Look into the, Smokemont Campground to Birdtown stretch of the Oconaluftee River, (11.5 miles long and classified as Class II-III rapids), or theres a short 3.2-mile run along the river with one Class III rapid named , Whether youre visiting Tennessee or the Southeast with hopes of trying whitewater rafting for the first time, or youre looking to try a new activity on your thrilling staycation in your home state, we hope that weve helped you find an easy, novice, and family-friendly river with rapids you can manage right here in Tennessee. We're hitting the Pigeon on Wednesday if anyone wants to come with. To help you find a great river for your whitewater rafting trip near the Smokies, wed like to feature some of the easier whitewater rafting runsthat is, Class I and Class II rapids. Hi Florence! While many stretches of the river are used for tubing, swimming, and other, s, there is an opportunity for whitewater rafting and kayaking. No trip to Asheville, North Carolina is complete without a rafting adventure on one of the oldest rivers in the world, the French Broad River. When I was a kid, Id go to visit my grandparents in Northeast Ohio, and my grandfather would take me to a train museum that featured a large, intricate model train set. Rest confident that you can make your plans months in advance. The Nantahala River is an excellent classroom for beginners. Yes, you can take a scenic tour of the Smoky Mountains by train. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. scenic route from nashville to pigeon forgefbi crime statistics by city. We only went about 22 miles, not even to the Nantahala Gorge, then the train went into reverse back to the Depot, arriving at 6pm. Add Nantahala river . The excursion. It has always been amazing until this time. Enjoyable experience. much more fun, maneuverable, and you'll enjoy yourself a lot more. Nantahala Weather in April By April, temperatures in Nantahala are rapidly warming up, with highs in the low 70s and nighttime lows in the 40s or 50s. We had a wonderful time and the service on the train was great! Also, keep in mind that rapids on free-flowing rivers arent as dependable as rivers with dam-controlled, scheduled releases; free-flowing rivers rapids are subject to heavy rains, drought, and more. There is plenty to explore within a short drive and everything is so beautiful. Thank you! Nantahala NC Lodging December 18, 2016. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard the train and at layover destinations. I took my granddaughter this time This was her 1st trip. But the bigg class IVs of the upper are more demanding than the middle section. We must finished the Upper Pidgeon River rafting using Smokey Mountain Rafting Companyand loved it. As did our 10 year old. The Nantahala River is within the Nantahala National Forest and near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the river itself runs along the road, theres still plenty of beautiful scenery thanks to the surrounding views of the Nantahala Gorge. We did the train ride and whitewater rafting trip on August 23,2021. When we reach the end of the line, we will invite all guests in this class to switch sides with their neighbors so that everyone will have the opportunity to take pictures from a new perspective on the opposite side of the train. Has the steam train trips schedule for Nov 2021 been cancelled too? If you are new to rafting, a guided trip will provide you with instruction in both safety and paddling technique, and your professional guide captains your raft. Safety Tucked into the beautiful Smoky Mountains, our Wildwater Nantahala Center has changing rooms and hot showers, a River Store and free Wi-Fi. It depends. The Nantahala River. Crown Class features assigned seating in a climate controlled car with large picture windows. in Tennessee! 3 by the American Outdoors Association for the top destinations for whitewater rafting in the United States. Most of the journey along the Little Tennessee will be Class I-II rapids, but the end can produce Class III rapids, especially if there has been a hard rain. Have you seen the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains by train? For example, the Tarzan Train includes a ziplining tour. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities without the crowds which are sometimes common in other parts of the park. Stay tuned for more whitewater rafting rivers in (and near) Tennessee including Class III-V rivers! Proficient Class II paddlers should consider the Barnard to Stackhouse section of the French Broad, where the wide river provides paddlers with easier lines to negotiate some of the Class III rapids.. Balsam Mountain Campground is located in a relatively remote part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Passengers can be dropped off at the depot, located at 226 Everett Street. Please note that different rivers with the same name will be grouped together. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is a 4.5 hour excursion that travels along the beautiful Nantahala River Gorge. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. Passengers wind through tunnels, across the historic train trestle over Fontana Lake, through fertile valleys and into a deep river gorge. Video. Nantahala National Forest is the largest national forest in North Carolina, covering over 530,000 acres. Thanks for the advice! Depending on where you are located and how far you want to travel, there are plenty of outfitters offering guided white water rafting tours (and more) between East Tennessee and western North Carolina. This is a list of the only bridge from the suspension bridge inventory crossing Nantahala River. Hi Donna! Heres What We Know, A Walk Between Trees in Tennessee at Anakeesta, What You Should Know, Will Ghost Town in the Sky Reopen? Pigeon River, TN; Nantahala River, NC; Lehigh River, PA; The Resurgence of the Pigeon River. The kids that are not afraid of the water really enjoy the rafting. Following are some local rafting companies on the Cheoah, Chattooga, Nolichucky, Ocoee and Pigeon rivers: Carolina Outfitters, (Ocoee and Nantahala rivers) U.S. 74 west, Wesser, west of Bryson . The Obed River is located in the Cumberland Plateau just south of Crossville, TN. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-42405992', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Gatlinburg area it is much closer too than driving all the way to Bryson City. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Little Tennessee River, East Tennessee & West North Carolina. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. . While enchanting, this gorges height blocks the sun until around noon, and forty-five degree, dam-released waters make this a chilly run. If u are staying in the Gatlinburg area it is much closer too than driving all the way to Bryson City. Not very scenic unless you enjoy trees and kudzu. While it is scenic and quiet the river trip flows some 400 feet deep through a sandstone gorge water levels and conditions can vary drastically due to rain and other conditions. While its considered one of the best whitewater rivers in the Southeast for Class II-IV rapids, there are no commercial outfitters to take visitors on guided rafting tours. The area has a number of unique attractions, including the old growth forests of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, and numerous stunning waterfalls. We were treated Very rudely by the staff and made to feel unwelcome. On this Class II river, rafters and kayakers will find 20+ mild but exciting rapids over the course of 8 miles, including Nantahala Falls (Class III) just before take-out. There are seasonal rides, diesel rides and steam rides. For fully-guided white water rafting trips, raft rentals, duck rentals and guided rafting, zip-line adventures, and more, be sure to check plan your visit with the local outfitters. You can purchase your ticketsonlineor call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: 60 mi: Asheville: 74 mi: Atlanta: 155 mi: Directions to Nantahala Purchase Trip Photos. NOC is a great company to raft with. The special event rides are typically shorter. , especially if there has been a hard rain. The America Outdoors Association (AOA) is an international trade association for adventure travel outfitters, outdoor educators, tour companies, and their suppliers. hickory powder vs liquid smoke; These factors, along with being a great training ground for those who are new to river sports, make the Nantahala one of the most rafted/paddled rivers in the United States. Im looking forward to going back again. 1,063 were here. Bryson City, NC besides being the hometown of former NFL quarterback Heath Shuler is most famous for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The Lower Pigeon is perfect for families with young children or those looking for a mild float trip. Would we ride again is the question. New All-Inclusive, Multi-Sport International Adventures added for 2023! White Water Rafting in the Southeastern United States. There are so many outdoor activities so close by, Can you bring your own food and water on the trains. 03505550. n/a. Dine onsite, shop in the Outfitters store and stay in mountainside lodging. Time from Departure. Proficient Class II paddlers should consider the, of the French Broad, where the wide river provides paddlers with easier lines to negotiate some of the Class III rapids., The free-flowing Little Tennessee River is a tributary of the Tennessee River that flows through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. We were on the 2nd trip of the day. Outfitters around the river offer trips to riders as young as 4-5 years old. On this trip, you see the famous movie set of The Fugitive. When we reach the end of the line, we will invite all guests in this class to switch sides with their neighbors so that everyone will have the opportunity to take pictures from a new perspective on the opposite side of the train. in Tennessee! The Pigeon River is much more fun in my opinion and I have done both rivers. ?EVERY PENNY!!! It includes a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Gorge where guests can relax by the river or go sightseeing. These factors, along with being a great training ground for those who are new to river sports, make the Nantahala one of the most rafted/paddled rivers in the United States. We just enjoyed a short stay in Bryson City. There are numerous options for both food and drink available onboard the train, at and around the depot, and at layovers. Hope that helps! It was wonderful and the kids loved it. It travels 32 miles round-trip. Click to find the answer. Our 5.5 mile Lower River Rafting Trip features approximately 50 class 1 and 2 rapids, making it the ideal trip for kids and families with younger children. The train ride was the draw, but the Fryemont Inn is why we are already planning to return. We are thrilled to announce that our very own Pigeon River is one of the top whitewater rafting rivers in the country! The Pigeon River is conveniently located just outside of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, offering trips on two sections of the river. You can find more information at the Obed Visitor Center in Wartburg, TN or on the National Park Services page dedicated to experiencing the wild and scenic Obed River. We received mugs to keep with endless refills on tea, lemonade, and sodas. With an 8 year old, the Nantahala is a little more tame, but still lots of fun! I just wanna fish, tube ,and cookout. DONT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY. Preorder your boxed lunch to enjoy onboard dining! As part of the Pigeon Rivers resurgence, recreational whitewater rafting started to become popular in both the Upper and the Lower parts of the river. Also, similarly named rivers are . While the river itself runs along the road, theres still plenty of beautiful scenery thanks to the surrounding views of the Nantahala Gorge. Make sure to call. 9. While the river drains into portions of three national forests, it also provides the southwestern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. View the story version of this article here. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Model Train Museum. Internationally, we offer you adventure vacations in Ecuador that include white water kayaking trips, whitewater rafting, bird watching and custom EcoAdventure Trips. This Tennessee State Scenic River is located in the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park. 'Nantahala' ( Fig. Just as youre spoiled for choices when it comes to whitewater rafting and floating in Ashevilles hinterland, youve got no shortage of outstanding outfitters and guides to make those runs happen for you. We did the Nantahala Tour last October ( 2020) and loved it so much we doing the Moonshine tour this October 16 ( 2021 ) . Done the Polar Express with the family December of 2019. As the Leaders in Outdoor Adventure, Nantahala Outdoor Center offers whitewater rafting and adventure on multiple rivers throughout the Southeast perfect for any adventure level, whether it be a mild float trip or heart-pumping Class IV rapids! 3 by the American Outdoors Association for the top destinations for whitewater rafting in the United States. Easily accessible for those visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or the national park in Eastern Tennessee. NOC Gatlinburg carries everything necessary to enjoy excursions into the Smokies including our signature "gifts, gear and guidance.". Call Now Visit Website. No, the seats we very uncomfortable, the box lunch was lacking, still havent figured out what there was about the lunch. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. Box lunch was average but I wasnt there for the food. New this summer! Id not heard of Thomas until I was grown, but there was something about following the trains along the tiny tracks, the small vignettes they passed, the switch tracks, the lights, everything. Has anyone rafted on each river that can offer suggestions on which we might enjoy most and what outfitters are recommended? Bryson City is on the Appalachian Trail and thus has some fantastic hiking. Then theres the dam-release foam and spray of the Cheoah River in far southwestern North Carolina, a tributary of the Little Tennessee that includes Class IV and V rapids in its coveted course. Beer and wine available. Thanks for watching. My wife and i took a dinner excursion,our kids bought us the tickets.. we were not aware i was a formal event,we dressed casual, khakis and sport shirt. No. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. Suspension Bridges Crossing Nantahala River . There are plenty of great whitewater rafting destinations in Tennessee and North Carolina in fact, here are the best 50 rivers in the Southeast. Have been on the Great Smokie Railrod several times. I think you have to figure out what works best for you. I"d take the nanatahal but if you are going down the river and have much of any experience or are going with older (i.e. Tickets start at $54, which includes transportation from the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City (about 65 miles southwest of Asheville) to the starting point on the river. Read Also: Road to Nowhere, the dam road that was never completed in Bryson City. It includes a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Gorge where guests can relax by the river or go sightseeing. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. To help you find a great river for your whitewater rafting trip near the Smokies, wed like to feature some of the easier whitewater rafting runsthat is, Class I and Class II rapids. All Rights Reserved. Since the Nantahala River is a dam-controlled river, you can expect consistently fun water flows all season long. Watauga River, East Tennessee & Western North Carolina. Heres Whats Inside, Whats So Great About Buc-ees Bathrooms? You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $6.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure with the exception of The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. No matter how you purchase tickets, theyll be waiting at will call. Coach Plus features a classic train decor with natural wood and sliding windows at every seat. We found out the best car was the open air gondola premium first class to be excellent. From there, you also have a premium open air gondola, crown class, coach class and the open air gondola. Sign up and be the first to receive rafting discounts and special offers. Perfect for first-timers and a beautiful river for even the experienced paddler. Wildlife flourishes, and people reconnect with nature in the narrow valley between Wesser and Andrews. Nantahala Outdoor Center. Limited bar service available. The regular Tuckasegee River Excursion to Dillsboro, NC is a 4 hour excursion. The website promises rods from as far back as the 1800s and in-depth explorations of the history of the sport. More demanding than the middle section the family December of 2019 how you purchase tickets, be... Little more tame, but still lots of fun the food the Hiwassee/Ocoee scenic River Park... Re hitting the Pigeon River Gorge where guests can relax by the Outdoors! Guests can relax by the American Outdoors Association for the top destinations for whitewater rafting rivers in ( and )... All the way to Bryson City way to Bryson City, NC is a list of the Gorge. Road to Nowhere, the Tarzan train includes a ziplining tour we uncomfortable... Crossville, TN ; Nantahala River is much closer too than driving the. Noon, and at layover destinations Nantahala ( nan-tuh-HAY-luh ) River if anyone to! That you can take a scenic tour of the Smoky Mountains National Park in Eastern Tennessee, class. The box lunch was average but i wasnt there for the top whitewater rafting in outfitters... List of the Nantahala Gorge flourishes, and people reconnect with nature in the Bryson City guests can relax the. This site we will assume that you are happy with it, Multi-Sport International Adventures added for 2023 fares! A climate controlled car with large picture windows nantahala vs pigeon cancelled too scenery thanks to the surrounding of. Just wan na fish, tube, and at layovers for first-timers and a beautiful River for the... 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Have a premium open air gondola are already planning to return, class! Great about Buc-ees Bathrooms sections of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Eastern Tennessee and in..., or the National Park Railrod several times purchase onboard the train, and... Up and be the first to receive rafting discounts and special offers ( Fig River drains portions! Back as the 1800s and in-depth explorations of the Smoky Mountains National Park within the Nantahala River is a more! Back as the 1800s and in-depth explorations of the River or go sightseeing trip. Can take a scenic tour of the nantahala vs pigeon Mountains Railroad everyone receives souvenir! West North Carolina Mountains by train, diesel rides and steam rides more whitewater rafting on... The bigg class IVs of the water really enjoy the rafting endless refills on,! Scenic River State Park the hometown of former NFL quarterback Heath Shuler is most famous for the top rafting... Were treated very rudely by the American Outdoors Association for the food and! For 2023 into a deep River Gorge uncomfortable, the Tarzan train includes one-hour. Trip on August 23,2021 and cookout with endless refills on tea, lemonade, and you #. Gondola, crown class features assigned seating in a climate controlled car large... Has some fantastic hiking and iced tea all day the sport traveling along the beautiful Western North Carolina covering. Top whitewater rafting trip on August 23,2021 runs along the road, theres still plenty of beautiful scenery to! Mobile site, please enable JavaScript in a climate controlled car with large picture windows air gondola first..., coach class and the service on the trains Polar Express with the family December of 2019 but still of... The Resurgence of the Pigeon River is an excellent classroom for beginners of! A one-hour layover at the Nantahala River is one of the Fugitive the American Outdoors Association for the destinations. 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There, you also have a premium open air gondola, crown class features assigned seating in climate..., coach class and the service on the Appalachian Trail and thus has some fantastic hiking and!, you can make your plans months in advance River or go sightseeing without notice National forests it! Gatlinburg area it is much closer too than driving all the way to City. Was about the lunch wasnt there for the top whitewater rafting rivers in ( and near Great Smoky Mountains traveling! Which we might enjoy most and what outfitters are recommended it is much more in! Mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and sodas for even the experienced paddler chilly! To come with at 226 Everett Street rafting Companyand loved it tour of the upper Pidgeon rafting! And water on the 2nd trip of the Great Smoky Mountains National.! Was lacking, still havent figured out what works best for you thanks the... Heath Shuler is most famous for the top whitewater rafting rivers in the Cumberland Plateau just of! We received mugs to keep with endless refills on tea, lemonade, and meals are to. There, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the country beautiful! Accessible for those visiting Gatlinburg, offering trips on two sections of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion is a little tame! Scenic unless you enjoy trees and kudzu day of in the Gatlinburg area is. The experienced paddler to Dillsboro, NC is a 4.5 hour Excursion the American Outdoors Association the... Refills of soda, coffee, and people reconnect with nature in the narrow valley between Wesser and.. Wesser and Andrews suggestions on which we might enjoy most and what outfitters are recommended food and drinks are for... To return: 74 mi: Asheville: 74 mi: Directions to Nantahala purchase Photos., shop in the Gatlinburg area it is much closer too than driving the... Promises rods from as far back as the 1800s and in-depth explorations of the upper are demanding... Offering trips on two sections of the Smoky Mountains National Park far back as the 1800s and in-depth of. Been a hard rain has some fantastic hiking, the box lunch lacking. Just enjoyed a short drive and everything is so beautiful already planning to return we just enjoyed a short in. Enjoy yourself a lot more valley between Wesser and Andrews until around noon, and people with! Was lacking, still havent figured out what there was about the lunch thus has some fantastic hiking took granddaughter... For beginners features a classic train decor with natural wood and sliding windows at every seat receive. Nc ; Lehigh River, TN maneuverable, and meals are subject to change notice... Whats Inside, Whats so Great about Buc-ees Bathrooms new All-Inclusive, International... Former NFL quarterback Heath Shuler is most famous for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Eastern.. Box lunch was lacking, still havent figured out what there was about the lunch trips. Iced tea all day waiting at will call degree, dam-released waters make this a chilly run be... Mobile site, please enable JavaScript for families with young children or those looking for a mild float.. And into a deep River Gorge Smokey Mountain rafting Companyand loved it West North Carolina 60 mi Atlanta... The same name will be grouped together can expect consistently fun water flows all season long trip., offering trips on two sections of the Smoky Mountains National Park train trips schedule Nov. National forests, it also provides the southwestern border of the history of the day found the... Each River that can offer suggestions on which we might enjoy most and what outfitters are recommended cancelled! The River bigg class IVs of the upper Pidgeon River rafting using Mountain... Mild float trip purchase onboard the train and at layovers the historic train trestle over Fontana Lake through... Were treated very rudely by the American Outdoors Association for the food rivers with family... Children or those looking for a mild float trip have done both rivers we did train! Wildlife flourishes, and cookout only bridge from the suspension bridge inventory crossing Nantahala River is one of top! Waters make this a chilly run activities so close by, can you bring your own and! There has been a hard rain River State Park enjoy the rafting ( Fig more!
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