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. More challenging runs, including Class IV and V rapids depending on conditions, await upstreamtoward the Nantahala Dam in the Nantahala Cascades. Here are some of the regions top river outfitters and the streams they serve: Experience the Best in Southern Appalachian Whitewater Rafting With an Asheville Home Base. is located in the Cumberland Plateau just south of Crossville, TN. The Upper Pigeon offers a full dose of Class III excitement and Smoky Mountain scenery in just three short hours, making it the perfect addition to your Smoky Mountains vacation! Usually is a matter of personal opinion as what may be of good value to one may not to another but for me as a train enthusiast and also nature/outdoors activities it is something I like and enjoy and see the price tag as reasonably fair.benny. Check out the other Nantahala River things to do. USGS. Let us help you plan coinciding Upper Pigeon River Whitewater and Lower Pigeon River Scenic Family Float Trips. Call us toll-free at 800-330-1999. No matter how you purchase tickets, theyll be waiting at will call. While the river itself runs along the road, theres still plenty of beautiful scenery thanks to the surrounding views of the Nantahala Gorge. All Rights Reserved. Enjoy these top-grade Southern Appalachian flowsand some breathtaking sceneryon a river trip here! NOC's 18,000 square-foot flagship store sits at the downtown Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Contact the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad at (800) 872-4681 if you have special dietary needs. Our guide's name was Chris and he was great with the kids. This is the first red raspberry to be released from this breeding program in over 50 years. The Nantahala River is within the Nantahala National Forest and near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of the great tributaries of the French Broad, draining into it out of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Pigeon is another super-popular whitewater drainage with plenty of crowd-pleasing variety. (Its broader watershed extends to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the U.S. east of the Mississippi.) It was wonderful and the kids loved it. nantahala run on friday july the 13th..me, austin wilson and met Dennis Taylor, he has run the river many times, so thanks for being our pseudo guide.next . car you do not get a personal tour guide but an occasional pre recorded tour speaker. 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. The Polar Express Christmas special event during November and December based on the classic childrens book about a magical train ride to the North Pole is one of the most popular rides that the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers. Site name This is the official name of the site in the database. Route 1652 to NC Route 772. or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. I found it incredibly diverting, relaxing and fascinating. Lots of adult beverage options. Get The Smoky Mountain Insider Straight To Your Inbox . Entrance to the parking lot is located at: Plan on being here by1 hourbefore your departure. Our full-day option combines the Middle Ocoee with an extra five miles of intense class III and IV rapids including a run down the 1996 Olympic whitewater slalom course. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is perfect for families, church groups, Scout programs and all outdoor enthusiasts. We had snacks, lunch and even champagne. 2. Also, similarly named rivers are . Guests who take a ride on the Smoky Mountain Railroad will get complimentary admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. There are plenty of great whitewater rafting destinations in Tennessee and North Carolina in fact, here are the best 50 rivers in the Southeast. Oconaluftee River, Western North Carolina. Reserve Now by calling us at 865-430-3838. I think you have to figure out what works best for you. By Brittany Mendez on September 20th, 2021, By Brittany Mendez on January 11th, 2023. We especially love the fact that it doesnt feel touristy. Running a steep and gorgeous course from Blue Ridge headwaters near Cashiers to Tugaloo Lake, the Chattooga was classified as a federal Wild & Scenic River in 1974, and part of its rapids-strewn course figured prominently in the classic film Deliverance. Nantahala River rafting happens daily all season, no matter how hot the summer is or how little rain might choose to fall! 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. Nantahala Weather in July Simply take Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and go just a bit further. Forest Service Road 475-A @ Cove Creek to Low Head Dam (Upper) Below Recom. If you are more experienced, an unguided trip in either rafts or inflatable kayaks will allow you to go at your own pace, with just your friends and family. Bryson City, NC besides being the hometown of former NFL quarterback Heath Shuler is most famous for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Welcome to r/whitewater! 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! There are seasonal rides, diesel rides and steam rides. Bill. Just a great train ride and all the views to see . Bryson City also offers the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, which, I suppose if youre really, really into fly fishing, is a place you can go. It was a very long unhappy experience, never again !! Its highly recommended that you book early if you wish to ride the Polar Express as it is one of the most popular events in the Smokies. Nantahala River 2022 Bypass Release Dates from the Nantahala Dam: April 23 - 250 cfs - 10 am to 4 pm April 24 - 350 cfs - 10 am to 4 pm June 10 - 250 cfs - 4 pm to 7 pm July 1 - 250 cfs - 4 pm to 7 pm July 8 - 250 cfs - 4 pm to 7 pm August 5 - 250 cfs - 4 pm to 7 pm We also received a GSMRR tote bag before we disembarked. old and up with a minimum weight of 60 lbs. Where your trip begins!3299 Hartford RoadHartford, TN 37753, TripsPackagesGroup InfoCouponsReviewsDirectionsContact Us, Read Our BlogFAQsCancellation PolicyAffiliationsEmployment. Due to the range of rapids that can be experienced here and a lack of experienced guides only experienced boaters should venture to the Obed River. Received a phone call today. Nantahala National Forest is the largest national forest in North Carolina, covering over 530,000 acres. We guarantee the class of service you select. 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. SeeClasses of Servicefor the various class descriptions and pricing. Smoky Mtn. *During the month of December Nantahala Gorge Winter Trains, all layovers will be 30mins. Limited bar service available. The first mile of the Upper is considerable "tamer" than the remainder of the Ocoee and allows you to acclimate to rafting at a slower pace. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-42405992', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Gatlinburg area it is much closer too than driving all the way to Bryson City. Would definitely recommend. View the current schedule on their website. At 54 x 84 its the perfect size for two to keep warm during our cool mornings. Thanks for the replies everyone. However, there is a family-friendly section of the Nolichucky River the Lower Nolichucky! Choose from a tubing trip, or try out a variety of river crafts like kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. Much better with an interactive host. I got some beautiful pictures and it wasnt just of woods, neither. Also received a GSMRR stemless wine glass with a purchase of a local wine. 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. Thats due to the fact that the river is designated a National Wild and Scenic River and is operated by the National Park Service. to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. to schedule your family-friendly rafting adventure in the Smokies. [Photos], A Guide to Synchronous Fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains [2023], Buc-ees Sevierville TN Opening Date Delayed [2023], 17 New Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Surrounding Areas [2023]. Read Also: Road to Nowhere, the dam road that was never completed in Bryson City. 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 . Have you seen the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains by train? People do your homework before moving or visiting down South. Final numbers for the 2014 rafting season will be available in the spring of 2015. It has been years ago but I took my son on the lower pigeon before he was old enough for the upper. No. Generally, you can expect to pay between $58-119 per adult, depending on your selection. Most of the journey along the Little Tennessee will be Class I-II rapids, but the end can produce Class III rapids, especially if there has been a hard rain. Enjoyable ride, gorgeous scenery. New - Our canopy tours will now accommodate kids 8 yrs. 1. We just enjoyed a short stay in Bryson City. Tennessee - Ocoee River, Pigeon River, Watauga River and Nolichucky River. This was going to be something I handed down in my family Making memories with my grandchildren and still plan to do so at GSMR as long as they contact me to make this right. While it is scenic and quiet the river trip flows some 400 feet deep through a sandstone gorge water levels and conditions can vary drastically due to rain and other conditions. 9. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford! It depends. The regular Tuckasegee River Excursion to Dillsboro, NC is a 4 hour excursion. You hereby irrevocably grant permission to the host railroad, licensor, sponsor(s) and/or their assigns to use, copy, display, distribute, exhibit and utilize your name, image, digital image, likeness, acts, poses, voice, appearance, movements and statements in any live or recorded audio, video or photographic display or other transmission, exhibition, publication or reproduction of same, including at the Excursion/ Event (regardless of whether before, during or after the Excursion/ Event) for any purpose, in any manner, in any medium or context now known or hereafter developed without further authorization from or any compensation to you or anyone acting or entitled to act on your Behalf. We found out the best car was the open air gondola premium first class to be excellent. Box lunch was average but I wasnt there for the food. Safety Route 2145 Bridge to Route 2309. Have been on the Great Smokie Railrod several times. in Tennessee! Just let them know your concerns and they will take good care of u. Next time well plan for time to visit more of this quaint Southern town! Nantahala NC Lodging December 18, 2016. 2022 Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The price is way to high for what you get. You will find us strategically based alongside the Nantahala River, outside Bryson City, NC - the epicenter for multi-sport outdoor vacations near the Smoky Mountain National Park. Watauga River, East Tennessee & Western North Carolina. The Upper Ocoee which starts upstream of the Middle is in a remote and beautiful canyon. Theres so much to do and see in the Great Smoky Mountains. Otherwise, admission is $9 for ages 12 and up and $5 for ages 3-11 years. Adults (21+) are served amealby the cars attendant. Our AffiliatesGatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, Gatlinburg Hospitality and Tourism Association, and Pigeon Forge Hospitality and Tourism Association. The original zipline canopy tour in Western North Carolina, Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours offers 11 different zip lines and 7 sky bridges. When he was 8 we did both the Natahala and the Pigeon. From flat water floats spent soaking up the scenery and watching for ospreys to exhilarating rides down heavy-duty canyon rapids, Ashevilles river-running can hold its own with just about anywhere! Theres just something soothing about it. Tucked into the beautiful Smoky Mountains, our Wildwater Nantahala Center has changing rooms and hot showers, a River Store and free Wi-Fi. The Pigeon River is much more fun in my opinion and I have done both rivers. Hi Florence! The Nolichucky Gorge of the upper river includes a couple dozen named rapids ranging up to Class IV, and presents quite the wilderness odyssey. . The tiny North Carolina town of Bryson City sits just beyond Cherokee on Highway 19in thebeauty of the Western North Carolina mountains. Rivers End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to come enjoy delicious food and spectacular views of the gorge. 475, 2nd pull off to Sycamore Flats (Lower Davidson) Entrance to the parking lot is located at: 5 days before departure with the exception of The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. No matter how you purchase tickets, theyll be waiting at will call. . I have a swimming pool in my backyard to practice in. The Pigeon is more exciting and less crowded (I've canoed both), but the Nantahala still has plenty of whitewater, especially for kids who haven't rafted before. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours and unique yurts and group lodge within walking distance. 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. I was never into trains. Ultimate Guide to Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking in Asheville, NC, Asheville Weather and Average Temperatures by Month, Asheville Amadeus Festival: Connect with Ashevilles Most Innovative Creatives, Celebrate All Things Baked at the Asheville Bread Festival, 10 Ideas for a Self-Care Getaway to Asheville, Your Guide to Pet Friendly Cabins in Asheville NC, Blue Heron Whitewater (French Broad River), USA Raft (Nolichucky River, French Broad River), Carolina Outfitters (Nantahala River, Ocoee River), Endless River Adventures (Nantahala River, Ocoee River, Cheoah River), Wildwater Rafting (Chattooga River, Ocoee River, Pigeon River, Nantahala River), Rolling Thunder River Co. (Nantahala River, Ocoee/Toccoa River). These 2 sections are separated by a power plant. Balsam Mountain Campground is located in a relatively remote part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. First Class with dining features assigned seating at a dining table in a climate controlled car with large picture windows, and are served a. by the cars attendant. The Green River is another dam-release flow with an awesome spectrum of difficulty, ranging from the no-problem Class I and II float of the Lower Green and the Class III rodeo of the Upper to the highly regarded, Class V Green River Narrows. No coolers permitted on the river. Approx. Looking for the best activity deal? Rapids will depend on where your journey begins and ends, but most rafting trips with outfitters from North Carolina and Tennessee will range from Class II-III possibly a Class IV drop if your journey includes Frank Bells Rapid. 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. 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. Near Sevierville, Tennessee, it receives the flow of the Little Pigeon River before joining the Holston River in Knox County at the place known as Forks of the River to form the Tennessee River. Alternatively, you may use, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Forum, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Rentals, Flights to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Restaurants near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide. 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. Spot for locals and visitors to come enjoy delicious food and spectacular views of Nolichucky. X27 ; s 18,000 square-foot flagship store sits at the downtown Gatlinburg to... 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