Watauga River whitewater rafting: 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, followed by the famous class 3 Anaconda! 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.

• Trip format: All guided rafts, 4 1/2 miles for ages 4+. No experience required. Family class trip (class 1-2, 3).
• Duration of trip: Expect to spend about 4 hours with us, including river trip, shuttles, outfitting and everything associated with your trip.
• Trip Cost: $39.95 per person + 9.75% TN tax. Group discounts: 9-26 people: $4 per person discount: 27+ people: $8 per person discount.
• Trip times: Mon.-Sat at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm.
• Dates: May 23, May 25-30, M-Sat. June, July, August, Sept 1-5, All Saturdays in September and October.
• Location: The Watauga River is located outside Elizabethton, TN. It is the closest rafting trip for vacationers to Roan Mountain, TN and is just 45 min. to Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock in the High Country region of NC, and just 15 minuets from Johnson City, TN.
• Book trip online or you can also view complete trip descriptions and details, current available trip times and costs for specific trips and dates.

We put a professional guide in every raft. Experience is not required. All gear is provided.

We provide everything you will need for your Watauga River rafting adventure. Just be ready to get wet and have fun on and off of the river! No experience is required and there is a professional guide in every raft to make your Watauga River whitewater rafting adventure safe and enjoyable. 

Mountain Adventure Guides dba 1-866-USA-Raft  We're recognized as a leading outfitter in the region. Being the best is our mission and passion. Our experienced and enthusiastic management, guides and staff will make you feel comfortable and safe from the moment you arrive. We have worked continuously each season to raise the bar on our high quality of standards and this next season will be no exception. We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality adventure programming, guides and equipment. We hold professional outfitter and guide licenses with the United States Forest Service, Pisgah National Forest: Pisgah, Appalachian and French Broad Ranger Districts.

We have made a substantial investment in high performance equipment, including self-bailing rafts to enhance the safety and quality of your rafting trip.

With over 25+ years of experience, and the best guides and gear in the business, MAG dba 1-866-USA-Raft is well qualified to guide your family or group on an amazing adventure.

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.

"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.

Reservations: Book online anytime or call 1-866-USA-Raft or 1-423-743-7111.

Making your rafting reservation is as easy as dialing 1-866-USA-Raft. Our professional whitewater consultants are experts at arranging successful river vacations. USA Raft’s wide variety of rivers and river options enables our friendly consulting staff to create the exact vacation to match your wants and abilities. Call Today! 

What to wear for rafting: in summer, a bathing suit with shorts and t-shirts are fine. In spring or fall, or if it's cool, bring a wool sweater of fleece and wool socks. We have splash gear (tops and pants) and wet-suits available at no additional cost. Cotton is not recommended, which includes jeans and sweatshirts. Everyone must wear shoes. Tennis shoes, water shoes and sports sandals with a heel strap are fine for rafting. PLEASE NO FLIP FLOPS: THEY WILL FALL OFF YOUR FEET. What to bring on the river: medications, sun block and an inexpensive waterproof camera. Please do not bring on the river anything you do not want to lose in the river forever. Please leave coolers, book bags, towels and changes of clothes in your car. We can not take them on the river.

Directions: Watauga River Meeting Spot.

USA Raft Watauga River Rafting Outpost: 102 Industrial Drive, Elizabethton, TN. The USA Raft Watauga River Outpost is located off of Industrial Drive, directly behind the "Road Runner" BP Service Station across from the Elizabethton Airport. From 321 in Elizabethton, take the "Stony Creek" exit to 91 North. Go 1.5 miles 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. Please arrive at our outpost about 30 min. before your scheduled trip time ready to raft - shorts, t-shirts, bathing suit, and old tennis shoes or sandals with a heel strap - NO FLIP FLOPS PLEASE. We raft rain or shine. Please arrive at the meeting spot, near Elizabethton, TN 1/2 hour before your scheduled rafting trip time.