Nestled in the Foot Hills of the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
The Nantahala River in North Carolina alternates between calm spells of sparkling flatwater to over 20 named whitewater rapids. This feisty river is a particular favorite of families with young children. Our Nantahala rafting trips are a full eight mile river journey through North Carolina’s most scenic mountain terrain.
During the rafting season, flotillas of brightly colored white water rafts converge on this popular river every day. The Nantahala echoes with squeals and laughter. Rafters get acquainted with an array of rapids such as Root Canal, The Bump and The Isle of Dumping.
Rafters of all ages (as long as they weigh at least 60 pounds) can participate in the fun of paddling and maneuvering their own raft down the Nantahala River. Choose from a guide-assisted trip which has a qualified guide in every second or third raft; or go non-guided if you are confident that you don’t need any assistance. Or, if you prefer and for a little more money, you can hire a guide just for your raft.
Those who want to get closer to the whitewater action can paddle this river in funyaks or duckies which are sporty one or two person inflatable kayaks.
Our trips begin and end at Rolling Thunder’s Nantahala rafting center which is located on Hwy. 19 West, 11 miles west of Bryson City, North Carolina.
We take trips down the Nantahala River 7 days a week during the season.
Minimum weight requirement for all participants is 60 lbs,
a Federal law with no exceptions.
NANTAHALA TRIP TIMES
Every day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
After Labor Day one trip a day at 12:30 p.m.
Call for preseason & postseason rates
The Nantahala River has “cap” days which are limited capacity/high use days where river rafting companies are only allowed to take a limited number of people down the river on that day. Prices on “cap” days are $31 for guide-assisted trips and $21 for non-guided/rental trips.
**Group rates are for 10 or more people and are not offered on “cap” days, Saturdays or holiday Sundays. For groups of more than 40 people, please call our office for details on pricing.
Directions
From Blue Ridge, GA. Heading north on 515 turn left on highway 60 [There will be a Country Cupboard Citgo station on your Left] Go 1 mile to Spur 60. Turn right onto Spur 60 at the church. Drive 10 miles until the road ends. Take a right on 64/74 and head East [This is a 4 lane]. You're approximately 45 miles from the outpost. You will pass through Murphy and Andrews. In Murphy, the 4 lane changes names from 64/74 to 19/74. After Andrews 4 lanes go to 2. You will enter the Nantahala Gorge. You will travel along the river until it is out of sight. Keep going; Rolling Thunder will be 2 miles farther on your left.
NANTAHALA RATES
May - Sept. Sun - Fri Sat* Group**
Raft with Guide $34 $37 $32
Guide Assisted $28 $31 $26
Rental/Non-guided $18 $21 $16
Single Funyak $26 $28 N/A
Double Funyak $24 $26 N/A
Hi-Performance Funyak $30 $32 N/A
Camping w/ Hot Showers $9 $10 $9
Bunkhouse/Hostel
*Plus 10% Lodging Tax $12 $15 $10
Wetsuit Rental $8 $8 $8
Booties $5 $5 $5
Wetsuit/Bootie Combo $11 $11 $11
www.rollingthunderriverco.com
Nantahala River - Class II and III
Nantahala River Rafting
A whitewater experience the entire family can enjoy!
800-408-7238