The Nantahala River is the most popular whitewater rafting trip in NC. It's a wonderful introduction to whitewater rafting for the whole family.

With mild rapids, fast moving water and beautiful mountain vistas, The Nantahala River is the perfect family rafting trip! After 8 miles of class 2 adventure, we will end the trip with class 3 Nantahala Falls.

Please call our reservation staff to inquire about rafting trips on the Nantahala 1-866-872-7238

Nantahala River Whitewater Rafting

• Class 1-2, 3.
• Ages 7+ or 60+ pounds.
• Family class whitewater.
• 8 miles.
• No experience is required.
• Ask us about horseback riding with Chunky Gal Stables!

Fully Guided

Guide Assisted  

Guide-assisted means there will be a guide in every other raft. This gives you the option of running your own raft, with the knowledge that there is an experienced guide nearby.

Raft & Ducky Rentals  

Experienced rafters may rent their own rafts or duckies to run their own trip!

Nantahala River Camping

Open Field Camping

Pitch your own tent. Open field camping with hot showers.

Pre-Set Tents on Platforms  If you are looking for comfortable, easy and economical camping, then our tents on platforms with thick foam mattresses are just the thing! 

USA Raft Nantahala River Outpost 

Our Nantahala River Outpost offers a picnic area and pavilion, volleyball court, retail store, hot showers, changing rooms and plenty of room to park. Open field camping is also available.

USA Raft Nantahala River is near the town of Bryson City, NC. We're an easy drive from Maggie Valley, Fontana Village and Cherokee, NC.

Physical Address: 11044 Highway 19 West • Bryson City, NC 28713. We are located in the Nantahala Gorge on US Hwy. 74 & 19 between Bryson City & Murphy, NC.

Email Contact: email us anytime.

With over 30 years of experience, a rigorous raft guide training school and the best guides and gear on the river, USA Raft is the leading whitewater rafting outfitter in the Asheville & Boone, NC and Johnson City, TN region.

• Guides are skilled, friendly & fun!
• High performance self-bailing rafts and equipment.
• Permits & licenses with the US Forest Service.
• Recognized in: Men's Journal, American Scouting Digest & National Geographic Adventure.

"Your guides were outstanding. They were skilled, knowledgeable and fun!" - Wit Tuttell. Public Relations Director. NC Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development.

USA Raft Nantahala River is located outside Bryson City, NC near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Waynesville/Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Western Carolina University, Dillsboro, Cherokee, Franklin, Brevard, Cashiers, Highlands, Hayesville, Andrews and Murphy, NC.