Whitewater Rafting
Asheville is the envy of many cities with its beautiful mountains and proximity to great rafting locations such as our French Broad River. Outdoor magazine named Asheville the top whitewater destination in the U.S.
It’s not a coincidence that many rafting companies have chosen to make the region their home.
The French Broad River’s long, peaceful stretches can accommodate family raft rides, while its whitewater rapids are exciting for kayaks and canoe enthusiasts. The wide river winds through Pisgah National Forest mountainside, offering eight miles of small and large rapids, with occasional placid pools perfect for swimming FOR DOGS and HUMANS.
The Nantahala River is ideal for families and beginners. The river meanders through the beautiful Nantahala Gorge, and even the most inexperienced paddler will enjoy this beautiful river that is dam-controlled, making water releases regular and predictable.
Adventurous rafters can challenge the fast-moving Nolichucky River, located near Spruce Pine and Burnsville, N.C. Hemmed in by one of the steepest and most beautiful gorges in North Carolina, the river requires considerable maneuvering around rocks and boulders to get through its many rapids and pools as it runs through the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests.
