Southeast offers variety of rafting adventures

Thousands of years ago, Native Americans paddled the rivers of the Southeast. Now it's thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts filling up these waterways, turning them into popular whitewater rafting destinations.

Just a day trip away from Atlanta are some of the Southeast’s best rivers for rafting: the Ocoee, Chattooga and Nantahala. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced river rat, each one offers a blood-pumping adventure. So grab your bathing suit, a pair of river shoes and some dry clothes for afterward, and you’re on your way to adventure.

NANTAHALA RIVER

Located in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina, the Nantahala River accommodates the beginning rafter, but that doesn’t mean visitors are exempt from an adventure, according to Carolyn Allison, a rafting expert with Wildwater Ltd. Rafting. Notable rapids include Patton’s Run, named after a local one-armed man who was an expert rafter in the 1970s, and Nantahala Falls, a spot where experienced kayakers and rafters show off “surfing” tricks for onlookers. The Nantahala River has Class I, II and III rapids along the eight-mile stretch. “It moves along quickly and there are pretty good little dips,” Allison said. The Nantahala -- or Natty, as the locals call it -- is a constant 50 degrees, even on the hottest days of the year. Children must be at least seven years old and weigh 60 pounds or more to ride the rapids.

Side trip: While in the area, visitors might consider taking a 45-minute drive to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This forest is thick with yellow poplars that date back 400 years, and there are plenty of easy to moderate hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Free. 1133 Massey Branch Rd., Robbinsville, N.C. 828-479-6431. www.main.nc.us

IF YOU GO

Eat

Thirteen Moons Restaurant at the Nantahala Village. Chef James Reaux, who has cooked for six presidents and been featured on the “Today Show,” serves traditional meals ranging from black and blue filet mignon to trout. Nantahala Village Resort and Spa, 9400 U.S. 19 W., Bryson City, N.C., 800-438-1507. www.nvnc.com

Stay

Falling Waters Adventure Resort. Tourists stay in yurt cabins, which are soft-sided luxury tents that give visitors a combination of an outdoor camping experience with modern flair. $84. 10345 U.S. 19, Bryson City, N.C. 877-247-5535. www.fallingwatersresort.com

Rafting outfitters

Wildwater Ltd. Rafting. Fees for guided tours range from $19-$99. 877-247-5535. www.wildwaterrafting.com

Nantahala Outdoor Center. Guided tour fees for the Nantahala River are $46. 888-905-7238. www.noc.com

Info

Swain County Chamber of Commerce. 828-488-3681. www.greatsmokies.com

OCOEE RIVER

The Ocoee River in Tennessee was the site of the 1996 Olympics kayaking competition, and rafting on the river has only grown in popularity since. The dam-controlled river gives rafters a speedy five miles of Class III and Class IV rapids, many with nicknames such as Godzilla, Humongous and Diamond Splitter. Although it’s not uncommon for rafters to get bounced out of the boat, the tour guides know their boundaries and they consistently put safety first, said Angie Arp, owner of Ocoee Rafting. Some risk-takers enjoy getting thrown out of the raft, just to enjoy that extra thrill. You don’t have to be an experienced rafter to take on the challenge of the Ocoee; just leave it in the hands of an outfitters rafting guide. Children must be 12 or older to raft the Ocoee.

Side trip: Horseback riding along the mountain trails is a popular activity for landlubbers. Coker Creek Village and Blanche Manor are just two of the many stables. Polk County Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. 877-790-2157. www.ocoeecountry.com

IF YOU GO

Eat

Ocoee Dam Deli & Diner. Water-logged guests can dry off from their rafting adventure by ordering wraps, fried pickles or sandwiches, such as the popular Hoover Dam Ham Sandwich and the Hiwassee Dam Cheeseburger. $5.75-$13.99. 1223 U.S. 64, Ocoee, Tenn. 423-338-8184.

Stay

Quest Cabins. Tourists can relax and stay in cabins on the 25-acre wooded property, located just nine miles from rafting outposts. $125-$190. 25 Benton Springs Rd., Benton, Tenn. 800-277-4537. www.questexpeditions.com

Rafting outfitters

Ocoee Adventure Center. Rafting guide tours range from $54-$109. 4651 U.S. 61, Benton, Tenn. 888-723-8622. www.ocoeeadventurecenter.com

Ocoee Outdoors. $32-$89. 1985 U.S. 64, Benton, Tenn. 800-533-7767. www.ocoeeoutdoors.com

Info

Polk County Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. 877-790-2157. www.ocoeecountry.com

CHATTOOGA RIVER

With rapids that have names such as Jaw Bone, Sock-em-Dog, Crack in the Rock and Cork Screw, it’s easy to get intimidated to take on the Chattooga River. The river drops a whopping 90 feet in just a quarter mile, so the rapids carry rafters on a quick and bouncy adventure. Although rafters will get drenched on this river ride, there are plenty of mellow spots along the way. Children must be eight years old to raft the Chattooga.

Side trip: While in the area, stop by the 138-acre Chattooga Belle Farm, located just minutes from the Chattooga River in Long Creek, S.C. Visitors can pick their own fruits from the farm's apple trees, muscadine vines and berry patches. Fruits and vegetables can also be purchased at the Chattooga Belle Farm Store. 454 Damascus Church Rd., Long Creek, S.C. 864-647-9768. www.chattoogabellefarm.com

IF YOU GO

Eat

Humble Pie. Serving everything from pizza to wings to salads to beer, casual visitors wearing flip flops and bathing suits are welcome. $10-$15. 14237 Long Creek Highway, Long Creek, S.C. 864-647-9098. www.chattoogawhitewatershop.com

Stay

Fire Mountain Inn, Cabins and Treehouses. At an elevation of 4,100 feet, guests can stay at the secluded mountain-top hideaway and enjoy long-range mountain views. $205-$385 for two people. 700 Happy Hill Rd., Highlands, N.C. 800-775-4446. www.firemt.com

Rafting outfitters

Southeastern Expeditions. $72-$124. 7350 U.S. 76 E., Clayton, Ga. 800-868-7238. www.southeasternexpeditions.com

Wildwater Ltd. Rafting. Fees for guided tours range from $45-$125. Long Creek, S.C. 877-247-5535. www.wildwaterrafting.com

Info

Rabun County Chamber of Commerce. 706-782-4812. www.gamountains.com

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