LOCATION: The French Broad, Nolichucky and Watauga rivers are within an easy driving distance of popular Western North Carolina and East Tennessee tourist destinations, such as Asheville, Black Mountain, Lake Lure, Burnsville, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock in North Carolina and Johnson City, Lake Watauga and Roan Mountain in TN.

If you would like to combine some sightseeing with rafting, our express and half-day trips work well into a busy schedule.

Area Map and Google Directions.

USA Raft on the French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers:

Directions to French Broad River 

The French Broad River is the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, NC. Our outpost is about 30 min from Asheville, NC, 50 min. from Black Mountain, NC and 1.25 hours to Lake Lure, NC.

Driving time to the French Broad River: Raleigh, NC: 275 miles/5 hours. Charlotte NC, 3 hours, Columbia, SC 175 miles/3.25 hours.

Directions to Nolichucky River

The Nolichucky River is about 50 miles from Asheville, NC (50 min.) and 1.5 hours from the Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk area of the high country in NC.

Driving time to the Nolichucky River: Raleigh, NC: 250 miles/5 hours. Charlotte, NC 3.5 hours. Columbia, SC 200 miles, 4 hours.

Directions to the Watauga River

The USA Raft Watauga River meeting spot is located off of Industrial Drive, directly behind the "Road Runner" BP Service Station accross from the Elizabethton Airport. From 321 in Elizabethton, take the "Stony Creek" exit to 91 North. Go 1.5 miles on 91 North and after passing Northeast State College on right turn right onto Industrial Drive before passing the BP station. The outpost is on the left behind BP. It is approximately a 1 hour drive from Boone, NC and 15 minute drive from Elizabethton, TN, and up to 1.5 hours from Asheville, NC.