The Watauga River is an excellent first time rafting trip for families with very young children and is a wonderful introduction to rafting. Imagine a relaxed family outing with time to swim, a chance to see Blue Herons, Geese and spectacular mountain scenery along the way! The Watauga River is a class 1-2 rafting float trip. Your rafting trip will begin below Wilbur Dam and you will raft through scenic farms with mountain views above the historic town of Elizabethton. There will be one class 2 rapid - the famous Anaconda! The Watauga River is dam controlled, which means there is consistent water flows every day throughout the rafting season. 

For a step up in adventure we recommend the Lower Nolichucky River (class 1-2, ages 4+), or the French Broad or Nolichucky River Gorge! The Watauga River is a favorite float trip and closest beginner 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.

Rafting trips on the Watauga River are available M-Sat., June through August. We run Lower Nolichucky River, Nolichucky River Gorge and French Broad River rafting trips 7 days a week March through November.

All of our rafts are always guided on the Watauga River!

We meet at Wilbur Dam near Elizabethton, TN 1/2 hour before the scheduled trip time of 2:00 PM.

4 mile trip, ages 4+, no experience required, family class trip (class 1. One class 2 rapid.).
Always a guide in every raft - guaranteed!
cost: Sun-Fri: $49.95 per person. Saturdays: $54.95 per person. (+ 9.75% TN tax).
group discounts: 9-26 people: $4 per person discount: 27+ people: $6 per person discount.
adventure packages
guided caving
Crockett Cabin

For a complete day try a 1/2 day rock climbing or 1/2 day caving trip.

"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. Thanks again!" Wit Tuttell. Public Relations Director. North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development.

Please arrive at the meeting spot, near Elizabethton, TN 1/2 hour before your scheduled rafting trip time.

View availability and book online 24/7  1-866-USA-Raft

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Which rafting trip is right for your family or group?

Family Class Trip:

Perfect for younger children and first-time rafters. Family class trips provide a more moderate, low-risk introduction to rafting for the whole family. French Broad River 1/2 day trip, French Broad River 1/2 day trip with lunch, Watauga River Family Float Trip, and Lower Nolichucky Family Float Trip).

Adventure Class Trip:

Action packed and exhilarating, our Adventure trips pick up the pace. More challenging and/or longer than our Family class trips, these rafting adventures are ideal for older children, adventurous first-timers, and experienced rafters. (French Broad Day Trip and Nolichucky River Gorge full-day trip and 1/2 day Nolichucky River Gorge Express).

View a regional map of the area.

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!