Rafting
TAKING A TRIP DOWN RIVER
For families, outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers alike, Jackson County’s three whitewater rivers are sure to deliver with difficulty ranging from Class I to Class IV.
Whether you’re looking for action-packed rafting on the Tuckasegee, a wild and scenic ride down the Chattooga, or a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Oconaluftee, you simply can’t go wrong with a day on the rapids in Jackson county. A number of local companies are available to rent rafts, canoes, kayaks and tubes. And you can choose from a solo trek or a guided trip with a seasoned rafting expert.
The Tuckasegee River flows through scenic mountain valleys and several quaint communities and is the most prominent whitewater river in Jackson County. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2024 are April 27-28, June 8, July 6 & 27, August 10 & 24.
Tuckaseegee Outfitters allows for five-mile solo or guided trips from Dillsboro to their outfitters at Barkers Creek Crossing. The rafting trip follows the “S” curve of the Tuck, and the rapids are beginner and family-friendly. Float trips last about 2-3 hours. The first few miles of the river flows in and around several islands and toward the end of the trip, rapids pick up speed and appear closer together. Rafting trips including kayaks, tubes or rafts range from $12 to $30 per person. Tuckaseegee Outfitters are open from May through September. www.raftnc.com
Smoky Mountain River Adventures provides white water rafting for the whole family, including children as small as 40lbs. They rent inflatable kayaks for one or two people, as well as rafts. You may choose to have a river guide to help tame the rapids or have your own adventure! www.smokymountainriveradventures.com
Dillsboro River Company provides family-friendly whitewater rafting on the Tuckasegee River, just outside of Dillsboro, Sylva, and Bryson City, North Carolina. The Tuckasegee is the ideal river for first-time rafters, families with young children (minimum age limit is 4), and those who want more of a relaxing river trip with warmer water and the milder Class I & II rapids. www.northcarolinarafting.com
The Chattooga River starts at the base of Whiteside Mountain in Jackson County, southwest of Cashiers. This wild and scenic river stretches 57 miles and is a tributary of the Tugaloo River. Most of the whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River can be found south of Jackson County in western South Carolina and northeast Georgia.