For many reasons, water lovers raft in the cooler months of fall. Some people like a less crowded river. The fall school schedule resumes leaving the river to those loners and introverts (or extroverts who might like a break from the crowds every now and then) who love the quiet laid back atmosphere. Fall is the prettiest time of year with the changing color of the leaves in October. It’s also not so hot that you’re sweltering and cursing the southern heat of the Nantahala National Forest. You definitely need to dress warmer because river water is a bit colder in the fall. Let Carolina Outfitters and Carolina Ocoee guide you what to wear whitewater rafting in the brrrr months of the year.
Dress in Layers
Dressing in layers is always a good idea when our Great Smoky Mountain weather starts dropping in temperature. If the day is unseasonably warm, you can always discard a layer. When Rafting in any weather, try to avoid cotton. Cotton doesn’t dry quickly and can get heavy and sap the heat from your body. Since the water is released from the bottom of the dam, the Nantahala River is always cold any time of the year, so it will be even colder in September and October. The water for the Ocoee River is released from the top of the dam, so it’s a bit warmer, but can still be cold during fall. In any case, you’ll want to dress in layers during the cooler months.
Base layer
Depending on the temperature–it can sometimes be cooler or warmer according to the whims of Mother Nature–wear thermal underwear made of synthetic material or natural fibers like merino wool, topped with a layer of athletic clothes made out of polyester or nylon, which wicks away water and keeps you warmer. If it’s a warm fall day, ditch the thermal underwear. Go with fleece or wool for the base layer or any clothing that is quick drying. The goal is to stay as dry as possible in the cooler months of the whitewater rafting season.
Outer layer
We suggest a splash jacket which we provide for free. Or you can wear a waterproof jacket, rain jacket, or windbreaker of your own as long as it’s comfortable and doesn’t interfere with your ability to help paddle the boat or enjoy your trip down the river. Make sure everything fits without bunching up when you put on your outer layer. Nothing binding or uncomfortable.
Wet-Suits
A different base layer can be a wet-suit topped with a splash jacket. The neoprene in a wet-suit traps your body heat in keeping you warmer throughout your trip down the river, especially in October when the temperatures start dropping to the low end of the thermometer. Mornings are especially colder during this month with temperatures only reaching into the mid to lower 70s during the day in Western North Carolina.
Head
If you’re worried your ears will get cold, choose a wool toboggan or neoprene beanie that covers your ears. The Nantahala River doesn’t require a helmet, but the Ocoee River does, so don’t wear anything too bulky on your head if your trip is with Carolina Ocoee.
Feet & Hands
Your feet and hands get colder than any other part of your body. For your feet, wear wool or neoprene socks with your Crocs in sports mode, tennis shoes, or water shoes. You might want to wear waterproof shoes with wool socks to help keep your feet as dry and warm as possible. For your hands, wear neoprene or wool gloves that hold your body heat in even when they get wet. Even dishwashing gloves will work without taking away too much of your grip on the paddle.
Now that you know how to dress warmly for fall whitewater rafting, book your trip with Carolina Outfitters or Carolina Ocoee now for a fun-filled rafting trip on the Nantahala River and the Ocoee River!
