NOLICHUCKY RIVER OUTPOST
Nolichucky River Outpost 1201 Rock Creek Road Erwin, TN 37650
THE NEW NOLI — THE SOUTHEAST’S ULTIMATE WHITEWATER ADVENTURE
Welcome to the new era of the Nolichucky. With reshaped rapids, steeper drops, and more sustained Class IV action than ever before, this is no longer just a rafting trip — it’s the most powerful whitewater experience in the Southeast. If you’re ready for a real adventure, this is it.
Carving through the deepest gorge in the Appalachian Mountains, the Nolichucky River slams through a rugged wilderness corridor of sheer rock walls, remote forests, and towering cliffs. For 11 legendary miles, you and your crew will battle a relentless series of technical drops, thundering wave trains, and fast, pushy lines that demand teamwork, focus, and a guide who knows every inch of the river.
This is a true gorge expedition, surrounded by the untouched backcountry of the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests. The canyon walls rise nearly 3,000 feet straight up from the river, wrapping you in a landscape so wild and secluded it feels lost to time.
OUR MOST POPULAR ADVENTURES
Experience Premiere whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky River
The updated Noli now delivers more high-adventure moments than ever: steeper gradients, more powerful water features, longer rapid sequences, and a full-day challenge that keeps the adrenaline pumping from start to finish. Whether you’re chasing your next big hit of whitewater or tackling your first genuine Class IV run, the New Noli stands above every other guided rafting trip in the region.
Wahoo’s exclusive Nolichucky Outpost — just minutes from Erwin and Johnson City — ensures the area’s shortest shuttle, along with restrooms, changing rooms, and a fully stocked outpost to gear up before and unwind after your run.
High water? You’ll charge the canyon in our performance self-bailing rafts built for power and control. Low water? We switch to specialized low-profile craft that were purpose-designed for the technical rock gardens of the Noli. No matter the level, the river delivers — and so do we.
Southeast’s premier high-adventure whitewater experience
Ages 12+
11 miles of Class III–IV+ rapids with increased technicality and intensity
A professional guide in every raft
No exceptions
Remote Appalachian wilderness experience through Pisgah & Cherokee National Forests
Ideal for adventurous families, thrill-seekers, and groups ready for the region’s top river challenge
Approximately 3.5 hours on the water
(Varies with river level)
IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS
The New Noli is not suitable for young children or guests with pre-existing medical conditions that may be aggravated by high-intensity physical activity or cold water immersion. Wahoo’s Adventures reserves the right to refuse service at check-in to ensure guest safety, including guests under 12 years old or under 60 lbs.
The updated Noli now delivers more high-adventure moments than ever: steeper gradients, more powerful water features, longer rapid sequences, and a full-day challenge that keeps the adrenaline pumping from start to finish. Whether you’re chasing your next big hit of whitewater or tackling your first genuine Class IV run, the New Noli stands above every other guided rafting trip in the region.
Wahoo’s exclusive Nolichucky Outpost — just minutes from Erwin and Johnson City — ensures the area’s shortest shuttle, along with restrooms, changing rooms, and a fully stocked outpost to gear up before and unwind after your run.
High water? You’ll charge the canyon in our performance self-bailing rafts built for power and control. Low water? We switch to specialized low-profile craft that were purpose-designed for the technical rock gardens of the Noli. No matter the level, the river delivers — and so do we.
Option 1: Whitewater Rafting on the Nolichucky River
Starting At $119 per Rafter
Private for 3 is $150 per.
Private for 2 is $225 per.
Group rates begin at 9 people call 423-735-9235 for pricing.
Option 2: The Lower Nolichucky Explorer
The Lower Nolichucky Explorer flows through the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, where shaded riverbanks, open water, and mountain views create a calm and inviting setting. Playful Class II–III rapids ripple through Erwin, offering just enough splash to keep things exciting while maintaining an easygoing pace. Each trip is guided at an individually crafted rhythm, with time for swimming, floating, and enjoying the river between rapids. Suitable for guests ages 5 and up, this experience offers a comfortable and confidence building introduction to whitewater while delivering plenty of fun along the way.
Starting At $69 per Rafter
(423) 735-9235
frequently asked questions
Most important information i should know
Please leave any valuables (watches, cell phones, jewelry, wallets, etc.) in your car, which will be safely parked at one of our river outposts.
For cooler weather days, Wahoo’s offers top-of-the-line wet suits that can be rented by making a reservation the day prior to your expedition.
Trips go rain or shine!
What is Your Cancellation Policy?
For a Full Breakdown of our Refund and Cancellation Policy please visit our cancellation Page!
All Wahoos Trips Go Rain or Shine! No refund due to weather.
Trips go rain or shine!
What should I bring?
- Swimming trunks or quick-dry shorts
- Tevas, Chacos, or old tennis shoes (sandals must have a heel strap)
- Cotton t-shirts are fine on hot days, but are not recommended during colder trips
- Polyester, fleece, polypropylene, or wool materials are great for keeping warm on cold days
- Dry clothes for after your white water adventure, including dry shoes
- Towel to dry off at the end of the day
- Sunscreen to protect your skin
- Sunglasses
- Epipens, insulin, or any medications that should accompany you on your trip — each of our professional guides carries a dry bag or a cooler in which your medications can be stored.
- If you are canoeing or kayaking, be sure to bring your cooler full of eats and drinks – NO GLASS!
What is your tipping policy?
No service charge or gratuity has been added to your expedition. A tip of 15-20+% is customary and certainly appreciated by your hard-working professional whitewater rafting guides.
Are your guides certified in CPR or First Aid?
All Wahoo’s guides are certified in CPR and first aid. For high-adventure rafting trips, guides with certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) will be provided. An up-to-date comprehensive medical kit accompanies every rafting trip
What is the youngest age accepted on your trips?
People of ALL ages can do trips on the New River in Todd, NC. Families with kids as young as 3 can do the river trip in Elizabethton, TN. The Nolichucky in Erwin, TN is perfect for people as young as 12 to physically well (can hike and paddle) adults.
Can I bring my Dog?
Your dog can join you for your adventure on the New River in Todd, NC