Watauga River: Elizabethton, TN.  Closest rafting to Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, NC.

The Watauga River is an excellent first time family rafting trip. Imagine a relaxed family rafting trip with time play along the way! The Watauga River is a class 1-2 rafting trip with one class 3 rapid called "Anaconda". The Watauga River has fast moving, pristine water with gentle rapids, followed by the famous class 3 Anaconda! Watauga River Rafting - a scenic, relaxing float trip with some excitement thrown in! It is a the perfect first time rafting/float trip for families with younger children.

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.

With USA raft you can avoid the uncomfortable bus ride from Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock you would experience with other outfitters. Drive in the comfort and privacy of your car and meet us at our outpost on the Watauga River in Elizabethton, TN. We end our Watauga River rafting trip at our exclusive take-out and river-side outpost, just steps from your car. USA Raft Watauga River: 1551 Broad Street, Elizabethton 37643

• Trip format: Guided rafts. For a more adventurous trip, request a single or double duck at time of reservation.
• Duration of trip: Expect to spend about an hour on the water and up to 3 hours with us, including river trip, shuttles, outfitting and everything associated with your trip.
• Trip Cost: $39.95 per person. Group discounts: 9-26 people: $4 per person discount: 27+ people: $8 per person discount.
• Trip times: Mon.-Sat at 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30 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 USA Raft Outpost is located on the river outside Elizabethton, TN. It is the closest rafting trip for vacationers to Roan Mountain, TN and is just 50 min. to Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock in the High Country region of NC, and just 20 min. 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.

USA Raft Watauga River: 1551 Broad Street, Elizabethton 37643

Directions from Boone, NC

1. Take the 1st right onto US-321 N/US-421 N/W King St
Continue to follow US-321 N/US-421 N 6.4 mi
2. Slight left at US-321 N 10.8 mi
3. Turn right to stay on US-321 N
Entering Tennessee 7.8 mi
4. Turn right at TN-159 W/US-321 N 5.0 mi
5. Turn left at TN-67 W/US-321 N/US-321 Scenic N/U.S. 321 Scn
Continue to follow TN-67 W/US-321 N/US-321 Scenic N 9.5 mi
6. Turn right at TN-37 N/TN-67 W/US-19E N/US-321 N/US-321 Scenic N
Continue to follow TN-37 N/US-19E N/US-321 N/US-321 Scenic N 5.1 mi
7. Turn right at Broad St Exn 1.0 mi
8. Continue onto Broad St
Destination will be on the left

Directions from Elizabethton, TN

From TN-37 N/US-19E N/US-19E Scenic N/US-321 N/US-321 Scenic N
Turn at intersection onto Broad St Exn 1.0 mi
Continue onto Broad St
USA Raft will be on the left 1.0 mi: 1551 Broad St

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. 

USA Raft/Mountain Adventure Guides  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.

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 30 years of experience, and the best guides and gear in the business, 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 Outpost on the River.