Watauga River, East Tennessee & Western North Carolina. Pigeon River - Hartford, TN. Stay tuned for more whitewater rafting rivers in (and near) Tennessee including Class III-V rivers! See. Read Also: Road to Nowhere, the dam road that was never completed in Bryson City. Rapids will depend on where your journey begins and ends, but most rafting trips with outfitters from North Carolina and Tennessee will range from Class II-III possibly a Class IV drop if your journey includes Frank Bells Rapid. We especially love the fact that it doesnt feel touristy. Welcome to r/whitewater! Our main campus is located on the shimmering Nantahala River in a spectacular gorge. We were both so very excited. Passengers wind through tunnels, across the historic train trestle over Fontana Lake, through fertile valleys and into a deep river gorge. Balsam Mountain Campground is located in a relatively remote part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It includes a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Gorge where guests can relax by the river or go sightseeing. Arrive at Bryson City Depot. Which is the winner ? Approx. At 54 x 84 its the perfect size for two to keep warm during our cool mornings. 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 . This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Yes, you can take a scenic tour of the Smoky Mountains by train. We have set the bar high for safety, service, and fun, offering exciting trips on both the Lower and Upper portions of the Pigeon River. old and up with a minimum weight of 60 lbs. Our full-day option combines the Middle Ocoee with an extra five miles of intense class III and IV rapids including a run down the 1996 Olympic whitewater slalom course. Contact the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad at (800) 872-4681 if you have special dietary needs. Service was good. From their website: Call 800-872-4681 to speak with a GSMR representative who can assist in arranging and making reservations for your visit. Great way to spend a day, Bryson city is definitely the place to be Ive been twice this year and otw bacc again on the 19th will have more to say soon im sure. 3. No coolers permitted on the river. 1.5-hour drive from Asheville. With so much fun and excitement in a safe environment, it is no wonder why whitewater rafting in Tennessee has been so popular over the years. Looking for the best activity deal? I would have combat rolled there had I not gotten a rubber undercut from a ducky. Enjoyable ride, gorgeous scenery. Ultimate Guide to Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking in Asheville, NC, Asheville Weather and Average Temperatures by Month, Asheville Amadeus Festival: Connect with Ashevilles Most Innovative Creatives, Celebrate All Things Baked at the Asheville Bread Festival, 10 Ideas for a Self-Care Getaway to Asheville, Your Guide to Pet Friendly Cabins in Asheville NC, Blue Heron Whitewater (French Broad River), USA Raft (Nolichucky River, French Broad River), Carolina Outfitters (Nantahala River, Ocoee River), Endless River Adventures (Nantahala River, Ocoee River, Cheoah River), Wildwater Rafting (Chattooga River, Ocoee River, Pigeon River, Nantahala River), Rolling Thunder River Co. (Nantahala River, Ocoee/Toccoa River). Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard the train and at layover destinations. The holiday-themed rides are usually shorter and less scenic. , kayaking, paddling, SUPing, etc. We was there the last week of July 2021. . Rivers End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to come enjoy delicious food and spectacular views of the gorge. Research from the American Outdoors Association also shows that adventure travel, which includes whitewater rafting, is the fastest growing segment of the countrys tourism industry. (1 adult/kid under 12 yrs. First off, the 2pm steam train we were on to the Nantahala Gorge did not leave until approximately 2:40pm. Bryson City, NC besides being the hometown of former NFL quarterback Heath Shuler is most famous for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Guests receive a souvenir tumbler with free refills of soda, coffee and tea and limited bar service. It was a beautiful day and worth every penny! The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. As with the French Broad, the Nantahalacontrolled by dam release in its lower, most popular portionincludes stretches suitable for both beginner and expert river runners. The most authoritative source for restaurants, attractions, & cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. Downriver of Hartford, the Pigeon is a gentler, more kid-friendly ride spicing things up with Class I and II rapids. TLDR: I'm running the Nantahala well, don't feel ready for the Ocoee, is Pigeon a good step in between? Add some adventure to your Smoky Mountain vacation with a whitewater rafting trip. It looks like there are a few steam excursions for this November on the schedule for the Tuckasegee excursion. Here are some of the regions top river outfitters and the streams they serve: Experience the Best in Southern Appalachian Whitewater Rafting With an Asheville Home Base. Running a steep and gorgeous course from Blue Ridge headwaters near Cashiers to Tugaloo Lake, the Chattooga was classified as a federal Wild & Scenic River in 1974, and part of its rapids-strewn course figured prominently in the classic film Deliverance. Lower Pigeon River rafting adventures are designed for thrill seekers as young as 3 years old, and children ages 3-7 can even ride for free, as long as theyre riding with another paid trip. 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. 9. 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. Me and my husband went 1 yr ago on the 23rd of august 2020my husband was born in North Carolina and this is something I had always wanted to do myself and he did toowe had a wonderful time and we looked forward to it all week longNow Im glad we did my husband died in January 2021.I will,always cherish the memorys i haveso was it worth the money?? Experience a ride through the 836 foot long Cowee Tunnel. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. But they offer the perfect opportunity for train-obsessed little ones to get into the spirit of the season and get to ride a real train. It depends. 3 by the American Outdoors Association for the top destinations for whitewater rafting in the United States. Enjoy eight miles of crystal clear water and constant waves that make the Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups. 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. I have a swimming pool in my backyard to practice in. I'm in my second season of Kayaking but this year I'm actually putting the time in to get proficient. We were treated Very rudely by the staff and made to feel unwelcome. 7. Site developed by Agency Tourism Marketing. Copyright 2023 Smoky Mountain Outdoors| All Rights Reserved. Still thinking it over. River Rat Tubing & Whitewater Rafting, Tubing in Townsend, TN & Whitewater Rafting in Hartford, TN, Group Cabana Rates (Tubing Location Only). The Lower Pigeon is perfect for families with young children or those looking for a mild float trip. Once arriving at the depot, please make the ticket office staff aware of your need for assisted boarding. Food was horrible, no scenery other than woods, and a few buildings. The Obed River is located in the Cumberland Plateau just south of Crossville, TN. My son and I did this ride in July. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is a 4.5 hour excursion that travels along the beautiful Nantahala River Gorge. Hotels near Nantahala Gorge Ruby Mine, Bryson City on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews, 6,416 candid photos, and prices for 492 hotels near Nantahala Gorge Ruby Mine in Bryson City, NC. Our only requirements are that guests be 8 years old or 70 pounds to take the Upper River trip, or at least 3 years old for the Lower River trip. hickory powder vs liquid smoke; or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Children under 3 are free. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford! Video. For example, selecting 'Bear Creek' shows bridges across several different Bear Creeks. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. It has always been amazing until this time. Among the main runs are the Chattoogas Section III, a family-friendly reach of mostly Class II and III rapids with a Class IV finish at Bull Sluice, and then the rather epic Section IV below, which includes Seven Foot Falls and the Class IV lineup of the Five Falls. Premium Open Air Gondola with dining features assigned seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and a roof above to protect passengers from the elements. Only Wildwater offers daily trips with discounts on zip & raft or kid zip packages! in Tennessee! Safety Depart Layover. Also, similarly named rivers are . But the bigg class IVs of the upper are more demanding than the middle section. Heres What We Know, A Walk Between Trees in Tennessee at Anakeesta, What You Should Know, Will Ghost Town in the Sky Reopen? 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. Little Tennessee River, East Tennessee & West North Carolina. Read Also: Theres a real-life Polar Express train ride in Bryson City. No matter how you purchase tickets, theyll be waiting at will call. Just let them know your concerns and they will take good care of u. The depot sits in the heart of Bryson City. It was a nice float trip. Beer and wine available. There are numerous options for both food and drink available onboard the train, at and around the depot, and at layovers. Hope that helps! The Nantahala is considered the classic Southeastern run for beginner paddlers its relatively safe, offers opportunities for boat play, and water is dependable, thanks to scheduled water releases from the dam. Where your trip begins!3299 Hartford RoadHartford, TN 37753, TripsPackagesGroup InfoCouponsReviewsDirectionsContact Us, Read Our BlogFAQsCancellation PolicyAffiliationsEmployment. Crown Class features assigned seating in a climate controlled car with large picture windows. While many stretches of the river are used for tubing, swimming, and other, s, there is an opportunity for whitewater rafting and kayaking. While the river itself runs along the road, theres still plenty of beautiful scenery thanks to the surrounding views of the Nantahala Gorge. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad it was a beautiful day and worth every penny ).. Completed in Bryson City, selecting & # x27 ; Bear Creek & # ;. 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