Whitewater Rafting in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge mountains are well known for outdoor activities and adventures, one of the most popular being whitewater rafting. Those same creeks and rivers that make the region so beautiful are also a fun and challenging excursion.

There are tons of rivers to choose from, such as the Nantahala in North Carolina, the Ocoee in Tennessee leading into the Toccoa in North Georgia, and the Chattooga, which runs through North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, and is perhaps best known for its appearance in the movie Deliverance. These rivers provide a selection of difficulty ratings for any rafter to enjoy, regardless of experience and skill level.

Class I - Easy. Practically no obstructions and the river can be easily and safely navigated by a beginner.
Class II - Novice. Some obstacles, with straightforward rapids, and easily navigated with some experience.
Class III - Intermediate. Strong currents, with moderate rapids and irregular waves. Some consider this to be the beginning of true "whitewater".
Class IV - Advanced. Smaller passages, more obstacles, and stronger currents which will require quick maneuvering. Very dangerous to less experienced rafters.
Class V - Expert. Long and violent rapids, potentially large drops, and many obstructions requiring quick maneuvering. Very strong current. Dangerous even to experienced rafters.
Class VI - Extreme or "unraftable". While some highly trained, expert rafters have run class VI rivers, it is extremely dangerous and can easily result in serious injury or death.

Most rapids around the Blue Ridge Mountains area range from Class II to Class IV.

There are plenty of rafting companies who offer guided adventures on the major whitewater rivers in the region, so if you're ready for something a little more exciting but not yet ready to go it alone, an experienced guide can help you safely down a more difficult route.

Of course, there's a lot more you can do than just rafting. Tubing and kayaking are also great ways to enjoy the water, with equipment rentals and guides available to help you out.