Best Rafting in North Carolina

Trying to find the best rafting in North Carolina? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

North Carolina, Graham County

03 :02 hrs
7.8 mi
82.634766 ft
III

The Nantahala River is located in western North Carolina and travels through national forest before entering Nantahala Lake and offers multiple sections of runnable river for paddlers of all skill levels. This section of the Nantahala River is a consistent, thrilling run of class I-III rapids. The roadway follows the river closely through this section so scouting the river before is easy to do and is strongly advised. Some of the rapids are upgraded in difficulty depending on water flow so it is important to know what the river is doing before running it. Nantahala Falls, as well as a few other rapids, can be easily portaged giving paddlers that are not as skilled the opportunity to run the river. The river can only be run when the power plant is operating so verify this information and current water gauges before attempting the run.

2

South Carolina, Oconee County

02 :34 hrs
6.2 mi
24.653412 ft
III

The Chattooga River sits amidst the scenic Chattahoochee National Forest and offers a great North Georgia high mountain paddling experience without the intense rapids. Although this section of the river is the most doable of any on the Chattooga River it does contain some solid Class II and one Class III rapid, which will offer a challenge to novice paddlers. The superlative scenery is a prime example of unspoiled mountain scenery. Be apprised that a free river float plan must be filled and that getting out at Earl Ford requires around a quarter mile climb to the parking area.

3

Georgia, Dawson County

03 :46 hrs
9.4 mi
69.15195 ft
IV

With Class III and IV rapids, Amicalola Creek (Cherokee for tumbling water) offers an experienced paddler a challenging paddle, and is often called the ‘best’ creek in Georgia. The majority of the more difficult rapids occur within the first three miles of this adventure, with the lower parts becoming nearly flat and easy flowing. This adventure offers scenery that is typical of a North Georgia river landscape as the creek winds through the beautiful Dawson County.

4

Tennessee, Carter County

03 :30 hrs
8.5 mi
39.284912 ft
III

This section of the Watagua River begins just below Wilbur Dam and flows cold and clear. The flow is dam-controlled and offers a lively float through a mountainous valley. Bee Cliff Rapid, which is also, known as Anaconda is a Class III rapid but can be avoided. There are a few more rapids and islands that split the river. Stay off the river if TVA is not generating, as the current will be none. Take-out is at Riverside Park in Elizabethton.

5

North Carolina, Chatham County

02 :11 hrs
4.8 mi
3.0940475 ft
I

Jordan Lake is a large reservoir in central North Carolina that offers over 180 miles of scenic shoreline for paddling. Much of the surrounding undeveloped terrain consists of designated recreation and natural resource areas. Canoe and kayak camping is available here and wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant. This paddling trip starts from the Bell's Church access which is located on White Oak Creek.

6

Georgia, Habersham County

01 :52 hrs
4.2 mi
34.64862 ft
III

The Chattahoochee River is the most important river in Georgia, providing transportation, drinking water and recreation. This section of the Chattahoochee River offers an exciting run with rapids all along the way, seemingly at every turn. There are very clear waters and high wooded banks that offer beautiful mountain-like scenery. In the wooded areas the banks are lined with mountain laurel, sycamores, tulip trees, ironwood trees and white pine.

7

Georgia, Forsyth County

02 :11 hrs
5.1 mi
4.476227 ft
II

The Chattahoochee River is the most important river in Georgia, providing transportation, drinking water and recreation. Buford Dam releases frigid water into this part of the Chattahoochee River, providing a nice cool river-run escape on hot summer days. This is a great trout fishing river, and the gin-clear waters allow for you to spot the trout swimming as you work your way down the river. Be aware that it is not recommended to ride the river while the dam is generating, so call beforehand to check.

8

Georgia, Gwinnett County

03 :36 hrs
8.5 mi
17.101624 ft
III

This section of the Yellow River winds through the suburbs west of Atlanta. The banks of Yellow River are heavily wooded which gives the feeling like you are in a secluded wilderness area. Be aware that the Class III rapids on this adventure become much more dangerous at high water levels due to the location of bridge pilings and the size of the hydraulics that are formed.

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