Whitewater rafting in NC & TN with USA Raft/Mountain Adventure Guides.

NC & TN whitewater rafting on the French Broad River, Nolichucky River Gorge, Lower Nolichucky River, Nantahala River and Watauga River.

Reservations: 1-866-USA-Raft or Book Online anytime. Contact & Email.

Whitewater rafting in NC & TN with USA Raft is an affordable, fun and exciting way to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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!

With over 25+ years of experience, a rigorous raft 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.

Add a guided caving or rock climbing trip to your whitewater rafting adventure to make your vacation a complete outdoor experience! Try one of our whitewater rafting packages.

We love groups! Group Discounts: Groups of 9+ receive a discount off the regular rafting and caving prices all season long. 1/2 day trips: 9 - 26 people: $4 per person. 27+ people: $8 per person. Full day trips: 9-26 people $5 per person. 27+ people: $10 per person.

Whitewater rafting season is daily March through November.

Watauga River: We will raft the Watauga River through gorgeous farms with scenic mountain views above the historic town of Elizabethton, TN. Raft with kids on the Watauga River. The Watauga River is dam controlled, which means there is consistent, fast moving water with mild, gentle rapids that are perfect for families with younger children. The Watauga River is the closest rafting to Johnson City, TN & Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, NC. Ages 4+. Class 1-2, 3.
Lower Nolichucky River: Avoid the crowds and raft with kids as young as 4+. The Lower Nolichucky River is a magical place and perfect rafting for families with younger children. 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 mountains along the way! Ages 4+. Class 1-2, 3.
Nantahala River: With more than 20 exciting rapids, the Nantahala River is one of the most popular family whitewater rafting rivers in the world! The Nantahala River is dam controlled, with fast moving pristine water. USA Raft offers fully guided, guide assisted and raft/ducky rentals on the Nantahala River. Open field camping and tents on platforms are available at our large, spacious outpost. Ages 7+. 60 pounds+. Class 1-2, 3.
French Broad River: The French Broad River, located near Asheville, NC, is a wonderful introduction to whitewater rafting and is an adventure the whole family will enjoy. The French Broad River is the favorite whitewater rafting trip for vacationers to the Asheville, NC and the Lake Lure, Black Mountain and Burnsville, NC region of Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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 whitewater rafting fun! Ages 8+. Class 2-3, 4.
Nolichucky River Gorge: With 25+ class 2-4 rapids, the Nolichucky River Gorge is the most adventurous whitewater rafting trip in the region. The Nolichucky River Gorge is one of the most beautiful rivers in the country. 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 border of North Carolina and Tennessee through a raucous gorge rimmed with beautiful cliffs and flowery rhododendron. Crockett Cabin, a large rustic cabin, is available for groups and families. The Nolichucky River is just 45 min. from Asheville, NC, 1.5+ hours from Boone, NC and 20 min. from Johnson City, TN. Ages 12+. Class 3-4.
Worley’s Cave: Guided ½ day caving trip near Johnson City, TN and Boone, NC for ages 8+. 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.”
MAG Summer Adventure Camp: 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 for ages 12-17, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Asheville, NC.
Crockett Cabin: A rustic log cabin, located on the banks of the Nolichucky River, near Erwin, TN. The Appalachian Trail and Nolichucky River are adjacent to the USA Raft Nolichucky River outpost. There are thousands of acres of nearby National Forest for hiking and fishing.
Packages: Rafting and caving packages for groups and families.

Excellence is our mission and passion.  We're 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. 

"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. NC Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development.

• a professional guide in every raft
• experience is not required
• all gear is provided
• high performance, self-bailing rafts
• rafting daily March 1st to November 1st

Reservations: 1-866-USA-Raft or 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. 

***Save BIG by making your rafting reservation by March 15th! Simply book a date to "lock-in" our low pre-season rates.

FAQ  Mileage Table  Google Map  Directions  Groups  Crockett Cabin  Camping  Packages  Prices  Fun Rafting Video  Appalachian Trail 

Nantahala River: Bryson City, NC. The Nantahala River is located near Asheville, NC and is the closest whitewater rafting to Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Dillsboro, Brevard, Cashiers, Highlands & Franklin, NC.

With more than 20 exciting rapids, the Nantahala River is one of the most popular rafting trips in the southeast! It is the ideal family rafting trip! The Nantahala River flows through the heart of Nantahala National Forest. The Nantahala River is dam controlled, with fast moving pristine water. There are many class 2 and several class 3 rapids on the Nantahala River, such as Patton's Run and Nantahala Falls. Ages 7+. 60 pounds+. Class 1-2, 3.

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. Trip times: 10, 12 & 2. Cost: $34.95 per person.

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. Trip times: 9 & 1. Cost: $29.95 per person.

Nantahala River Raft & Ducky 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. Trip times: 9:05, 10:05, 12:05, 1:05, 2:05. Cost: Rafts: $22.95 per person. Single or double ducks or ThrillKats: $22.95 per person.

USA Raft 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. 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! 

French Broad River: Marshall, NC. The French Broad River is the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, NC and is near Hot Springs, Mars Hill, Black Mountain, Burnsville, Mt. Mitchell, Lake Lure & Hendersonville, NC.

The French Broad River is the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, NC, just 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, 11:15, 1:15 & 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 Times: 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: 10:00. Cost: $59.95 per person.

Nolichucky River Gorge: Erwin, TN. 45 min. from Asheville, NC & 20 min. from Johnson City, TN. The Nolichucky River is the most adventurous whitewater rafting trip, near Boone, Banner Elk & Blowing Rock, NC.

With over 25 named class 2-4 rapids, through truly pristine wilderness, the Nolichucky River Gorge is the most adventurous whitewater rafting trip near Asheville and Boone, NC and Johnson City, TN. The Nolichucky River Gorge is one of the top rated whitewater 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 border of North Carolina and Tennessee through a raucous gorge rimmed with beautiful cliffs and flowery rhododendron.

Nolichucky River Gorge 9 mile ½ day: Class 3-4. Ages 12+. In summer, you will generally spend about 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. In spring and after heavy rain trip times can be much faster. 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.

Crockett Cabin: Erwin, TN. Rustic Log Cabin Bunkhouse on the Nolichucky River & Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail and Nolichucky River are adjacent to Crockett Cabin and the Nolichucky property. 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. Group discounts: 9-26 people $2 per person discount. 27+ people $4 per person discount.

Lower Nolichucky River: Erwin, TN. 45 min. from Asheville, NC & 20 min. from Johnson City, TN. The Lower Nolichucky River is 1.5 hours from Boone, Banner Elk & Blowing Rock, NC.

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 Lower Nolichucky 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. In spring and after heavy rain trip times can be much faster. Trip Format: Guided rafts and/or duckies. Trip times: 9:30 and 2:00. Cost: $35.95 per person. Group discounts: 9-26 people: $4 per person discount: 27+ people: $8 per person discount.

3-5 mile Lower Nolichucky 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. In spring and after heavy rain trip times can be much faster. Trip Format: Guided rafts and/or duckies. Trip times 10:30. Cost: $45.95 per person. Group discounts: 9-26 people: $4 per person discount: 27+ people: $8 per person discount.

Watauga River: Elizabethton, TN, near Boone, Banner Elk & Blowing Rock, NC and 20 min. to Johnson City, TN.

The Watauga River is an excellent first time family rafting trip. Imagine a relaxed family rafting trip. It has fast moving, pristine water with gentle rapids. 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. The Watauga River is dam controlled, which means there is consistent water flows every day throughout the rafting season M-Sat. May through September. The Watauga River is a class 1-2 rafting trip with the famous class 3 rapid "Anaconda".

Watauga River 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 & 3:30. Cost: $34.95 per person. Group discounts: 9-26 people: $4 per person discount: 27+ people: $8 per person discount.

Worley’s Cave: Bluff City, TN. Located near Boone, Banner Elk & Blowing Rock, NC and Johnson City, TN.

Guided caving trip, near Bluff City, TN. Worley's Cave is un unspoiled, "wild cave" that is known for its voluminous size. A unique "inside" outdoor activity, Worley's Cave can be the perfect adventure for winter, or anytime! Temperatures within a cave remain constant at about 55 degrees. Explore the beauty of natural cave features and formations and learn a bit about the life and geology of an undeveloped limestone cave. 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!

Worley's Cave ½ day: Ages 8+. Trip times: 9:30 and 2:00. Cost: $39.95 per person. Group discounts: 9-26 people: $4 per person discount: 27+ people: $8 per person discount.

MAG Summer Adventure Camp 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! MAG Summer Adventure Camp is an all outdoors, coed summer adventure camp, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Asheville, NC. Campers will make new friends, learn outdoor skills and have fun and adventure. Activities are age appropriate and include comprehensive instruction. No experience is necessary and MAG provides all major gear.

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.

Group Discounts: Groups of 9+ receive a discount off the regular price all season long. 1/2 day trips: 9 - 26 people: $4 per person. 27+ people: $8 per person. Full day trips: 9-26 people $5 per person. 27+ people: $10 per person.

ICE-BREAKER 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.

Raft Guide School: Raft guide school, whitewater raft guide employment, raft guide jobs, whitewater rafting guide training in NC and TN with USA Raft: Guide School is designed for prospective commercial river guides. Learn the basics of raft guiding, including water reading skills, hydrology, raft maneuvers, paddle techniques, river scouting and river rescue techniques. Our comprehensive whitewater rafting guide training schools are taught by our senior trip leaders, many of whom have 15+ years of guiding experience. 

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. NC Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development. 

"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 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.

Watauga River: We will raft through gorgeous farms with scenic mountain views above the historic town of Elizabethton, TN. The Watauga River is dam controlled, which means there is consistent, fast moving water with gentle rapids M-Sat. May through September. The Watauga River is the closest rafting to Johnson City, TN & Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, NC. Ages 4+. Class 1-2, 3.
Lower Nolichucky River: 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 mountains along the way! Ages 4+. Class 1-2, 3.
Nantahala River: 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. Open field camping and tents on platforms are available. Ages 7+. 60 pounds+. Class 1-2, 3.
French Broad River: 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! The French Broad River is the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, NC. Ages 8+. Class 2-3, 4.
Nolichucky River Gorge: With 25+ class 2-4 rapids, the Nolichucky River Gorge is the most adventurous whitewater rafting trip in the region. Crockett Cabin, a large rustic cabin, is available for groups and families. The Nolichucky River is just 45 min. from Asheville, NC, 1.5+ hours from Boone, NC and 20 min. from Johnson City, TN. Ages 12+. Class 3-4.
Worley’s Cave: Guided ½ day caving trip near Johnson City, TN and Boone, NC for ages 8+. 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.”