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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.
White water rafting in North Carolina on the French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers with USA Raft.
The French Broad River is the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, Black Mountain, Lake Lure and Hot Springs, NC. The gorgeous French Broad River is free flowing and will delight both seasoned and beginner rafters alike. There is lots of whitewater action on this trip, but not too much for first time rafters! We offer half day and day trips with lunch for ages 8+. There is always a professional guide in every raft. No experience is necessary. Our French Broad outpost is just 30 minutes from Asheville, NC. French Broad River Details
The Nolichucky River is the ultimate southeastern whitewater rafting experience! The Nolichucky Gorge has 8+ miles of breathtaking scenery with over twenty-five Adventure Class rapids through the deepest canyon in the East. We also guide scenic family float trips (ages 4+) on the Lower Nolichucky River. Our outpost is just 45 minutes from Asheville, NC and 1.5 hours to Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock areas. Nolichucky River Details
Located near Asheville and Boone, NC
The French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers are both close to Asheville, NC and are about 45 min. apart. Many people choose to combine these two trips with rustic group lodging or camping at the Nolichucky for a two day adventure! USA Raft North Carolina whitewater rafting outposts on the French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers are easily accessible to Interstate 26 W (I-26W) in North Carolina and Tennessee, near Blue Ridge Mountain vacation areas in Asheville, Black Mountain, Lake Lure, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Mt. Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina (NC) and Erwin, Johnson City and Jonesborough in Tennessee (TN).
Experienced French Broad and Nolichucky River outfitter!
Our owner Richard Dulworth has paddled the French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers since 1979 and first guided rafts in 1983. Our rafting guides complete a rigorous training program, led by Glenn Goodrich - "the Godfather of Whitewater Rafting" according to "Paddler Magazine." Glenn has over 20+ years of French Broad and Nolichucky River whitewater rafting experience. We have also made a substantial investment in high performance, self-bailing rafts to enhance the safety and quality of our customer's rafting experience. Not every French Broad or Nolichucky River rafting outfitter meets these high standards!
What others say!
- "Great guides, good food, lots of fun."
- "Had a blast. It's a great day of fun and a great way to spend time with one another."
- "We all had so much fun! .....whitewater rafting was a blast, and your guides were some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Everyone took good care of us, and we are so grateful."
- "We have done business with USA Raft for over a decade. My campers' parents expect the highest quality programming and I know I can trust USA Raft to provide that. They are consistently professional, considerate, accommodating and always put safety first. And my kids have a great time on the river!"
- "As a rafting coordinator for our camp, my expectations have always been exceeded by USA Raft's topnotch equipment and their friendly, qualified staff. The campers just have a blast!"
Which river is right for your family?
We have taken many families with no rafting experience on both the Nolichucky and French Broad Rivers! You know your family or group best! Questions? Call 1-866-USA-Raft. Ask a question or check availability.
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 Express, Watauga and Lower Nolichucky Express).
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 Day trip and Express).
Log Cabin Group Bunkhouse Rental Crockett Cabin is a rustic, traditional log cabin bunkhouse for groups and large families, located on the banks of the Nolichucky River. Adjacent to Cherokee National Forest and the Appalachian Trail, Crockett Cabin has a sand volleyball court, bonfire pit, large fireplace and bbq grills.
