While there are kayak, canoe and boat rentals that let you explore the five nearby mountain lakes at a leisurely pace, it’s the whitewater rafting trips that draw more than 20,000 tourists each year with the promise of fun and adventure. The Chattooga River, classified as a national wild and scenic river in 1974, is one of the few remaining free-flowing streams in the Southeast. Group rafting trips or individual canoe or kayaking trips promise wet thrills along the river’s class III, IV and V rapids.
Find the outfitter to guide you through your whitewater adventure or just find the gear to create your own. Either way, memories of your paddling adventure will last a lifetime.
- Southeastern Expeditions: Section IV has many rapids. Motor tow across 2 mile lake. Section III trip ideal for novices. Outpost 7 miles east of Clayton on Hwy. 76. Reservations. (706)782-4331or (800)868-7238.
- Nantahala Outdoor Center: Whitewater rafting on a choice of five rivers. Half-day, full-day, and overnight trips available. Levels II through IV. (800)232-7238.
- Wildwood Outfitters: Canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and tubing along the Chattahoochee River. All your outdoor needs available at a retail store. (800)553-2715 or (706)865-4451
- Wildwater Ltd: Whitewater rafting on the Chattooga, Nantahala, Ocoee and Pigeon Rivers with Wildwater Ltd. 35 years of whitewater experience on Southeastern USA rivers. (800) 451-9972
