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Nantahala River White Water Rafting

At Carolina Outfitters we are white water fanatics, sharing our passion for mountain rivers. Read More…

Nantahala River Rafting near Bryson City, NC

Thank you for considering Carolina Outfitters for your Nantahala River white water rafting adventure. We are a second-generation family-owned and -operated small business. Since the spring of 1991, we have helped our guests create wonderful whitewater rafting vacation experiences and memories here on the scenic Nantahala River.

The Nantahala—or “Land of the Noon Day Sun” in Cherokee—is located at the bottom of the scenic Nantahala Gorge in Western North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. The Nantahala River Rafting offers beginner to intermediate classes II-III whitewater rafting for a beautiful and exhilarating adventure the whole family can enjoy.

Nantahala – ‘Land of the Noon Day Sun’

Carolina Outfitters offers you more than just getting splashed, having fun, and enjoying the beautiful scenery that comes along with whitewater rafting down the Nantahala River.

Family Friendly Rafting with these additional benefits:

  • Modern self bailing rafts and equipment
  • Enjoying more time on the river
  • Supporting a locally owned small business
  • Rafting with the most family-friendly outfitter on the Nantahala River

On top of these benefits, our experienced and professional raft guides will  provide you and your family a fun and memorable Nantahala River white water rafting trip.

Guided or Unguided Nantahala whitewater rafting trip

We can outfit you with a “Guided Nantahala Rafting Trip” if you are new to rafting or set you up with a more adventurous “Non Guided Nantahala Rafting Trip” or “Nantahala Funyak (ducky) Trip.”

At Carolina Outfitters we aim to provide the best whitewater rafting experience that can be had on the Nantahala River through our commitment to professionalism, value, and FUN. Come Nantahala River Rafting with us and experience the Carolina Outfitters difference.

BOOK A TRIP today or CONTACT US with questions!

The Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest near Bryson City, NC, offers beauty that can only be seen from the river. With mellow whitewater that builds into an exciting finish. Offering up something for all ages and experience levels. The outpost at Carolina Outfitters provides everything you need to have a safe, fun whitewater adventure for the whole family.  With decades of experience, we know the Nantahala River’s turns and twists.  Our guides are experienced and they will make the day enjoyable and memorable.  Read More…

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“The song of the river ends not at her banks, but in the hearts of those who loved her.”

~Buffalo Joe

middle ocoee rafting smiles
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S S profile picture
S S
August 19, 2026
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Wonderful!!! We all had a great time kayaking the rapids in the duckies! Special thanks to Buckeye (OH-!) and Matthew 😊 for all their help!
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Jason Clemmons
August 18, 2026
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Always our choice to take us down the river!
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JOHN W. SMITH
August 17, 2026
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We had an absolute great time with Carolina Outfitters!! My brother and I went 3 days in a row! The guides were fantastic, great stories, great jokes, well, most of them... Plan on going back next time were up that way!!! Highly recommend this business!!
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Kristin marsiglia
August 15, 2026
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We had the best time today at Carolina Outfitters! The opening talk was hilarious and everyone was so friendly and took care of all of the details! Our guide, Jeffrey, was very knowledgeable and kept us gliding down the river. I highly recommend Carolina Outfitters and am so glad we chose them for our white water rafting experience!
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Nicole Furman
August 13, 2026
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They are the coolest and polite people and amazing people to take you down the river we had no problem getting down safe and loved every bit of it
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Shanna
August 12, 2026
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We went on the 11:00 Nantahala rafting trip with Dino and had an amazing time! There’s no better way to appreciate where you are than down on the river. Dino was very knowledgeable and funny. We loved all his jokes. 😂 If we are ever back that way, Carolina Outfitters will be on our adventure list!
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Bill Spurgeon
August 12, 2026
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Had a great time with guide Dino!! Gotta do it y’all. Thanks from the San Antonio Crew
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Ashley Parks
August 12, 2026
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Our guide Dave was amazing, he was great with my 8 year and gave him the best experience ever! If you’re gonna book a trip down the river I highly suggest this company and ask for Dave! The other guys were great as well . All were super funny and wanted everyone to have a great time !
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Jennifer Wright
August 11, 2026
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Loved the experience w Carolina Outfitters and shout out to Buckeye for making it a memorable one. It was a blast.
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