Have you seen the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains by train? 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. The Nantahala River is within the Nantahala National Forest and near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. 3 by the American Outdoors Association for the top destinations for whitewater rafting in the United States. Pigeon VS Nahida. Come see for yourself why the Pigeon River has been ranked among the top whitewater rafting rivers in the country! Add an official Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Fleece Blanket to your reservation for just $32! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The holiday-themed rides are usually shorter and less scenic. He had a blast. Most of the journey along the Little Tennessee will be Class I-II rapids, but the. French Broad River, West North Carolina & East Tennessee. Everyone over the age of 2 years old receives a souvenir tumbler with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day! We were treated Very rudely by the staff and made to feel unwelcome. With special arrangements we offer guided inflatable kayak trips! Thanks for the replies everyone. Enjoyable ride, gorgeous scenery. Be sure not to miss this take-out spot, as dangerous Class V rapids at Lower Nantahala Falls begin just downstream. There are plenty of great whitewater rafting destinations in Tennessee and North Carolina in fact, here are the best 50 rivers in the Southeast. Its name derives from a Cherokee word roughly translating to Land of the Noonday Sun: a good description of the watersheds deep, shady, heavily forested gorges. First Class with dining features assigned seating at a dining table in a climate controlled car with large picture windows, and are served ameal by the cars attendant. However, the river has experienced a major environmental recovery over the years, and it is now home to a flourishing ecosystem. For more information on whitewater rapids and your safety, visit. By special arrangement we offer guided ducky trips that allow you the experience of getting to captain your own boat, but with an experienced leader. What To Know About the Shows Creatures, What Is the Upside Down House in Pigeon Forge? He was very polite. We especially love the fact that it doesnt feel touristy. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Departing from Bryson City, this 4-hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back again. Share This Trip. Preorder your boxed lunch to enjoy onboard dining! Prices vary by season, ticket, age and train experience. If you all had listened to the train personnel you would have been given the history of this poor southern city. Lower Pigeon River rafting adventures are designed for thrill seekers as young as 3 years old, and children ages 3-7 can even ride for free, as long as theyre riding with another paid trip. Also the road to nowhere is awesome as well. Premium Open Air Gondola with dining features assigned seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and a roof above to protect passengers from the elements. car you do not get a personal tour guide but an occasional pre recorded tour speaker. Another option for easy Class II rapids (with plenty of time between rapids) is the upper section of the Red Roof Run, just above the dam. We only went about 22 miles, not even to the Nantahala Gorge, then the train went into reverse back to the Depot, arriving at 6pm. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. Appalachian Rivers Outpost of Carolina Outfitters, Inc. on the Nantahala River. Following are some local rafting companies on the Cheoah, Chattooga, Nolichucky, Ocoee and Pigeon rivers: Carolina Outfitters, (Ocoee and Nantahala rivers) U.S. 74 west, Wesser, west of Bryson . 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. Get The Smoky Mountain Insider Straight To Your Inbox . That feeling returned watching the museums trains wind their way through the tiny tunnels. I would recommend that you ride the train because it was my first time ever being on a train and Im 56 and I absolutely loved it. There are numerous options for both food and drink available onboard the train, at and around the depot, and at layovers. Hope that helps! The Pigeon River is dam-controlled and split into two segments: the Upper and the Lower Pigeon River. SeeClasses of Servicefor the various class descriptions and pricing. 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. The upper river is under delayed harvest regulations. to schedule your family-friendly rafting adventure in the Smokies. They have no fear. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is a 4.5 hour excursion that travels along the beautiful Nantahala River Gorge. These factors, along with being a great training ground for those who are new to river sports, make the Nantahala one of the most rafted/paddled rivers in the United States. This wonderful introduction to whitewater rafting takes just over 3 hours, contains numerous class I and II rapids, and ends with an exciting class III rapid, Nantahala Falls! Easily accessible for those visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or the national park in Eastern Tennessee. . 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. Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small-town life in western North Carolina. Once arriving at the depot, please make the ticket office staff aware of your need for assisted boarding. 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 Nantahala is considered the classic Southeastern run for beginner paddlers its relatively safe, offers opportunities for boat play, and water is dependable, thanks to scheduled water releases from the dam. We must finished the Upper Pidgeon River rafting using Smokey Mountain Rafting Companyand loved it. As did our 10 year old. The Obed River is located in the Cumberland Plateau just south of Crossville, TN. Theres just something soothing about it. If you are planning a trip to Dollywood and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, here the Top 10 RV Parks and Camping options. Had a great tour guide. Theres so much to do and see in the Great Smoky Mountains. As part of the Pigeon Rivers resurgence, recreational whitewater rafting started to become popular in both the Upper and the Lower parts of the river. While its considered one of the best whitewater rivers in the Southeast for Class II-IV rapids, there are no commercial outfitters to take visitors on guided rafting tours. Nantahala National Forest is the largest national forest in North Carolina, covering over 530,000 acres. is located in the Cumberland Plateau just south of Crossville, TN. Also, keep in mind that rapids on free-flowing rivers arent as dependable as rivers with dam-controlled, scheduled releases; free-flowing rivers rapids are subject to heavy rains, drought, and more. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. As with the French Broad, the Nantahalacontrolled by dam release in its lower, most popular portionincludes stretches suitable for both beginner and expert river runners. Great way to spend a day, Bryson city is definitely the place to be Ive been twice this year and otw bacc again on the 19th will have more to say soon im sure. Would definitely recommend. It includes a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Gorge where guests can relax by the river or go sightseeing. Took the GSMRR excursion on our last visit and really enjoyed it. I just wanna fish, tube ,and cookout. You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. 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. 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. Which is the winner ? The Pigeon River is much more fun in my opinion and I have done both rivers. While the river drains into portions of three national forests, it also provides the southwestern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We guarantee the class of service you select. NOC Gatlinburg carries everything necessary to enjoy excursions into the Smokies including our signature "gifts, gear and guidance.". Share the splashes and smiles! The water at the dam is released from the bottom of Nantahala lake so it is a chilly 50 degrees year round! The Nantahala Outdoor Center in Nantahala Gorge is one of the best resources in our nation for paddling guides and instructors or just a rent-a-raft float down the Nanny. Thanks for the advice! Also, keep in mind that rapids on free-flowing rivers arent as dependable as rivers with dam-controlled, scheduled releases; free-flowing rivers rapids are subject to heavy rains, drought, and more. . If you haven't rafted before, I'd do the Nantahala to see how all of you react. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: 60 mi: Asheville: 74 mi: Atlanta: 155 mi: Directions to Nantahala Purchase Trip Photos. Site name This is the official name of the site in the database. This was a trip we did for our 37th anniversary, and we would both do it again. Other privately owned campgrounds include Nantahala Tiny Homes and RV Park where you can rent tent sites, 30A or 50A hook ups, or two adorable tiny houses. Look into the, Smokemont Campground to Birdtown stretch of the Oconaluftee River, (11.5 miles long and classified as Class II-III rapids), or theres a short 3.2-mile run along the river with one Class III rapid named , Whether youre visiting Tennessee or the Southeast with hopes of trying whitewater rafting for the first time, or youre looking to try a new activity on your thrilling staycation in your home state, we hope that weve helped you find an easy, novice, and family-friendly river with rapids you can manage right here in Tennessee. I go on the Hiwasee fairly often as well with my friends in my kayak but these last five weekends have been the Nanty. I took my granddaughter this time This was her 1st trip. While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. The company cites safety and comfort reasons. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. 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. Limited bar service available. 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! Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Model Train Museum. Children under 3 are free. You can also book packages. U.S. Geological Survey. The train ride was the draw, but the Fryemont Inn is why we are already planning to return. Experienced Class II rafters and kayakers will enjoy putting-in at Potters Ford and paddling to Obed Junction where Daddy Creek flows into the river. While the river itself runs along the road, theres still plenty of beautiful scenery thanks to the surrounding views of the Nantahala Gorge. Watauga River, East Tennessee & Western North Carolina. Crown Class features assigned seating in a climate controlled car with large picture windows. ?EVERY PENNY!!! Good to hear such a promising review! While enchanting, this gorges height blocks the sun until around noon, and forty-five degree, dam-released waters make this a chilly run. While enchanting, this gorges height blocks the sun until around noon, and forty-five degree, dam-released waters make this a chilly run. We took the train ride on Aug.11 and enjoyed it. The mountains turn silvery green quickly, and wildflowers are blossoming.Alex and Michael's April 2022 Outdoor. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg is the place that would better suit you! It was wonderful and the kids loved it. We all had a wonderful time and at the end of the ride they gave all of the rider groups (5) scenic bags each and that was nice of them to do because they will definitely come in handy. After crossing into Tennessee, the French Broad receives the waters of both the Pigeon River and the Nolichucky River just northwest of Newport, Tennessee. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. From their website: Call 800-872-4681 to speak with a GSMR representative who can assist in arranging and making reservations for your visit. For example, the Tarzan Train includes a ziplining tour. Received a phone call today. 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. An exciting half day guided rafting trip for families and those looking for outdoor adventure in the Smokies. The Pigeon River is one of the most popular rivers for whitewater rafting in fact, it was ranked No. 7. Please note that different rivers with the same name will be grouped together. The best part of all is that no experience is required to take either of our trips! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-42405948', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Gatlinburg area it is much closer too than driving all the way to Bryson City. Dine onsite, shop in the Outfitters store and stay in mountainside lodging. The Pigeon River is much more fun in my opinion and I have done both rivers. Nantahala Weather in April By April, temperatures in Nantahala are rapidly warming up, with highs in the low 70s and nighttime lows in the 40s or 50s. Nantahala NC Lodging December 18, 2016. Pigeon River Ranked #3 Among Top Whitewater Rafting Rivers in the U.S. These rivers are a . 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