Nantahala River
River · Macon County ·

Nantahala River

River · Macon County ·

Scenic river runs through national forest with rafting

hiking trail
waterfall
cold water
classes
guide
picnic areas
national forest
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null
Nantahala River by null

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Last updated

Jan 11, 2026

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10 Best Mountain Towns in North Carolina

"A popular river for white-water rafting that draws thrill-seekers looking to add an adrenaline-filled day on the water to their itinerary." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-mountain-towns-in-north-carolina-8634631
Nantahala River

Cris S.

Google
Old River road along the river is incredibly beautiful throughout the 4 seasons. I love walking it. Since last year's flooding it has been closed and that makes it nicer to walk with no traffic and few people.

Sharon G.

Google
Beautiful area and going back real soon!

Jay I.

Google
We always use the paddle inn, Great company, a lot of fun

Isbill Tech S.

Google
Stop and check this place out on your way over the mountain, it is phenomenal and not to mention free other than the parking, which I think is $3.00. It wasn’t crowded and the water was up so the falls were simply amazing. You walk down the path and it takes you down the mountain to the falls. Once down there you can actually walk behind the falls and watch it fall in front of you. Great place to pass time and enjoy the beautiful country God gave us.

Gareth G.

Google
We did not raft. Lots of people and rafters. We decided to go above the traffic and fish. Nice fishing spots above the hustle and bustle. Very beautiful area.

Kylie L.

Google
Love this river! Rafted down it when I was a senior in high school for our senior trip. Now as an adult with kids I still remember the experience that I had. Hope to return again someday with my family to experience it again.

Stephanie C.

Google
Very cool place to check out. Wish I brought a kayak or something to take down river. Great walking trail. So peaceful

Susan S.

Google
When I was considerably younger and had no injuries, my husband and I paddled white water canoe on the “Nanny”. Our previous experience was paddling the Locust Fork of the Warrior River in Alabama, the Guadeloupe in Texas. We had signed up for classes at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and had a knowledgeable guide. There are sections of the Nanny that are life threatening and viewing from a safe distance gave us nightmares. We did not want to venture down there. The reason the Nanny is sooo cold is that the water is released from a dam every morning to produce electricity. We wore wet suits, paddling jackets, live preserves, and helmets and were dressed for the cold, not in cotton, but wool -and layers of fast drying fibers. During the waters release from the bottom of the dam, experienced white water kayakers and canoeists come for fun, adventure and to improve their skills. Some parts of the river are gentle class I & II rapids. We paddled the class II and Class III rapids and after threading the needle in Georgia and falling into the drink more times than I care to remember, coming to the surface of a turbulent rapid and grasping for air before calling out for help, I had enough. I had a lot more to learn before pushing my luck in heavy white water. I strongly recommend taking classes through the Nantahala Outdoor Center and hiring a Guide! If you are experienced, the trip is exhilarating !