Spruce Pine NC and the High Country of Western
North Carolina are full of beautiful and
historic rivers that offer a wide variety of
whitewater opportunities. Whether you are
looking for an intense, heart pumping ride or a
slow, enjoyable floater trip, there are plenty
of rivers and whitewater outfitters in the area
for you and your group's perfect experience.
French Broad River
 The French Broad flows for over 200 miles, making it the longest river in North Carolina. It is also the third oldest river in the world, behind the Nile and the New River (another river in High Country North Carolina). The French Broad River originates near Rosman North Carolina in Transylvania County and follows a northwesterly route through Henderson, Buncombe and Madison Counties before flowing into Tennessee. In Tennessee, the French Broad River joins the Pigeon River, Nolichucky River and the Holston River in Knoxville TN. On its course through Western North Carolina, the French Broad offers the
nearest whitewater rafting to Asheville NC out
of Marshall NC. Featuring beautiful, open
channels and gorgeous mountain vistas, peppered
with fun, beginner rapids, the French Broad is
the perfect river for family friendly whitewater
rafting. Class II-III rapids are included in a
5-mile, half-day trip and II-IV class rapids are
present in the 9-mile, full day trip. The 9-mile trip offers a taste of the exciting whitewater on the Nolichucky River through more than thirty rapids including The Maz, Big Pillow, Stackhouse, Kayakers Ledge, Frank Bell’s Rapid and Needle Falls, near the French Broad’s confluence with the Nolichucky River.
North Toe River
 The North Toe River traverses directly through Spruce Pine NC and has a lot to offer
for whitewater enthusiasts. Originating at the foot of
Mt. Mitchell, the South Toe River meets the North Toe River just east of Spruce Pine NC. At the South Toe and North Toe River juncture, the North Toe River travels east and then northeast through Spruce Pine NC and eventually terminates just north of Newland NC. This 10-mile section of the North Toe River
features safe whitewater rafting with class II rapids, perfect for beginners and families wanting a great rafting experience
with beautiful scenery. Most of the rapids do not exceed class II and there are plenty of
outfitters leaving from Spruce Pine NC and
Boone NC. The other section of the North Toe River traverses northwest at the confluence of the South Toe and North Toe Rivers and joins the Nolichucky and eventually the French Broad west of Knoxville TN.
Wilson’s Creek
Wilson’s Creek offers a 5-mile long section with class V rapids. Drop over a class
V, 10-foot waterfall during this heart pounding section which makes Wilson’s Creek the perfect river for the experienced rafter or kayaker. A few whitewater companies offer day trips on Wilson’s Creek beginning with a clinic stressing control and technique. Trips on Wilson’s Creek are only available in the spring and summer, during high water levels.
Nolichucky River and Lower Nolichucky River
 The Lower Nolichucky is a calm river, offering class I and II rapids amidst beautiful scenery. Paddle past 700 foot cliffs, forested woodlands, sandy beaches and then end
your trip with one class III rapid. The Lower Nolichucky River is enjoyable for the whole family along its 6-mile rafting section which winds through the Cherokee National Forest. Many whitewater groups stop to show visitors the amazing geological formations along the river and allow time for a fun dip in one of Nolichucky River’s swimming holes. For a step up in intensity, take to the waters of the Nolichucky River. The Nolichucky River offers an 11-mile stretch of whitewater with over 20 rapids, mostly class III and class IV rapids. The 3,000-foot Nolichucky River Gorge provides gorgeous scenery and gives the river a swift current for intermediate and advanced rafters. The Nolichucky River drops approximately 66 feet per mile over the first four miles, solidifying its status as one of the top 10 river runs in the nation and perhaps the most technical run in the south. In between the class III, IV and V rapids, keep your eye out for wildlife. The Nolichucky
winds through the Pisgah and Cherokee National
Forest and passes a designated Black Bear sanctuary.
Watauga River
The Watauga River is very accessible to visitors of the Spruce Pine area and is the perfect river for families and groups interested in a fun and easy whitewater rafting trip. The Watauga River is dam-controlled which means the water level remains consistent and can be run year-round! The biggest rapid is the Anaconda, a class II or III rapid depending on the water level, which adds just enough thrills to this family friendly river. The 6+ mile run down the Watauga River takes approximately 2.5 hours and offers 20+ rapids for a great whitewater day.
New River
The New River offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and inner tubing. The New River is the second oldest river in the world and features
a gentle water flow that is perfect for a lazy day of fun,
perfect for enjoying the beautiful scenery of the High Country. Take a 3, 5, or 7 hour trip on the New River and enjoy some great
NC Bass Trout Fly Fishing and picnicking spots along the way.
High Mountain Expeditions
1380 Hwy 105 South
Boone, North Carolina 28607
800-262-9036
828-264-7368
|
Mountain Adventure Guides
2 Jones Branch Road
Erwin, TN 37650
866-813-5210
423-743-7111
|
River and Earth Adventures, Inc.
1655 Hwy 105
Boone, NC 28607
866-411-RAFT
828-963-5491
828-268-9593
|
Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing
2637 Highway 226 North
Bakersville, NC 28705
828-688-9290
866-933-5628
|
USA Raft, Inc.
800-USA-RAFT
|
Wahoo’s Adventures
P.O. Box 3094
Boone N.C. 28607
800-444-RAFT
828-262-5774
|
I hope that you will take a few moments to tour this site to discover all that we have to offer in the wonderful Spruce Pine, NC area. You'll be glad that you did!
|
|
