Whitewater Rafting on the French Broad, Nolichucky and Watauga Rivers in NC and TN.
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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.
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French Broad River Whitewater Rafting: Marshall, NC. Closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, NC (30 min.). The French Broad River offers wide, open channels, beautiful mountain vistas and fun, splashy rapids: perfect family whitewater rafting fun through the heart of Pisgah National Forest. The 5 mile half day and 5 mile half day with lunch are class 2-3 and are perfect first time whitewater rafting trips. The 9 mile full day trip with lunch is class 2-4, and includes class 4 Frank Bell's Rapid and Needle Falls, which will give you a taste of what the Nolichucky River Gorge is like! Ages 8+. More »
Nolichucky River Whitewater Rafting: Gorge: Erwin, TN. With 9 miles and 25+ class 2-4 rapids, the Nolichucky River Gorge offers thrilling whitewater rafting adventure, through the deepest canyon in the east. The Nolichucky rushes along the boarder of North Carolina and Tennessee through a raucous gorge rimmed with beautiful cliffs and flowery rhododendrons. Includes QUARTER MILE RAPID with 3 class 4 drops. The Nolichucky is located approximately 45 min from Asheville and 1.5 hours from Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, North Carolina. Ages 10+. More »
Lower Nolichucky River Rafting: 
Erwin, TN. Scenic rafting trip, near near Asheville, NC and Johnson City, TN and the Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, NC area. Beauty and history abound in this area - it's Daniel Boone and Davey Crockett country! Imagine a relaxed family outing with time to swim, a chance to see Blue Herons and spectacular rock formations along the way! Many more rapids than the Watauga River, but raft with kids as young as 4+! Class 1-2. More »
Watauga River Rafting and Family Float Trip: Elizabethton, TN. Scenic rafting trip we run every day June through August, near Roan Mountain and Elizabethton, TN and the Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, NC area. This is a beautiful family float trip that includes class 2 ANACONDA! There will be time to splash and swim! Dam controlled. Raft with kids as young as 4+! Class 1-2. 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 Specials
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 |
