs through the Nantahala Gorge along side the Great Smoky Mountain Railway. The US Forest Service requires that rafters on the Nahtahala weigh at least 60 pounds. Families with smaller children might want to check out the Tuckaseegee River or the Deep Creek's tubing options Directions: The Nantahala River is just minutes from Good Life Cabins. Make a Right on 28, and a left on 19/74. As you enter the Nantahala Gorge, the river is on your right. Various rafting companies can be found along your way, but its best to make a reservation, especially if you are taking a guided river rafting outing. Below are a few Nanatahala River Rafting companies . . . Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) 888-905-7238 800-408-7238 800-451-9972 800-USA-RAFT 800-224-RAFT About the Nantahala River: The US Forest Service (USFS) estimates that as many as 160,000 individuals float the river annually in rafts, kayacks and inflatable ducks or "duckys." The river flows from Macon County to Swain County, North Carolina. The rafting stretch is 8.5 miles long. Although the river hosts 20 named rapids, there are plenty of opportunities to float along the river and view the Nantahala's breathtaking scenery. The river also boasts an excellent reputation for trout fishing. The Nantahala River powers 5 counties & 50,000 customers in Swain, Macon, Jackson, Graham and Cherokee counties with its hydroelectric power plants. |
With Class 2 & 3 rapids, the Nantahala is a great river to test your kayacking skills.
Nantahala River rafting companies offer guided tours, and rentals & transportation for the more adventurous. 1 person and 2 person inflatable "duckys" give the novice a chance to see if kayacking might be a good sport to pursue.
The Nantahala River also boasts an excellent reputation for trout fishing. |
