Vacation Idea: Whitewater Rafting in the Smoky Mountains
If you’ve never been rafting, you’re in for some fun. I recommend you visit the website of the Nantahala Outdoor Company, www.noc.com, and make a reservation for a trip down the Nantahala River. This is in North Carolina, near Bryson City, on the southern side of the Smokies. The cost per person ranges from 25 to 49 dollars, depending on the time of year, but the more people you bring the cheaper it is. On our last trip we went with a couple of friends. You can go as young as 7 years old or 60 lbs, and they provide everything you’ll need to experience the fun, including a guide in your raft, if you like.
There are a lot of other rafting outfits along the river, but I liked NOC because they provided so much: a training session, practice time, fully guided or guide-assisted trips, and rain gear (come prepared to get wet!). The river water can get very cold, so if you go in your swim suit alone, you might get a few goose bumps. The float down the river itself is wonderful, and there is plenty of time between rapids to enjoy the scenery. The Nantahala is exciting without being intimidating; by the time you get to the biggest rapid, you are ready for it.
If you are a little more adventurous, or more experienced, try the Ocoee River near Cleveland, Tennessee. Definitely a more strenuous excursion; they have half and whole day trips. The river’s water level is dam-controlled, so the rafting is always good. For the most challenge, try the Olympic section!
When you are not rafting, why not pull off the road along one of the many rivers and streams that wind through the mountains, and try panning for gold? My wife and I spent one sunny afternoon splashing and sifting, and found a grain of something yellow. We put it in a little vial and brought it home. Who knows? It’s a neat souvenir.
We also visited a local rock shop, the Smoky Mountains National Park, and sifted through a few pans of mud looking for gemstones, at a place that charged by the bucket of dirt. We actually found some, and took one nice emerald to a local rock collector, who cut it into two beautiful stones. If you are traveling north on your way home, pass through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, (both in Tennessee), for more touristy attractions.
I hope some of you will take a weekend out of your schedule to hit the mountain rivers. The days I have spent rafting are some of my fondest memories, and I urge everyone to go at least once.
