Reservations: 1-866-USA-Raft. Call Today!
View available trip times and book online 24/7!
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.
Reservations: 1-866-USA-Raft. Call Today! View available trip times and book online 24/7!
Which rafting trip is right for your family?
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 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).
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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 or ask a question
Reservations: 1-866-USA-Raft. Call Today! View available trip times and book online 24/7!
Where are the French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers?
USA Raft 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).
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!
What to bring for your rafting trip?
Weather
We raft rain or shine, since you're going to get wet anyway
Low or high water
We reserve the right to move to a different section of the river for reasons of safety or low/high water. No refund or rain checks will be issued unless we completely cancel the day's events. No cash refund.
Trip times (how much time to expect to be with us)
All trip times are approximate and include outfitting, safety talk, shuttles and time on the water. River levels can change very quickly on free flowing rivers quickly, which may lengthen or shorten stated approximate trip times.Directions to USA Raft French Broad River Outpost
Please arrive at our outpost 1/2 hour before your scheduled trip.
We urge you to follow our directions and NOT MAPQUEST, which is frequently out of date in our area or gives the shortest milage route, which may be signifigantly longer driving (narrow 2 lane mountain road out in the middle of nowhere).
FAQ
Q: Who can raft?
A: All of our rivers have age requirements. Anyone who meets the requirements for a specific river and is in healthy physical condition can raft. Our trips are divided up into separate categories for all ages and experience levels. USA Raft is also able to accomodate most disabilities. if you have a specific question, please feel free to email us or give us a call at 1-866-USA-Raft.
Q: What happens if there is bad weather?
A: Our trips go rain or shine. You're going to get wet anyway. Trips are rarely canceled. If there is a problem our reservation staff will notify you immediately.
Q: What is a 'Duck'?
A: A 'Duck' is a cross between a kayak and a raft. Stable, sturdy and easy to maneuver, ducks are a delightful way to paddle a river. It doesn't take an expert boater to handle one. We offer ducks to first timers on many trips.
Q: What is a ThrillKat™?
A: ThrillKats™ are designed to be super stable. Great for first-time paddlers and experienced rafters alike, this catamaran style inflatable handles rapids well.
Q: What should I wear?
A:During the Spring and Fall the weather and water can be cool. Swimsuits, water-proof windbreakers or jackets, wool or poly-propolene shirts, and wool socks are ideal. Wetsuits, as well as spray-jackes and boots, are available to rent at our outpost on a first come, first serve basis.
During the Summer:
Summer months are generally warmer and usually a swimsuit and shorts are fine. T-shirts can also be worn for protection from the sun, as well as a baseball cap and sun glasses. Please remember to wear sunscreen.
Shoes:
Shoes are required for all of our rafting trips. Tennis shoes or sandals with a heel strap are allowed. PLEASE NO FLIP FLOPS
Cotton is not recommended. (This includes jeans and sweatshirts.) When it is wet, it robs your body of heat and is unsuitable for physical activity. Synthetic clothing is best.
Q: How safe is rafting?
A: We know that you are concerned about rafting as a group activity. As with any physical activity there is risk of injury involved in rafting. As a professional rafting outfitter, our job is to minimize that risk through preparation, guide training, and high-quality equipment. Team USA has some of the highest skilled on-river staff you'll find anywhere. Our guide staff completes a rigorous training program and must be certified First-Aid and CPR before taking customers on the water. In addition, USA Raft has made a substantial investment in high performance equipment to enhance the overall quality or your rafting experience. This effort is being made to maintain out standards of excellence for all of you.
Q: What are your facilities like?
A: Our facilities are convenient and clean. The Nolichucky River Outpost has hot showers and a large cabin bunkhouse.
Reservations: 1-866-USA-Raft. Call Today! View available trip times and book online 24/7!
Hotel and Cabin Accommodations
Our links page Asheville Area French Broad River Area Nolichucky River Area
This link will take you to information for lodging properties that are members of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. http://www.exploreasheville.com/accomm.htm
Super 8 Motel Erwin, TN near Nolichucky River Outpost and Crockett Cabin. Exit 18 in Erwin, TN off I 26. phone 423-743-0200
Days Inn North In north Asheville and 10 minuets from Downtown. Interstate 240 to U.S. 19-23 North. Take New Bridge exit. Left at traffic light. Right on Reynolds Mountain Road just past the Exxon station. (828) 645-9191
Comfort Inn, Mars Hill- (828) 298-9141
Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau 1-800-257-1300
Area Camping
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.
The Nolichucky Gorge Campground near Erwin, TN has the Nolichucky River at its front door and the Appalachian Trail in its back yard. Surrounded by thousands of acres of Cherokee National Forest, it is an excellent campground choice. While here, you can enjoy whitewater rafting with USA Raft on the Nolichucky River, canoeing or kayaking, hiking, tubing, swimming and sunbathing, fishing, mountain biking, or just DOING NOTHING. (423) 743-8876
Rocky Bluff Recreation Area - In the Pisgah National Forest near Hot Springs. Picnic areas, RV and tent camping, nature trails, swimming and trout fishing in wild and beautiful Spring Creek. Park Ranger (828) 622-3202
Liability - We assume no liability for personal injury or loss of personal belongings. You will be required to sign a personal injury waiver and assumption of risk/photo waiver before your trip. Copies of our waiver and assumption of risk forms are available upon request.
Reservations: 1-866-USA-Raft. Call Today! View available trip times and book online 24/7!
