OT: Rafting
- Thread starter krameel
- Start date
The Ocoee and Taccoa Rivers over on the Georgia-Tennessee state line is also a good place. McCaysville, GA area. Not sure the nine year old is old enough to do the Ocoee though.
I second the Nantahala recommendation. You could go unguided easily. Run it in a raft the first time. You probably want the youngsters to have a feel for it before you try the duckies. Watch some youTube videos on navigating Nantahala Falls ("Lesser Wesser") which is at the end of the run. There is a big hole there which you need to avoid or you might end up swimming. There are almost always folks hanging around below the falls with throw bags to rescue you if you do wind up swimming, so it's not a big deal.
Nantahala is good, one 3. You may also want to consider the French Broad, couple of 3s I believe, just outside of Asheville. Ocoee is most exciting if you are looking for serious WW, 3's and 4's. Can do the Pigeon River as well, just outside of Waynesville on 40. Its several 3's as well I think. Below is a link, they have a little of everything there. Could camp in Waynesville, Maggie Valley or Cherokee.
http://raftinginthesmokies.com/
http://raftinginthesmokies.com/
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If you have no whitewater experience, I would go with a guide even on the Nantahala. You need to have the proper equipment such as suitable PFDs, helmets, and a throw rope which you need to know how to use. While the Nantahala is only a class II river, it does have some hazards, and there have been plenty of deaths there due folks being fooled by it's "benign" nature. If you see a sign warning of a dangerous area, respect it. There was a little girl on a church outing few years back that swam into a rock that was undercut and she got stuck under it. Not to try and alarm or scare you, but just wanted to advise in case you decided to go without a guide.
As for the Pigeon, it's going to be a bit more exciting but nothing big or scary. The water will not be nearly as cold as the Nantahala. Personally, I'd still stay near the Nanty though just because of the center, restaurant, etc. there. You can watch people run through the "falls" which were considered a class V rapid years back. (called a III now).
Ocoee is solid class III with a couple IV's. Not sure how adventurous your kids are, but it would certainly get their attention quick (hour drive from the Nanty).
Have fun and be safe!
As for the Pigeon, it's going to be a bit more exciting but nothing big or scary. The water will not be nearly as cold as the Nantahala. Personally, I'd still stay near the Nanty though just because of the center, restaurant, etc. there. You can watch people run through the "falls" which were considered a class V rapid years back. (called a III now).
Ocoee is solid class III with a couple IV's. Not sure how adventurous your kids are, but it would certainly get their attention quick (hour drive from the Nanty).
Have fun and be safe!
