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Nantahala River White Water Rafting Information

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 hydro electrical 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.

Biltmore Estate
George Vanderbilt created Biltmore Estate in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains more than a century ago as a retreat for family and friends; a place to rediscover gracious hospitality and revel in nature’s beauty. His vision holds true today. Explore Biltmore House, a magnificent 250-room château filled with priceless art and antiques. Stroll through century-old gardens designed by America’s first landscape architect. Savor award-winning wines and taste our chefs’ creations using estate-raised foods. Enjoy our 8,000 acres of forests, farmlands, and rivers on mountain bikes, horseback, and rafts. 1-800-543-2961

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Ridge upon ridge of endless forest straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern United States. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, and the depth and integrity of its wilderness sanctuary. Once a part of the Cherokee homeland, the Smokies today are a hiker's paradise with over 800 miles of trails.

Cades Cove
Cades Cove, a 6,800-acre valley near Townsend, Tennessee provides a representative sample of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's natural and cultural history as well as its recreational opportunities. There are many things to see and do here.

Oconaluftee Indian Village
Presented by the non-profit Cherokee Historical Association, the Oconaluftee Indian Village is a glimpse of the past. Here you will see the model of a Cherokee village from over 225 years ago! Cherokee guides in native costume will explain their history, the culture and life-style of their ancestors, and answer your questions. All this while pausing to watch Cherokee demonstrate their arts and crafts. This 18th century replica of a Cherokee community contains a replica of a 7-sided Council House and typical homes as they
were 250 years ago.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino
Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel brings you all your favorite games in video format, like Double Diamonds, Red, White & Blue and Sizzling Sevens, all with the added skill feature of a second spin to win. Plus,
video poker, video craps and Live Digital Blackjack.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel promotes responsible gaming, if you are 21 or older we invite you to visit us and experience the excitement. And don't miss the world famous performers at our 1,500-seat Cherokee Pavilion theater, plus five great restaurants.

Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway

The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, with 318 curves in 11 miles, is America ’s number one motorcycle and sports car road. The nearby Cherohala Skyway is quickly becoming number two with its remote 60 miles of scenic mountain highway. The area also has other roads less traveled, but just as exciting. Come and discover them all.

Which is it? Smoky or Smokey?

We spell it both ways on this web site. So, if you're searching for honeymoon, anniversary or family vacation rental accommodations and log homes, cabins and cottages for rent in the "Smokey" mountains, you'll be sure to find us. Both are common spellings. But if you want to be correct about it, spell it the way the National Park Service does — the Great Smoky Mountains.

Smokey the Bear, on the other hand, spells his name the other way.
And if you're wondering about "Smokeys", "Smokys" or "Smokies," they're all correct.

If you searched for Ashville NC, you're not alone. Asheville North Carolina may be the only city name that is not spelled "Ashville".