White water rafting (besides the Whitewater center) (Charlotte, Bryson City: buy, camp)

[joanchris2000]

I know about the white water center, but I am looking to see where else there is decent rafting that doesn't take 5 hours to get to from Charlotte. Interested in organized rafting outfitters. I realize some will be better different seasons etc, we're not looking at going tomorrow or anything!

Thanks!

[The Native 1]

Originally Posted by joanchris2000

I know about the white water center, but I am looking to see where else there is decent rafting that doesn't take 5 hours to get to from Charlotte. Interested in organized rafting outfitters. I realize some will be better different seasons etc, we're not looking at going tomorrow or anything!

Thanks!

The NOC handles the Nanty river which is a good 3 hours from CLT. Most rafting that is decent is going to be a 3-5 hour drive since a lot of it is in Tennessee and W. Virginia. You might have better luck posting this on a local paddling forum such as MRP Online III • Index page

[joanchris2000]

Originally Posted by The Native 1

The NOC handles the Nanty river which is a good 3 hours from CLT. Most rafting that is decent is going to be a 3-5 hour drive since a lot of it is in Tennessee and W. Virginia. You might have better luck posting this on a local paddling forum such as MRP Online III • Index page

Thanks. I tried calling the Whitewater center, and they require you to purchase an "all sport pass" to just do rafting. Seems silly they won't allow just rafting, while they sell passes for most other things singly. I just want to raft with my daughter, I did it at about her age and thought it would be fun later this summer or in the spring.

[Native_Son]

Just buy the allsport and do some other stuff too! It isn't as expensive as rafting and traveling, not by a long shot.

[msm_teacher]

Originally Posted by joanchris2000

Thanks. I tried calling the Whitewater center, and they require you to purchase an "all sport pass" to just do rafting. Seems silly they won't allow just rafting, while they sell passes for most other things singly. I just want to raft with my daughter, I did it at about her age and thought it would be fun later this summer or in the spring.

The NOC is a company with outposts on many rivers within four hours of here. The Nantahala is a fun little river just on the other side of Bryson City. There are tons of rafting companies that operate on that section - most of which also have camp sites as part of the package. We take our kids down the Nantahala often, usually in two man duckies. For a novice paddler, I would recommend a guided trip.

The NOC also has a really fun family oriented longer trip with guides down a section of the Chattooga. If you call their number, the operators are always nice about explaining all the different trips, options, add-ons, etc. (http://www.noc.com/)

[yantosh22]

The NC mountains, where there is plenty of rafting, are not 5 hours away. It's more like 2-2.5. Certainly doable in a day trip though I recommend spending the night if you don't want to be rushed.

My preference for a kid however would be to go tubing on the New River. Do a search on that and NC.

[joanchris2000]

Originally Posted by Native_Son

Just buy the allsport and do some other stuff too! It isn't as expensive as rafting and traveling, not by a long shot.

While I'd love to do lots of the other stuff I have a bad knee and that rules out a lot...even now I've got "tennis elbow" which is why I'm not interested in doing something right away....need to heal the body first.
I'd love to do a whole half day river rafting trip and make it a real experience to remember. I rafted in Colorado as a kid, just once, but it was something I'll always remember. Even if my daughter never goes again, I want it to be a thing she'll remember.

Thanks for the other suggestions, I'll look into them.

[Native_Son]

Well if it's a one and done thing I'd definitely recommend something more than the whitewater center. Sorry to hear about your injuries...