NC and TN whitewater rafting with Mountain Adventure Guides, dba USA Raft.

USA Raft offers whitewater rafting in NC & TN on the French Broad River, Nolichucky River Gorge, Lower Nolichucky River, Nantahala River and Watauga River, near Asheville and Boone, NC, and Johnson City, TN.

Whitewater rafting in NC and TN with USA Raft is an affordable, fun and exciting way to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. USA Raft is the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville and Boone, NC and Johnson City, TN.

USA Raft provides everything you will need for your rafting trip. Just bring a change of clothes and be ready to have fun and get wet! Add a guided caving or rock climbing trip to your whitewater rafting adventure to make your vacation a complete outdoor experience! Or try one of our whitewater rafting packages. We love groups!

NC & TN whitewater rafting season with USA Raft is daily March 1st to November 1st. Guided caving is a year around activity.

Reservations: 1-866-USA-Raft or Book Online - anytime 24/7

NC & TN Summer Camps with MAG Summer Adventure Camps for teens. Explore a cave, climb a mountain, raft a wild river, cook a delicious dinner over a camp-fire and then sleep under the stars! Campers will make new friends, learn outdoor skills and have fun and adventure. Camp groups are deliberately small, with up to 12 campers and 3 instructor guides. Activities are age appropriate and include comprehensive instruction. 

***Our best pre-season rates are available now! Book your rafting trip soon to "lock-in" great savings all season long, before regular season rates take effect! 1-866-USA-Raft or book online.

Watauga River: closest rafting to Johnson City, TN & Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, NC. Ages 4+. Class 1-2, 3.
Lower Nolichucky River: family rafting through scenic mountains near Asheville, NC & Johnson City, TN! Ages 4+. Class 1-2, 3.
Nantahala River: the most popular family whitewater rafting trip in NC! Ages 7+. 60 pounds+. Class 1-2, 3.
French Broad River: closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, NC. Ages 8+. Class 2-3, 4.
Nolichucky River Gorge: the most adventurous whitewater rafting trip in NC or TN. Ages 12+. Class 3-4.
Worley’s Cave: guided ½ day caving trip near Johnson City, TN and Boone, NC for ages 8+. 

Excellence is our mission and passion. USA Raft is committed to providing you with the highest quality guides and equipment. We're recognized in: Men's Journal, American Scouting Digest, National Geographic Adventure, Pilots Away, Diversion Magazine for Physicians at Leisure and Hooked on the Outdoors. We hold professional outfitter and guide licenses with the United States Forest Service. With over 25+ years of experience, a rigorous guide training program and some of the best guides and gear in the business, USA Raft is well qualified to guide your family or group on an amazing rafting adventure.

• a professional guide in every raft
• experience is not required
• all gear is provided
• high performance, self-bailing rafts
• rafting daily March 1 to November 1st
• reservations 1-866-USA-Raft
• book online 24/7

Asheville, NC whitewater rafting on the French Broad, Nolichucky & Nantahala Rivers.
Boone, Banner Elk & Blowing Rock, NC whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky and Watauga Rivers.
Johnson City, Elizabethton, kingsport, Bristol, Roan Mountain & Jonesborough, TN whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky & Watauga Rivers.
Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Bryson City, Brevard, Cashiers & Highlands, NC whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River.

What our Customers Say

"Thank you so much for hosting the NC Division of Tourism’s United Kingdom Press and Tour Operator Group. Rafting was the HIGHLIGHT of the trip. Your guides were outstanding. They were skilled, knowledgeable and fun!" - Wit Tuttell. Public Relations Director. North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development. 

"Great guides, good food, lots of fun."

"Had a blast. It's a great day of fun and a great way to spend time with one another."

"We all had so much fun! .....whitewater rafting was a blast, and your guides were some of the friendliest people I have ever met."

"We have done business with USA Raft for over a decade. My campers' parents expect the highest quality programming and I know I can trust USA Raft to provide that. They are consistently professional, considerate, accommodating and always put safety first. And my kids have a great time on the river!"

"As a rafting coordinator for our camp, my expectations have always been exceeded by USA Raft's topnotch equipment and their friendly, qualified staff. The campers just have a blast!" 

Reservations

1-866-USA-Raft or 1-423-743-7111

Book Online - anytime 24/7 

Online booking is easy, safe and secure. It's also available when you are. After you book online, you will immediately receive an email confirmation with directions and what to wear. You may also print a receipt.

Jan. 2010 Newsletter  ***For the latest rafting packages, specials and discounts, sign up to receive our newsletter.

FAQ  Whitewater Rafting  Caving  Mileage Table  Map  Directions  What to Wear  Groups  Cabin  Camping  Packages  Prices  Fun Rafting Video

Whitewater rafting in NC and TN with USA Raft on the French Broad, Nolichucky, Nantahala and Watauga Rivers.

French Broad River: Marshall, NC. The French Broad River is the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, NC (just 30 min.) The French Broad River flows through the heart of Pisgah National Forest. It offers wide, open channels, beautiful mountain vistas and fun, splashy rapids: perfect family rafting fun! Class 2-3, 4. Ages 8+.

Nolichucky River Gorge: Erwin, TN. With 25+ class 2-4 rapids the Nolichucky River Gorge is the most adventurous whitewater rafting trip in the region. The Nolichucky River is just 45 min. from Asheville, NC, 1.5+ hours from Boone, NC and 20 min. from Johnson City, TN. Class 3-4. Experience is not required. Ages 12+.

Lower Nolichucky River: Erwin, TN. Raft with kids as young as 4+. The Lower Nolichucky River is a magical place. Beauty and history abound in this area - it's Daniel Boone and Davey Crockett country! Imagine a relaxed family outing with time to swim and see Blue Herons and spectacular rock formations along the way! The Lower Nolichucky River is just 45 min. from Asheville, NC and 20 min from Johnson City, TN. Class 1-2. Ages 4+.

Nantahala River: Bryson City, NC. The Nantahala River is an 8 mile half-day trip through the heart of the Nantahala National Forest. With more than 20 exciting rapids, the Nantahala River is one of the most popular rafting trips in the southeast! The Nantahala River is dam controlled, with fast moving pristine water and class 2-3 rapids. USA Raft Nantahala River offers fully guided trips in the morning and afternoon, and raft rental trips. The Nantahala River is just 1.5 hours from Asheville, NC, 30 min. from Cherokee and Dillsboro, NC and 45 min. from Maggie Valley, NC. Class 1-3 Ages 7+, 60+ pounds.

Watauga River: Elizabethton, TN. The Watauga River is the closest rafting to Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, NC. Your Watauga River rafting trip begins below Wilbur Dam and you will raft through scenic farms with mountain views above the historic town of Elizabethton, TN. The Watauga River is dam controlled, which means there is consistent water flows every day with fast moving water with gentle rapids. 1 hour from Boone, NC and 20 min. from Johnson City, TN. Class 1-2. Ages 4+.

Worley's Cave: Bluff City, TN. We will travel through a "wild cave." Guided caving can be the perfect adventure for winter, or anytime! Temperatures within Worley's cave remain constant at about 55 degrees. Explore the beauty of natural cave features and formations, while learning about the life and geology of an undeveloped limestone cave. The only lights are your head-lamps! There will be huge passages that are hundreds of millions of years old. Visit vast rooms, such as “Fairies Ballroom,” “Tombstone,” and “Giant’s Causeway.” Kids love Worley's Cave! We hear over and over again how caving was the highlight of their trip! Ages 8+.

Crockett Cabin: Erwin, TN on the banks of the Nolichucky River: The Appalachian Trail and Nolichucky River are adjacent to the Nolichucky property and there are thousands of acres of nearby National Forest for hiking and fishing. Just bring a sleeping bag and your friends & Family. Cost: is just $15 per person + tax per night.

2010 MAG Summer Adventure Camp 2010  Explore a cave, climb a mountain, raft a wild river, cook a delicious dinner over a camp-fire and then sleep under the stars! MAG Summer Adventure Camp is an all outdoors, coed summer adventure camp, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Asheville, NC. We have 6 and 12 day camps for ages 12-16. We're a great choice for active, healthy kids! Campers will make new friends, learn outdoor skills and have fun and adventure. Camp groups are deliberately small, with up to 12 campers and 3 instructor guides. Activities are age appropriate and include comprehensive instruction. No experience is necessary and MAG provides all major gear. Just bring a good attitude and willingness to spend time having fun outdoors trying new things! 

Packages: we offer half, full-day and multi-day whitewater rafting and caving package adventures for groups. No experience is required and MAG provides all technical gear. Lodging is available in Crockett Cabin (just bring your sleeping bag) along with any meals you require.

ICEBREAKER WEEKEND! Our annual ICEBREAKER weekend will be March 19-21. Package Includes: Full-day Nolichucky Gorge River trip, half-day trip on the French Broad River, wetsuits and all rafting equipment, two nights lodging at our Crockett Cabin (bring your sleeping bag), two continental breakfasts, two lunches and a BBQ dinner Saturday night at our Nolichucky Outpost. All this for only $125 Per Person + tax!

Package Special #1: Full day Nolichucky River Gorge with lunch on the river & 1/2 day Worley's Cave and 1 night lodging in Crockett Cabin, Ages 12+. $99.95 per person + tax. No other discounts apply. 4+ people to book. Limited availability. Reservations are required. 1-866-USA-Raft.

Package Special #2: 1/2 day Lower Nolichucky River & 1/2 day Worley's Cave with 1 night lodging in Crockett Cabin. Ages 8+. $79.95 per person + tax. No other discounts apply. 4+ people to book. Limited availability. Reservations are required. 1-866-USA-Raft.

USA Raft Reservations

1-866-USA-Raft or 1-423-743-7111

Book Online - Anytime

French Broad River near Asheville, NC.

Marshall, NC. The French Broad River is the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, NC - 30+ minuets. The French Broad River flows through the heart of Pisgah National Forest. It offers wide, open channels, beautiful mountain vistas and fun, splashy rapids: perfect family rafting fun! There are many class 2-3 rapids on the 5 mile 1/2 day section of the French Broad River, such as Pinball, the slide, S-Turn, Stack House, Sandy Bottom and Ledges! The 8 mile full day trip includes the 5 mile 1/2 day section of the river and a riverside lunch, followed by another 3 miles with class 4 Frank Bell's Rapid and class 4 Needle Falls.

French Broad River 5 mile ½ day: Class 2-3. Ages 8+. At average summer water levels, expect to spend about 4 hours with us, including outfitting, safety talk, shuttles and river trip. Please note: higher water trips in spring or after rain can be much faster. Trip Format: Guided rafts. Trip Times: 9:15, 11:30 & 3:00. Cost: $39.95 per person.

French Broad River 5 mile ½ day with lunch: Class 2-3. Ages 8+. At average summer water levels, expect to spend about 5 hours with us, including outfitting, safety talk, shuttles and river trip. Please note: higher water trips in spring or after rain can be much faster. Trip Format: Guided rafts and/or duckies. Trip Time: 10:30. Cost: $49.95 per person.

French Broad River 8+ mile full day with lunch: Class 2-3 & 4. Ages 8+. At average summer water levels, expect to spend up to 6 hours with us, including outfitting, safety talk, shuttles and river trip: higher water trips in spring or after rain can be much faster. Trip Format: Guided rafts and/or duckies. Trip time: 10:30. Cost: $59.95 per person.

Nantahala River, near Bryson City and Asheville, NC.

3 different options for rafting on the Nantahala River. Class 2-3. Ages 7+ and 60 pounds. Expect to spend about 4 hours with us, including outfitting, safety talk, shuttles and river trip.

Nantahala River Fully Guided Trip  A professional guide in every raft, guaranteed. Expect to spend up to 4 hours with us, including outfitting, safety talk, shuttles and river trip. 8 miles. Ages 7+ or 60 pounds. No experience is required. Cost: $34.95 per person. Group discounts: 9-26 people: $4 per person discount: 27+ people: $8 per person discount.

Nantahala River Guide Assisted  Guide-assisted means you follow the guide down the river in your own raft. This gives you the experience of "guiding" your own raft, with the knowledge that there is an experienced guide nearby. Expect to spend up to 4 hours with us, including outfitting, safety talk, shuttles and river trip. 8 miles. Ages 7+ or 60 pounds. No experience is required. . Cost: $29.95 per person. Group discounts: 9-26 people: $4 per person discount: 27+ people: $8 per person discount.

Nantahala River Rentals  If you have previous rafting experience, you may rent rafts and ThrillKats (inflatable kayaks or duckies) to run your own trip! Expect to spend up to 5 hours with us, including outfitting, safety talk, shuttles and river trip. 8 miles. Ages 7+ or 60 pounds. Ages 12+ recommended for individual duckies. No experience is required. Cost: Rafts: $22.95 per person. Single or double ducks or ThrillKats: $22.95 per person. Group discounts: 9-26 people: $4 per person discount: 27+ people: $8 per person discount.

Nantahala River Camping  Pitch your own tent. Open field camping is available for $8.95 per person per night.

Nantahala River Tents on Platforms  Camping in our tents on platforms is available for 13.95 per person per night. There are thick foam mattress pads. Just bring a sleeping bag!

Nantahala River USA Raft Nantahala River Outpost  Our Nantahala River Outpost offers a picnic areas and pavilion, volleyball court, retail store, hot showers, changing rooms and plenty of room to park. If you are looking for comfortable, easy and economical camping, then our tents on platforms are just the thing! Open field camping is also available.

USA Raft Nantahala River 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. Scroll down for comprehensive directions.

Nolichucky River Gorge near Asheville & Boone, NC & Johnson City, TN.

Erwin, TN. With over 25 named class 2-4 rapids, through truly pristine wilderness, the Nolichucky River Gorge is one of the top rafting adventures in the entire east! The headwaters and tributaries of the amazing Nolichucky River begin on the slopes of Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain on the entire east coast. From there the Nolichucky rushes along the boarder of North Carolina and Tennessee through a raucous gorge rimmed with beautiful cliffs and flowery rhododendron. The Nolichucky River Gorge can be big and bad in spring and/or after heavy rain. Typical summer trips are lower volume water, technical class 3-4 whitewater. Experience is not required, but the Nolichucky Gorge is recommended for healthy, active people ages 12+. Our Nolichucky River Outpost is located on the river where we end our trip just feet from your car, our outfitter's store, hot showers and cold drinks. Your car will be at our river-side outpost waiting for you where we end our rafting trip, so unlike other outfitters there is no need for an after-trip shuttle with USA Raft.

Nolichucky River Gorge 9 mile ½ day: Class 3-4. Ages 12+. In summer, you will generally spend 5 hours with us, including rafting trip, shuttle to put-in, gearing up, and pre-trip speech. In spring and after heavy rain trip times can be much faster. Trip Format: Guaranteed guided raft. Trip times: 8 or 1:30. Cost: $54.95 per person.

Nolichucky River Gorge 9 mile full day: Class 3-4. Ages 12+. In summer, you will generally spend up to 7+ hours with us on the full day lunch trip (including rafting trip, shuttle to put-in, gearing up, and pre trip speech). Trip Format. Guided rafts and/or all duckies depending on water levels the day of your trip. Trip times: 9 or 10. Cost: $69.95 per person.

Lower Nolichucky River near Asheville & Boone, NC & Johnson City, TN.

Erwin, TN. The Lower Nolichucky River is a magical place. Beauty and history abound in this area - it's Daniel Boone and Davey Crockett country! Imagine a relaxed family outing with time to swim, a chance to see Blue Herons and spectacular rock formations along the way!

3-5 mile ½ day: Class 2. Ages 4+. In summer, you will generally spend up to 3+ hours with us, including rafting trip, shuttle, gearing up and pre trip speech. Trip Format: Guided rafts and/or duckies. Trip times: 9:30 and 2:00. Cost: $35.95 per person.

3-5 mile ½ day with lunch: Class 2. Ages 4+. In summer, you will generally spend up to 4+ hours with us, including rafting trip, shuttle to put-in, gearing up, and pre-trip speech. Trip Format: Guided rafts and/or duckies. Trip times 10:30. Cost: $45.95 per person.

Watauga River near Boone, NC and Johnson City, TN.

Elizabethton, TN. The Watauga River is an excellent first time family rafting trip. Imagine a relaxed family rafting trip with time to swim and play along the way! The Watauga River is a class 1-2 rafting trip with one class 3 rapid called "Anaconda". It has fast moving, pristine water with gentle rapids. Your rafting trip begins below Wilbur Dam and you will raft through scenic farms with mountain views above the historic town of Elizabethton. The Watauga River is dam controlled, which means there is consistent water flows every day throughout the rafting season. 

4.5 mile ½ day: Class 2. Ages 4+. You will generally spend up to 3 hours with us, including rafting trip, shuttles, gearing up, and pre-trip speech. Trip Format: Guided rafts. A limited number of single and double ducks may be available on the day of your trip.Trip times: 2:00. Cost: $34.95 per person.

Worley’s Cave near Boone, NC & Johnson City, TN.

Bluff City, TN. We will travel through passages that are hundreds of millions of years old and visit vast rooms, such as “Fairies Ballroom,” “Tombstone,” and “Giant’s Causeway.” Kids love Worley's Cave! ½ day caving. Ages 8+. Trip times: 9:30 and 2:00. Cost: $39.95 per person.

Crockett Cabin Bunkhouse: on the Nolichucky River in Erwin TN.

Erwin, TN. Rustic cabin bunkhouse on the Nolichucky River. Just bring a sleeping bag and your friends & Family. Cost: $15 per person + tax.