Tubing and Kayaking
Originally published: April 08. 2009 11:44AMLast modified: April 08. 2009 11:44AM
For chilling thrills on a summer afternoon nothing beats floating down the rapids of a cool mountain stream on a giant inner tube. And the Smokies offer several great places for family tubing, including the Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, Deep Creek near Bryson City, and the Tuckaseegee River.
Western North Carolina is rich with whitewater rivers. One of the most scenic, the Oconaluftee, provides a wealth of recreational opportunities for Cherokee visitors, including tubing and rafting in inflatable funyaks or "duckies."
Considered a "family" river, you can also take a raft ride on the Tuckaseegee River. With its Class I and II rapids, the Tuckaseegee is open to adults and kids of all ages.
If you want to kick it up a notch, you'll love whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, about a half-hour west of Cherokee on Highway 19 / 74. With its Class II and III rapids, Nantahala River rafting is restricted: children must be at least 60 pounds or seven years of age. Several outfitters offer guided, semi-guided, and self-guided trips down the Nantahala's eight-mile whitewater course. The trip takes about three hours.
One of the oldest rivers in the world, the Nantahala has taken centuries to carve out a canyon so deep that many parts see limited sun, which explains why the Cherokees named it "Nantahala" - land of the noon-day sun. Because it's a dam-controlled river, the Nantahala is a dependable source of whitewater rafting adventure. The water is pulled from the bottom of the 250 foot deep Nantahala Lake, guaranteeing refreshingly cool water, even in the heat of summer.
Whitewater outfitters
Here are some suggested outfitters that can assist you in the tubing or whitewater adventure you have been seeking:
The original outfitter in the southeast since 1971, still family owned and operated by three generations. Trips on the Nantahala, Big Pigeon, Ocoee, Chattooga and Cheoah Rivers, suitable for ages 4 to 94. Rivers within 20 minutes to 2 hours from Cherokee. Fully guided, follow-a-guide, or rental river trips. Rafts and Inflatable Kayaks. No hidden fees or costs. Price includes Type 5 Commercial PFD, paddle, splash jacket and (if desired) helmet, hot showers, changing rooms, complimentary beverages.
Since 1972, NOC has shared the outdoors with millions of guests. Located in Western North Carolina near the Great Smoky Mountains, NOC is within easy driving distance of Atlanta, Charlotte, and Knoxville. Our world-class staff leads whitewater rafting trips on seven Southeastern rivers, including the Chattooga, Cheoah, French Broad, Nantahala, Nolichucky, Ocoee, and Pigeon. Learn to paddle from the best in our renowned canoe and kayak paddling school. We also offer adventure travel, mountain biking, group programs, ropes courses, kayaking, flyfishing and hiking.
Whitewater rafting on the Tuckaseegee and Nantahala Rivers. Celebrating our 20th season. Choose from two great rivers near Cherokee. The "Tuck" (only 10 minutes south of Cherokee) is warm and playful. It's definitely whitewater, but definitely not big whitewater. The Nantahala is 25 minutes from Cherokee. It is bigger whitewater and one of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in the southeast. Visit our website for details. Call to make reservations.
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