Calmer water rafting trips on the Lower Nolichucky and Watauga Rivers.
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With 25+ years of experience, a rigorous training program and the best rafting guides and gear in the business, USA Raft is well qualified to guide you and your family or group on the French Broad, Watauga or Nolichucky Rivers. We're recognized in: Men's Journal, American Scouting Digest, National Geographic Adventure 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. Thanks again!" Wit Tuttell. Public Relations Director. North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the view! Our calmer water rafting and scenic family float trips on the Lower Nolichucky and Watauga Rivers offer a lower risk introduction to rafting. They are a great trip for anyone ages 4+ who is looking for a mellow cruise through stunning scenery. Of course we will get wet, too!
Lower Nolichucky River Family Float Trip:
Erwin, TN. Scenic rafting trip for ages 4+, near Asheville, NC and Johnson City, TN. The Lower Nolichucky River is a perfect rafting trip for families with young children. The Lower Nolichucky River is a scenic half-day family rafting trip. Class 1-2. More »
Watauga River Family Float Trip:
Elizabethton, TN. Scenic rafting trip June, July and August for ages 4+, near Roan Mountain and Elizabethton, TN and the Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, NC area. The Watauga River is a perfect rafting trip for families with young children. The Watauga River is a scenic rafting trip. Class 1-2. More »
Bluff City, TN. Worley's Cave: 1/2 day guided caving trip, near our Nolichucky River Outpost, Johnson City and Roan Mountain, TN and the High Country in NC - Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, NC. Ages 8+. No experience required.
Whitewater Rafting Trips
NC and TN Rafting season is March to November.
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Marshall, NC. North Carolina whitewater rafting near Asheville, Black Mountain and Lake Lure, NC for ages 8+. Class 2-3. The French Broad River is the perfect first time whitewater rafting trip for families with children. The French Broad River is the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, NC. More »
Erwin, TN. With 25+ class 2-4 rapids, the Nolichucky River Gorge offers thrilling whitewater rafting adventure, through stunning mountain scenery. The Nolichucky is located near Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, North Carolina and Johnson City, TN. More »
Marshall, NC. North Carolina whitewater rafting near Asheville, Black Mountain and Lake Lure, NC for ages 8+. Class 2-3. The French Broad River is the perfect first time whitewater rafting trip for families with children. The French Broad River is the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, NC. More »
Erwin, TN. With 25+ class 2-4 rapids, the Nolichucky River Gorge offers thrilling whitewater rafting adventure, through stunning mountain scenery. The Nolichucky is located near Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, North Carolina and Johnson City, TN. More »
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!
View availability and book online 24/7 1-866-USA-Raft
FAQ What to Bring Directions Links Policies Prices Locations Directions Packages
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.
| USA Raft | French Broad | Nolichucky | Worley's Cave | Watauga |
| Mileage/Time | Mileage/Time | Mileage/Time | Mileage/Time | |
| Asheville, NC | 30\0:35 | 42\0:45 | 75\1:30 | 67\1:15 |
| Charlotte, NC | 150\2:30 | 175\3:00 | 156\3:10 | 145\3:00 |
| Raleigh, NC | 275\5:00 | 250\5:00 | 250\4:30 | 237\4:00 |
| Columbia, SC | 175\3:15 | 200\4:00 | 231\3:50 | 223\3:40 |
| Johnson City, TN | 53\1:00 | 15\0:18 | 16\0:25 | 10\0:15 |
| Black Mountain, NC | 35\0:45 | 62\1:10 | 90\1:45 | 83\1:30 |
| Lake Lure, NC | 57\1:20 | 73\1:30 | 102\2:00 | 95\1:50 |
| Boone NC | 81\2:00 | 67\1:20 | 56\1:15 | 45\1:00 |
| Burnsville, NC | 29\0:40 | 43\0:53 | 58\1:24 | 44\1:09 |
| Tallahassee, FL | 475\9:00 | 500\9:45 | 526\9:00 | 519\9:00 |
| Atlanta, GA | 225\4:30 | 250\5:15 | 281\4:50 | 274\4:40 |
| Louisville, KY | 334\5:40 | 365\5:43 | 356\5:37 | 359\5:41 |
| Knoxville, TN | 75\1:45 | 100\2:15 | 111\1:47 | 115\1:51 |
| Richmond, VA | 400\7:30 | 350\6:30 | 339\5:30 | 350\5:45 |
