White Water Rafting on the Nolichucky River

White Water Rafting in Tennessee

Four people in helmets and life vests enjoy white water rafting amid green trees and hills.

Five people white-water rafting, wearing helmets and life jackets, paddling through river tubing rapids.

Four people in helmets and life jackets smile while white water rafting near a Treehouse Cabin.

People in helmets and life jackets rafting with Wahoo's Adventures, splashing through turbulent water.

Groups rafting down a wide river with Wahoo's Adventures, surrounded by lush, tree-covered hills.

A large group poses by the riverbank after a Wahoo's Adventures river rafting trip, all smiles.

Group enjoys river rafting in a blue raft with Wahoo's Adventures through rapids and trees.

Four people white water rafting in a rocky river, surrounded by trees and camping adventure.

Best Whitewater Rafting Trip in the Western North Carolina and East Tennessee Area

Premier white water rafting trip

11 Miles Class III-IV Rapids

3 1/2 Hours Raft Time

Professional Guide in Every Raft

Large Groups Welcome

Ideal for guests or large groups who are looking for the best trip in the Western North Carolina and East Tennessee Area. This is a high-adventure, all-day rafting experience for beginners ages 12 and older. Nestled deep in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, the Nolichucky River Gorge winds through steep-walled canyons and remote, thickly-forested mountains. Come spend the day on an expedition with Wahoos on Nolichucky River whitewater rafting!

The Nolichucky is said to be one of the most technical big water runs in the south and one of the top 10 white water experiences in the country, demanding the coordinated efforts of the raft crew and an experienced guide to navigate the twists, turns, drops and falls of the river. The trip on the Noli is a true wilderness adventure, taking you through the breathtaking rugged beauty of the backwoods of the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests.

The sheer rock walls of the canyon tower 2,800 feet from the base of the river to the pine-covered peaks of the mountains, a true natural treat for anyone who visits the area. The river drops approximately 66 feet per mile over the first four miles, creating adrenaline-pumping class III and IV rapids. The run can be enjoyed by all but the youngest children, and all experience levels are welcome.

Wahoo’s Nolichucky River Outpost is conveniently located near Erwin, TN and Johnson City, TN to guarantee the shortest shuttle ride on the river, and it uniquely provides restrooms, changing rooms and a gift shop for your pleasure.

During high water conditions, we use self-bailer type rafts. In lower water levels, Wahoo’s has hot dog bun rafts that were built to navigate low water. Either way, the Nolichucky is a full day of both river and earth adventures for your group!

Disclaimer: The Nolichucky experience is not appropriate for young children. Wahoo’s Adventures reserves the right to refuse service at the time of check-in to guests attempting to register children under 9 years of age and under 60 lbs.