The Nantahala River is an excellent classroom for beginners. Nantahala River rafting happens daily all season, no matter how hot the summer is or how little rain might choose to fall! However, the river itself is what brings people back time and time again. . From there, you also have a premium open air gondola, crown class, coach class and the open air gondola. It was well worth the money. We was there the last week of July 2021. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities without the crowds which are sometimes common in other parts of the park. All departures are from the Bryson City Depot in. The holiday-themed rides are usually shorter and less scenic. We went with a company call Big Creek Expeditions and they have the most experienced guide staff on the Pigeon River. Combine two or more activities for a full day of adventure with our packages & deals. On this Class II river, rafters and kayakers will find 20+ mild but exciting rapids over the course of 8 miles, including Nantahala Falls (Class III) just before take-out. In essence, whitewater rapids are classified according to the challenge they present, and are as follows: For more information on whitewater rapids and your safety, visit American Whitewater. There are plenty of great whitewater rafting destinations in Tennessee and North Carolina in fact, here are the best 50 rivers in the Southeast. Scan this QR code to download the app now. 17 New Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Surrounding Areas [2023] Tips for the Chimneys Picnic Area, 7 Things You Should Know . Once arriving at the depot, please make the ticket office staff aware of your need for assisted boarding. Contact the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad at (800) 872-4681 if you have special dietary needs. Choose from a tubing trip, or try out a variety of river crafts like kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. 2022 Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The Obed River is located in the Cumberland Plateau just south of Crossville, TN. Stay tuned for more whitewater rafting rivers in (and near) Tennessee including Class III-V rivers! I"d take the nanatahal but if you are going down the river and have much of any experience or are going with older (i.e. The Pigeon River. NOC has a stellar reputation, but there are many others that are wonderful as well. Passengers wind through tunnels, across the historic train trestle over Fontana Lake, through fertile valleys and into a deep river gorge. The first mile of the Upper is considerable "tamer" than the remainder of the Ocoee and allows you to acclimate to rafting at a slower pace. For fully-guided white water rafting trips, raft rentals, duck rentals and guided rafting, zip-line adventures, and more, be sure to check plan your visit with the local outfitters. In the meantime, discover the many other. Thanks for the advice! Just as youre spoiled for choices when it comes to whitewater rafting and floating in Ashevilles hinterland, youve got no shortage of outstanding outfitters and guides to make those runs happen for you. At the North Carolina entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies the Oconaluftee River or Luftee for short. I find the person we had ( I think his name was Steve ) was very knowledgeable of the area.I absolutely loved the muffin they served us for breakfast. Lunch was very good (we chose chicken salad croissant, mashed sweet potatoes and potato salad). While the river itself runs along the road, theres still plenty of beautiful scenery thanks to the surrounding views of the Nantahala Gorge. This little city depends on tourism, if you all are looking for crowds, noise & flash for your entertainment then you are in the wrong city! *During the month of December Nantahala Gorge Winter Trains, all layovers will be 30mins. People do your homework before moving or visiting down South. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing! Food was horrible, no scenery other than woods, and a few buildings. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. Pigeon VS Nahida. The Upper Pigeon offers a full dose of Class III excitement and Smoky Mountain scenery in just three short hours, making it the perfect addition to your Smoky Mountains vacation! The Nantahala River is within the Nantahala National Forest and near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Topton, NC 28781. We had our four year old daughter and my parents and we all enjoyed the trip. . It was wonderful and the kids loved it. Looks beautiful and interesting, Where is agood fishing spot,swimming spot,and hiking spot at? Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. The Lower Nolichucky River offers a calmer rafting experience with Class I-II rapids. Near Sevierville, Tennessee, it receives the flow of the Little Pigeon River before joining the Holston River in Knox County at the place known as Forks of the River to form the Tennessee River. Let us know in the comments below. Enjoy eight miles of crystal clear water and constant waves that make the Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups. For example, the all adult first class ride features a dining table in a car with climate control, large windows and a meal full service. My son and I did this ride in July. 1.5-hour drive from Asheville. The regular Tuckasegee River Excursion to Dillsboro, NC is a 4 hour excursion. to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. He had a blast. The Pigeon River is much more fun in my opinion and I have done both rivers. Time from Departure. Another great option is Turkey Creek Campground where all sites have fireplaces and picnic tables. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is one of the main attractions in Bryson City, North Carolina (photo by Alaina O'Neal/TheSmokies.com). Proficient Class II paddlers should consider the, of the French Broad, where the wide river provides paddlers with easier lines to negotiate some of the Class III rapids., The free-flowing Little Tennessee River is a tributary of the Tennessee River that flows through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Copyright 2023 Smoky Mountain Outdoors| All Rights Reserved. I got a picture of the Conductor on the train. Please note that different rivers with the same name will be grouped together. Tours run through Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Have you seen the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains by train? It is 3-4 rapid river yet calm at the same time. Thought the ride was enjoyable and would do it again if in the area. We just enjoyed a short stay in Bryson City. Limited bar service available. With the highest mountains in the East as its backyardstrung with deep river gorgesand enough rainfall to promote the growth of genuine temperate rainforest up in those misty heights, Asheville, North Carolina is a fantastic jumping-off point for incredible whitewater rafting, kayaking, and tubing. If you are new to rafting, a guided trip will provide you with instruction in both safety and paddling technique, and your professional guide captains your raft. The train ride was the draw, but the Fryemont Inn is why we are already planning to return. Share the splashes and smiles! Raft the Upper Pigeon for a full dose of excitement as you splash your way through more than a dozen Class III and IV rapids, including Accelerator, Roller Coaster, and Lost Guide. Copyright 2023 Smoky Mountain Outdoors| All Rights Reserved, Outpost AddressWhere your trip begins!3299 Hartford RoadHartford, TN 37753, Plan Your VisitTripsPackagesGroup InfoCouponsReviewsDirectionsContact Us, Helpful InfoRead Our BlogFAQsCancellation PolicyAffiliationsEmployment. The best time was the gourmet dinner and mystery murder train which they no longer do. I've run the Nanty 5 or 6 times this season in my Jackson Rocker. There are so many outdoor activities so close by, Can you bring your own food and water on the trains. While the river drains into portions of three national forests, it also provides the southwestern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Crown Class features assigned seating in a climate controlled car with large picture windows. There are plenty of great whitewater rafting destinations in Tennessee and North Carolina in fact, here are the best 50 rivers in the Southeast. Our main campus is located on the shimmering Nantahala River in a spectacular gorge. Above the power plant there are numerous stocked fish at certain times of the year, and a plentiful amount of wild fish year round. Children under 3 are free. Heres What We Know [2023], Is Mountain Monsters Real? Generations of families and groups have been introduced to the exhilarating fun of white water rafting on the Nantahalas eight miles of bouncy class I and II rapids. . Forest Service Road 475-A @ Cove Creek to Low Head Dam (Upper) Below Recom. Easy, leisurely floats can be had right around Asheville, while more adventurous runs await downriver toward Hot Springs, Tennessee, as well as upriver on the French Broads North and West forks. Considering the train ride will take about half of your day out and about, the prices are reasonable. No, the seats we very uncomfortable, the box lunch was lacking, still havent figured out what there was about the lunch. Our AffiliatesGatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, Gatlinburg Hospitality and Tourism Association, and Pigeon Forge Hospitality and Tourism Association. Our elite guides offer two rafting trips; Section IV offers the most exciting whitewater with its Class IV-V and a riverside lunch, while Section III is more family-friendly featuring Class II-III rapids and stops for lunch, playing, and swimming. . View 9 photos of this 1.8 acre lot land with a list price of $29000. No trip to Asheville, North Carolina is complete without a rafting adventure on one of the oldest rivers in the world, the French Broad River. Alternatively, you may use, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Forum, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Rentals, Flights to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Restaurants near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide. Add an official Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Fleece Blanket to your reservation for just $32! When we reach the end of the line, we will invite all guests in this class to switch sides with their neighbors so that everyone will have the opportunity to take pictures from a new perspective on the opposite side of the train. Still thinking it over. Service was good. much more fun, maneuverable, and you'll enjoy yourself a lot more. There is so much to be greatful for, instead of complaining be thankful that we are able to experience & enjoy and smell the roses. Then theres the dam-release foam and spray of the Cheoah River in far southwestern North Carolina, a tributary of the Little Tennessee that includes Class IV and V rapids in its coveted course. Pigeon River, TN; Nantahala River, NC; Lehigh River, PA; The Resurgence of the Pigeon River. Everyone over the age of 2 years old receives a souvenir tumbler with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day! Which is the winner ? Open Air Gondolas feature open seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and a roof above to protect passengers from the elements. Raft five miles on one of NOCs half-day trips, or spend the day and enjoy eight miles of exciting whitewater plus a freshly-prepared riverside lunch. If you all had listened to the train personnel you would have been given the history of this poor southern city. We went with a company call Big Creek Expeditions and they have the most experienced guide staff on the Pigeon River. I think you have to figure out what works best for you. There was a time when the Pigeon River, named after the extinct passenger pigeon, was heavily polluted by area industries. But if you go just a little further past the state line of Tennessee, youll find that the neighboring state also has a lot to offer especially for train enthusiasts. Keep in mind that there are sections below the dam in which the river drastically changes to continuous Class IV-V rapids something that requires expert technical experience. Route 1652 to NC Route 772. Smoky Mountain Outdoors has been providing whitewater rafting adventures since 1993, contributing greatly to the growth of commercial rafting on the Pigeon River over the years. the classic Southeastern run for beginner paddlers. Only Wildwater offers daily trips with discounts on zip & raft or kid zip packages! Rivers End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to come enjoy delicious food and spectacular views of the gorge. Generally, you can expect to pay between $58-119 per adult, depending on your selection. We was in the First class car and I was glad that it was air-conditioned. Splash through nearly continuous Class II-IV rapids like Lost Guide and Accelerator with expert guides at the helm. I like to think of attraction tickets in terms of dollars per entertainment hour. Located deep in Western North Carolinas Pisgah National Forest, the French Broad features warm water, scenic mountain views, and plenty of fun Class II and III rapids. As the Leaders in Outdoor Adventure, Nantahala Outdoor Center offers whitewater rafting and adventure on multiple rivers throughout the Southeast perfect for any adventure level, whether it be a mild float trip or heart-pumping Class IV rapids! Come see for yourself why the Pigeon River has been ranked among the top whitewater rafting rivers in the country! Heres a look at some of the major whitewater (and calm-water) runs available in Ashevilles general radius, plus a roundup of some top area outfitters for making these dream river rides happen: Its upper tributaries rising off the Tanasee and Pisgah ridgesincluding via the dramatic, 50-foot tumble of Courthouse Fallsthe French Broad River (or the Long Man, one of several Cherokee names) is the largest drainage of western North Carolina and among the most ancient rivers in the world. You can find more information at the Obed Visitor Center in Wartburg, TN or on the National Park Services page dedicated to, experiencing the wild and scenic Obed River, At the North Carolina entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies the Oconaluftee River or Luftee for short. Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. We went for the first time last November. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The most affordable option is coach class, which starts at about $58 for adults and $33 for children. He was very polite. Nantahala River rafting is North Carolina's best white water playground! Heres Whats Inside, Whats So Great About Buc-ees Bathrooms? Nantahala NC Lodging December 18, 2016. I finally got my roll a few weeks ago and just got my first combat roll on the Nanty last week in the waves after the rock quarry rapid. The Nolichucky River is a 115-mile free-flowing river that flows from western North Carolinas Mount Mitchell into East Tennessee. Upper Nantahala Cascades ( Topton NC) Distance from downtown Cherokee: 30 miles Level of Difficulty: Easy Trail Length: 0 Located near Findley Falls, the Upper Nantahala Cascades are another delight that can be viewed without even getting out of your car. Dine onsite, shop in the Outfitters store and stay in mountainside lodging. 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