Cheoah River
Cheoah River Gorge Trip
The Cheoah is a nine-mile stretch of narrow, technical whitewater river newly opened for commercial rafting and kayaking in Western North Carolina. It is located outside of the mountain community of Robbinsville, west of Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge and about two hours west of Asheville, NC.
It begins below Santeetlah Lake Dam, parallels Hwy 129 and finishes at Calderwood Lake. Beautiful scenery, limited availability and challenge make this a standout trip which is considered some of the biggest whitewater in the southeast.
The Cheoah is a controlled-release river with a very limited number of release dates. For the 2010 season, Wildwater will be operating trips on April 24, 25, May 8, 9, 22, 23, June 26, 27, September 18, October 2. The water release attempts to mimic natural rainfall. Therefore the river levels fluctuate each multi-day "event" between 850 and 1000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and release days during each year will vary.
Wildwater meets @ the Cheoah River Dam Put in (Directions). Each trip will last about 4 hours, include a full lunch and have a guide in each boat. This is most challenging of any of the whitewater trips we offer, therefore previous paddling experience within the past 2 seasons on a Class IV rated river is required. All paddlers must be age 16 or older.
Call our reservations office at (800) 451-9972 for trip times. For the afternoon trip Guests should arrive 30-45 minutes early to enjoy lunch before their trip.
Our lodging Partner in the area is Nantahala Village Resort. We highly recommend you spend the night in the area before your trip.
| Minimum Age: | 16 years |
| Intensity Level: | The Cheoah is an advanced trip appropriate for experienced rafters. You must have recent Class IV whitewater experience. |
| Trip Length: | Approximately 4 hours, 3 hours on the river. |
| Meals: | Lunch is included -Sandwich buffet river lunch with all the fixings, chips, fruit, veggies and drink. |
| Equipment Furnished: | Raft, paddle, PFD, helmet, paddling jacket. |
| Transportation Provided: | Wildwater meets @ the Cheoah River Dam Put in (Directions). We will provide transportation back to your car at the end of the trip. |
Click here for more specific information about the Cheoah River trip, requirements, meeting location, directions, dates, prices, etc.
