The Lower Nolichucky River is a scenic "half-day" family rafting trip for ages 4+. The Lower Nolichucky River is an ideal first time rafting adventure for children as young as 4 years old! It does have many more rapids than the Watauga River.

The Lower Nolichucky River is a magical place. 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!

1/2 day trip details:

Ages 4+, no experience required, family class 1-2, guided rafts and ducks. 

• guided rafts and ducks.
• 3 to 6 mile trip depending on water levels.
• Trip Cost: Sun.-Fri.: $40.95 per person + tax. Saturdays: $45.95 per person + tax.
• Group discounts: 9 - 26 people: $4 per person. 27+ people: $8 per person.
• Typical trip times: 9:30 and 2:00
• adventure packages for groups.
• For a complete day try a 1/2 day rock climbing or 1/2 day caving trip.
• Crockett Cabin Rustic Bunkhouse.

Please arrive 1/2 hour before your scheduled rafting trip time

Depending on water levels the day of your trip, format is guided rafts and inflatable ducks (kayak). In summer, expect to spend 4 hours with us, including outfitting, shuttle, safety talk and river trip. In spring and after heavy rain trip times can be much faster.

Please note: The Lower Nolichucky 1/2 day trip is 3 to 5 miles, depending on water levels the day of your trip. Trip times on free flowing rivers can vary. We have no control over water levels or trip times on the Lower Nolichucky, which is a free flowing river - not dam controlled. All trip times are approximate! Water levels can rise and fall very quickly on the Lower Nolichucky River. We reserve the right to lengthen or shorten trip distances, or alter section of river we raft in the interest of customer satisfaction or safety

Our Nolichucky River outpost is located at the base of the Nolichucky River Gorge in Erwin, TN, 45 min. to Asheville and up to 1.5 hours to Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, North Carolina and just 20 miles from Johnson City, TN.

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

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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.