US South - Best Rafting, Paddling & Kayaking Trips
1. Gauley River, West Virginia.
The world's kayakers and rafters get a little shot of adrenaline at the mere mention of "Gauley Season,"
the 22 fall dates when the Army Corps of Engineers cuts loose a huge flow from West Virginia's
Summersville Dam. This turns on the most exciting whitewater in the region, more than 25 sets of
Class IV+ rapids over 28 exhilarating rock-and-roll miles. Book early or wait till next year.
For more information, call the National Park Service at 304-465-0508.
2. Ocoee River, Tennessee.
Dry by night, pulsating by day is the story of the Ocoee. The Tennessee Valley Authority diverts
water for hydroelectric purposes overnight but lets it rip for rafters and kayakers while the sun
shines. Releases are limited from late July through September on the Upper Section, which played
host to Olympic kayaking in 1996, but there's five-days-a-week action through the summer on the
nearly-as-thrilling Middle Section. For more information, call the Tennessee Department of
Tourism at 800-836-6200.
3. Nantahala River, North Carolina.
Slalomists run the gates to the general amusement of the lunchtime crowd at the legendary Nantahala
Outdoor Center. Further upriver, rodeo kayakers work rushing rapids and dodge oncoming rafts.
Easily one of the most popular--and accessible--rivers in the southeast. For more information,
call 800-232-7238.
4. Chattooga River, South Carolina.
Deliverance was filmed here, but fear not, the locals are friendly. Depending on the section
you run, this is a fine, gentle river to learn the art of kayaking or a beastly Class V+
challenge for experienced paddlers. For more information, call Sumter National Forest at
803-561-4000.
5. North Fork of the Cumberland, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky.
While perhaps not as thrilling as the wilder rivers of Appalachia, the section of the
river below Cumberland Falls challenges local paddlers year-round with rapids up to Class III
in a beautiful run through a huge rock gorge. For more information, call 606-745-3100.
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