Nantahala Gorge: Rafting, Zip Lines, Jeep Tours

The spectacular Nantahala Gorge, located in Nantahala National Forest, is one of America's favorite playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. It's located at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a short distance from Cherokee and Bryson City. It's about 75 miles from Asheville (an easy drive). "Nantahala" comes from the Cherokee language and means "Land of the Noonday Sun." The river runs through a narrow and steep gorge where, in some areas, the sun only reaches the ground when it is directly overhead during the middle of the day. Making its way along the floor of the gorge are the white-capped waters of the Nantahala River, a mecca for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. This beautiful river is a spectacle of wonder as it rushes along its nine-mile course and then cascades into the tranquil waters of Fontana Lake.

Things to do at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and Wildwater Nantahala Gorge Adventure Center

Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities without moving the car with these outfitters! Here are some of their options:

Whitewater Rafting
Clear, cool water, constant waves, and swift currents make the Nantahala River a delight for all ages interested in an exhilarating introduction to whitewater rafting. The trip takes over three hours and contains numerous class I and II rapids, with a class III at the end. Both Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and Wildwater Rafting offer fully guided trips. Since the Nantahala River is a dam-controlled river, one can expect good water flows at all times of the year. The trip takes over three hours and is perfect for first-timers. 

Insider tip: The water is COLD year-round. This can feel refreshing, but we recommend you wear quick-drying synthetic clothes because you will get wet. Also, you are required to wear shoes that have a strap for your heel. It is not safe (and not allowed) to wear slip-on sandal, flip-flops, or Crocs.

Raft & Inflatable Kayak Rentals
If you are confident with your paddling skills and want to go at your own pace, a rental trip may be for you. These seasoned outfitters provide the orientation, equipment, shuttle, and use of their facilities. You are on your own on the river. Get 4 and 6-person rafts, as well as 1 and 2-person inflatable kayaks seven days a week. NOC and Wildwater each provide all the gear, as well as transportation to and from the river. 

Zip Line Canopy Tours
There a multiple options for taking zip ling canopy tours in the gorge. You don't have to be particularly athletic to enjoy this activity; you should be in good physical condition (check with your doctor beforehand if you have any conditions or concerns) and be able to easily raise your arms over your head (you need that for speed control and braking). It is generally suitable for people weighing 60-250 pounds who are comfortable with heights, but check with each outfitter for their age and weight guidelines. We'll give you an overview of NOC's NOC’s Mountaintop Zipline and Treetop Adventure Park + Zip, and also the Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours by Wildwater. Both are great courses for both beginners or experienced zippers.

NOC's Ziplining Activities

Nantahala Outdoor Center offers two ways to get airborne. The guided Zip Line Tour sends you nearly a half-mile through the air at to 350 feet above the forest floor. You'll have sweeping views of the Nantahala Gorge, Fontana Lake, and the Smokies. You'll be provided with safety equipment including helmets, harnesses, gloves, and more. Ask your guide if you have any questions.

Alternately, you can choose the self-guided Treetop Adventure Park. It layers ziplines with its sky bridges, tightropes, and spiderwebs up to 60 feet high in a multi-level challenge course.

NOC Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour

Enjoy a thrilling rush for those adrenaline-pumping adventure seekers during the Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour (ages 10+). Soar under the night sky with the guidance of the full moon and the nightlife around you.

NOC's zip lines operate March through October, but always check their website when making plans to visit. 

Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours by Wildwater 

Enjoy a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change at Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours by Wildwater. You will feel as if you are gliding through the forest. There are a few elevated "swinging" bridges to cross. But you are always attached safely to a cable, in addition to being provided safety equipment including gloves, harnesses, and helmets. 

Enjoy a half-mile of air time with three Sky Bridges and multiple transfer bridges, more than a dozen zipline sections alternating between slope side, trees, and elevated platforms, and 20 scenic and unspoiled acres of flying area, all within the heavily wooded setting in the Nantahala National Forest. An 85-foot overlook bridge provides vast views of the Nantahala Gorge, Lake Fontana, and the Smokies. Two new 500' long ziplines fly you 300' above Lake Fontana.

It's more than a zip line ride since you will glide through multiple ecosystems in a deciduous forest packed with native flowering plants such as mountain laurel, dogwood, rhododendron, giant Frazier magnolia, rare umbrella magnolia, silver bells, and many more. 

Wildwater also has a Kid Zip for ages 4-12. Wildwater's zip lines operate April  through October, but check their website before visiting. 

Jeep Waterfall Tour
This two-hour guided waterfall tour by Wildwater Nantahala Gorge Adventure Center takes you on a personal exploration up the mountain to some of the most spectacular waterfalls and lakes in the Nantahala area. Travel past beautiful lakes and up to the Appalachian Trail in a Jeep® Wrangler converted vehicle, with an extended rear to accommodate five passengers and a plexiglass canopy over the roof.

Rails & Trails
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers many scenic and theme rides year-round. You can even combine a train ride with a Jeep tour. You'll begin your trip in Bryson City with a two-hour train ride over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. At the top-of-the-line disembark from the train and climb aboard our customized Jeep® for a personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls, up to the Appalachian Trail, and back down along Winding Stairs Rd, an old stagecoach route. In all, this is a seven-hour adventure. 

Yurts Glamping, Cabins, and More 
For a very memorable and unique time, stay the night at Wildwater's Falling Waters Yurt Village, steps from the rafting and zip lines. The yurts are 16-foot diameter circular tent-style structures with outdoor decks, skylights, french doors, windows, ceiling fans, queen-size beds, refrigerators, coffee makers, and polished knotty pine floors with area rugs. Amenities include water at each site, drink machines, laundry, and a picnic area with grills. The yurts share private, lockable bathrooms with a stall shower, vanity, and toilet. The bathhouse and laundry are located a short distance from the Yurts. 

NOC’s Nantahala Adventure Resort has a variety of lodging options, including, private cabins, modern bungalows, micro-lodge style rooms, and campsites with nearby bathroom facilities. The accommodations are nestled along the forest trails and the riverbank. You can enjoy community fire pits, adirondack chairs, and outdoor dining areas.

Hiking
There are many area hiking trails in the Nantahala National Forest, including treks along the famous Appalachian Trail including Wayah Bald and Wesser Bald.

Location
The Nantahala Gorge Visitor's Center has plenty of information on the area, including hiking maps and reservations for whitewater rafting and other activities. Start your adventures there. GPS Address: 10345 Highway 19 South/74 West, Bryson City, NC 28713

Driving From Asheville, NC: 1.50 hours
Start out going West on I-240 West. Merge onto I-40 W via EXIT 31B toward Canton/Knoxville. Merge onto US-74 W via EXIT 27 toward US-19/Clyde/US-23/Waynesville/Maggie Valley/Franklin/Murphy/Atlanta. Merge onto US-74 W via EXIT 107 toward E Jones Cove. About 12 miles past Bryson City, Hwy 74 narrows from four lanes to two lanes. Go straight, staying on Hwy 74 West. Wildwater's Nantahala Gorge Adventure Center is 1.8 miles past the 74/28 fork on the left. Falling Waters Adventure Resort & Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours are on the right across the street from the Nantahala Adventure Center.

Nantahala Adventure Center
Read about NOC's yearround 500-acre playground for outdoor lovers, with biking, hiking, adventure competitions (including the annual Spring Fling), dining, shopping, in addition to rafting and kayaking. 

The Adventure Center of Asheville
Read about their outdoor adventures near downtown Asheville.