Nantahala River

Categories: Fishing, Picnic Areas, Fishing for Hatchery Supported Trout, Fishing for Wild Trout, Swimming Holes, River Rafting, Tubing & Kayaking, Easy Access/Roadside Picnics

Highlights

  • The Nantahala River creates a stunning cascade of North Carolina Waterfalls and North Carolina White Water
  • An eight mile stretch of waves and swift current await, as you experience Nantahala River Rafting
  • Picnics, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking and more can be enjoyed along this stretch of NC white water

The Local Scoop

Located below the lake and flowing into the Nantahala Gorge, The Nantahala River creates a stunning cascade of North Carolina Waterfalls and North Carolina White Water. The gorge is one of the country's prime white water rafting rivers. It is an eight miles stretch of waves and swift current bringing exciting adrenaline pumping experiences you won't soon forget as you experience Nantahala River Rafting. The entire trip down theNantahala River takes a little over three hours and is almost consistently a Class I and Class II rapids River in NC. The river also is one of the South's most celebrated trout-fishing waters, especially the Wayah Road and Old River Road areas. 

The Nantahala Gorge has been chosen as the site of the 2013 International World Freestyle Kayaking Championships. Up to 500 paddlers from 40 to 50 countries and spectators will flock to the gorge September 2-8, 2013.

Back to top

Difficulty Levels

  • Fishing1/5What's this?
Coordinates
35.301887, -83.653829
Nearest City
Bryson City
County
Swain County
Distance From
Bryson City:  10.6 miles
Nantahala Lake:  18 miles