Cheoah River Whitewater Rafting

Cheoah Rafting = Extreme Excitement!

The Cheoah River challenges whitewater rafters with hydraulics, wave trains and nine miles of exciting paddling. Unique in its features, it is at once a classic, steep Southern creek, then suddenly a warm, wavy ride, similar to big rivers out West. White water rafting the Cheoah River is the perfect challenge for our most adventurous guests.

2013 Cheoah River Release Dates

Cheoah River Rafting Photos & Videos

Click on the thumbnails below to see pictures from NOC Cheoah whitewater adventures:

Cheoah River Trip Info

	Cheoah Half Day 9 Miles/2.75 Hours on the River This is a white knuckle river rafting trip you adrenaline junkies have been searching for! The Cheoah has some of the best white water in the Southeast.
	Cheoah Half Day Deluxe 9 Miles/2.75 Hours on the River All of the excitement from the Cheoah half day, but this trip also includes post trip cook out at Blue Waters Mountain Lodge!

As with all rivers NOC rafts, a 20-minute safety orientation is presented to all guests prior to the trip, and all equipment is provided. All NOC Cheoah River trips depart from our Cheoah Outpost, at the Blue Waters Mountain Lodge, near Robbinsville, NC. [Click for Directions]

NOC's staff was critical in the Cheoah's relicensing process, helping to guarantee 17 days of whitewater each year for the next 50 years. Because these opportunities are limited, it's best to book your Cheoah adventure early.

Prior Whitewater Rafting Experience:

Without a doubt, the Cheoah is the most exciting and physically demanding whitewater river that NOC runs. Our expert guides complete intense training on this and all rivers we raft. We require our Cheoah guests to have prior class III or above rafting experience, or to have experience canoeing or kayaking rivers rated Class II or above. The Cheoah River's persistent whitewater and non-stop rapids require guests to paddle continuously. All particpantes must be strong swimmers that are capable of assisting with their own rescue in whitewater.  Do not book this trip is significantly overwieght (BMI of 35 or greater and an upper weight limit of 285 lbs), out of shape or unable to paddle continuously. Minimum age of 16 years old.

A Note to First-Time Rafters Wishing to Raft the Cheoah:

For 40 years, NOC has been an internationally recognized leader in the whitewater industry. We have developed many of the guide training methods and the river safety standards that have helped thousands of rafters safely enjoy a wide range of whitewater adventures each year.

That being said, the Cheoah River is not for beginners. A Class IV-V whitewater river experience is filled with visually intimidating river features: towering waves, roiling holes and house-sized boulders.

Your safety, the safety of your fellow guests and that of our guides is our primary concern. On the Cheoah River particularly, we need to be able to rely on you to follow all guide commands and paddle aggressively in all situations. In such circumstances, we do not want to put the river novice to the test. Doing so puts everyone's safety at risk, most especially yours.

Whitewater rafting is an amazing activity that routinely provides sublime personal and group experiences in unmatched wilderness settings. We want you to enjoy your experience and share it with friends and family, so we recommend that you begin on a river that matches your level. As you log more and more river miles, NOC will continue to offer memorable river trips that exceed your expectations.

Still want to know more? Check out these NOC blogs about the Cheoah:

Guide Training on the Cheoah River

High Action Video Postcard: Cheoah River