Trip ProfileS
Trip
Half-Day
price
$90/Person
Location
Erwin, TN
Rating
I-IV
Duration
4 Hours
Minimum Age
10+
Trip
Full-Day w/Lunch
price
$110/Person
Location
Erwin, TN
Rating
I-IV
Duration
6 Hours
Minimum Age
10+
Overview
The headwaters and tributaries of the Nolichucky River begin on the slopes of North Carolina’s Roan Mountain and Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain east of the Mississippi. The Nolichucky is formed by the Toe and Cane Rivers at the mouth of the Nolichucky River Gorge where it flows into Tennessee. One of the deepest gorges in the Appalachian Mountains it is rimmed with beautiful cliffs and diverse forests of Poplar, Sycamore, and Hemlock as well as flowery Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel.
Our Half-Day trip covers the 8.5 miles of rugged gorge with minimal stops along the way.
The Full-Day trip with lunch moves at a slower pace with more time to relax, swim, and explore the banks of the river.
PHOTOS!!! New for 2024! An independent photographer is making rafting photos available for our Nolichucky Gorge guests. If your guide points out the photographer during your trip you can find your photos online for purchase at store.picthrive.com/usar/
- An experienced river guide in every raft. Our guides carry all required safety certifications and have completed our intensive training program. Safety is our highest concern.
- Plan to arrive at our outpost 30 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time. All guests are required to sign a waiver, attend the pre-trip safety talk, fitted with PFD, helmet and paddle, short bus ride to the put-in.
- No experience required. Recommended for healthy active people. Please check with your physician if you have health concerns.
- Your trip concludes at the Adventure Resort. In addition to hot showers, changing rooms, and a sauna, the Take Out Tavern is the perfect setting to refresh and share stories of the day's adventure.
No! However, this is an adventurous float through remote and scenic river gorge recommended for ages 10 and up. We often take first time rafters on this trip and guests should choose the trip that is best suited to their ability and comfort levels.
Our Lower Nolichucky raft trip is for ages 4+. The Upper Nolichucky and French Broad raft trips are for ages 10+.
There is a 100% chance you will at least get splashed.
Any moisture wicking, athletic wear or yoga type material, polyester and tri-blend fabrics that are light and offer sun protection are acceptable. Swimsuits are okay but bikinis are not advisable. Cotton or 100 percent wool material is not recommended. Shoes that strap to your feet are a must, NO flip-flops or Crocs.
The Nolichucky Gorge rafting trip ends at The Resort property. Enjoy a food and a beverage from the Take Out Tavern after your adventures on the river! We will shuttle you back to Red Banks if you have extra vehicles parked there for your group.
The Lower Nolichucky trip ends near the Pyrahna Kayaks facility, about a 15 minute shuttle from The Resort. Guests are shuttled back to The Resort from the take out. Enjoy a food and a beverage from the Take Out Tavern after your adventures on the river! We will shuttle you back to Red Banks if you have extra vehicles parked there for your group.
Any rafting guests that are on the river can park one vehicle at The Resort property. Additional vehicles are required to be parked at the Red Banks Campground. Guests can carpool or take a complimentary shuttle between the Resort and Red Banks. If parking is full at The Resort, all guests must park at Red Banks. Please contact us to discuss any questions. Here is a Google Map with our Red Banks Campground location.
Sandals with straps, water shoes or tennis shoes work best! Crocs and sandals without straps are not permitted.
We sell water shoes in our Welcome Center, however, sizing can be limited.
Around 45 minutes, including beautiful mountain scenery all along the way. The ride goes over the crest of the Unaka Mountains, crosses the Appalachian Trail, and descends to meet the river at the upper end of the Nolichucky Gorge in Poplar, NC.
It depends on your trip and the river water level, but typically between 3-5 hours. Ask the reservationist or your guide for more information on the day of your trip.
While we do our best to accommodate each and every group, we cannot guarantee groups over 4 will be in the same boat. We prioritize guests’ safety above all, and guest counts can vary depending on the water level.
Yes, we raft rain or shine! We are unable to issue refunds due to inclement weather.
No, all guests must use our provided commercial approved rafting PFDs.
Yes! After getting back to The Resort you are most welcome to visit the Take Out Tavern. If your vehicle is parked at Red Banks Campground, you are welcome to take the shuttle back to your vehicle after visiting the Take Out Tavern.
(Generally) No. Liability waivers are typically completed by legal guardians only. If you are with a Summer Camp or Youth Group, Trip Leaders and Chaperones can sign the waivers provided certain conditions are met, please contact us to discuss your specific questions.
The Nolichucky River is a rare free-flowing river in the Eastern United States. There are no dams along its entire length, and this beautiful river is also a nominee for National Wild and Scenic designation. The water level can vary because of the river’s dependence entirely on natural precipitation. The Nolichucky offers a special experience due to its pristine natural state, and the trip offers one of the most scenic rafting trips one can find.
Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are permitted on any of our activities. In addition, anyone under the influence will not be permitted on the rafting trip.
No pets are allowed on any rafting trips or activities. Also please note that dogs are not permitted to be left unsupervised in any lodging units, and please plan accordingly for your rafting trip.