Western North Carolina, home to the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the hilly Piedmont region, offers the state's best whitewater rafting opportunities because of its many mountain rivers. Rafting trips of differing difficulty levels are available for family groups and expert rafters. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the thrill of cascading down a river surrounded by North Carolina's natural beauty.
Rivers
The majority of North Carolina's whitewater rafting rivers are in the state's mountain region, with a few spots in the Piedmont region. For easy rafting, head to the Dan River in the Piedmont region. In the mountain region, most rivers offer a variety of difficulty levels, ranging between easy or moderate to challenging, depending on a variety of factors, such as the season, water levels and the portion of the river. Rivers in the mountain region include: the Nantahala River, the French Broad River, the Chatooga River, the Nolichucky River, the Ocoee River and the Pigeon River.
State and National Parks
State parks in North Carolina's mountain and western Piedmont regions often offer guided rafting opportunities for beginner through expert rafters, or at the very least, offer easy access to nearby rafting rivers. Parks that offer rafting opportunities include: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Hanging Rocks State Park, New River State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, Eno River State Park and Medoc Mountain State Park.
Companies
Rafters will almost always need to be part of a guided rafting excursion to participate in North Carolina rafting trips. The majority of North Carolina's rafting companies are centered in the state's western region, around Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Boon, with a few outliers in the western Piedmont region. Nearly all rafting companies offer trips ranging in difficulty from slow and easy whitewater "drifting," to ultra challenging, level 5 difficulty trips for the most experienced rafters. Families with young children may want to check out the Dan River Co., while those looking for a more challenging experience will want to head to the U.S National Whitewater Center, Wildwater LTD Rafting, Loafer's Glory Rafting and Tubing, Mountain Adventure Guides, Nantahala Outdoor Center and High Mountain Expeditions.
Considerations
North Carolina's whitewater rafting season usually runs between late spring and early fall, but rainfall amounts can push the season back or forward by a couple of weeks. When choosing a whitewater rafting company, make reservations during high season, especially on holiday weekends. Although the majority of companies offer tours for beginners and families with young children, call ahead to ensure trip availability, as this can change depending on weather conditions.
Whitewater rafting trips are given a difficulty level ranging between 1 and 5, with 1 being the easiest. If you have never gone whitewater rafting before, do not attempt a trip rated more difficult than a 3. All reputable companies will go over safety regulations before starting a trip, and will require all those participating in rafting trips rated 3 or higher to wear a protective helmet.
Warning
Keep in mind that whitewater rafting is a considerably dangerous outdoor adventure sport, so take all necessary precautions when participating in a guided tour. Never remove your helmet in trips rated 3 or higher, and never jump off the raft to swim unless your guide has given you the go ahead. Always listen to your guide's instructions. Remember that what makes whitewater rafting such a thrill is the river flowing rapidly on top of underwater rocks, but these same stones can cause serious injury if you jump out or accidentally fall out of the raft. If you accidentally fall out of the raft, don't panic. Listen to your guide's instructions and remain calm until you are pulled to safety.
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