Run Map

Run Time Estimate

Put-in

Take-out

Select put-in and take-out to estimate time.

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Whitewater timing varies with scouting, portages, and group pace. Use as a planning baseline.

Description

The Nantahala is the classic southeastern river for entry level whitewater. Its safe to say that the Nantahala is one of the most rafted streams in the country. Its probably safe to say that more beginners have swum while learning on this river than most others. The majority of the run is cold, splashy class two water. Nantahala falls is the class three exception to the rule. Pattons Run, the first rapid just around the corner from the put-in, sometimes gives beginners a hard time. The Nantahala's most notable feature is its dam-controlled, cold water. Figure about 45 degrees. The 3-day release forecast is the best source of information on planned releases (select 'Nantahala Area' from the dropdown menu), and you can also check out the annual release calendar on that same webpage. The river is completely roadside along US 19 and US 74 about an hour west of Asheville, between Bryson City and Andrews, North Carolina. The Forest Service maintains the put-in. The take-out is behind the Nantahala Outdoor Center on river left. NOC maintains a large parking area. For the Best Info on the Nantahala check out Chris Bell's Asheville Area Boating Beta page. Also check out the Forest Service site.