Nolichucky River Whitewater Rafting

Noli Rafting: A Blue Ridge Rush in Tennessee

White water rafting on the Nolichucky River is an experience that challenges rafters with wavy rapids in an impressive wilderness setting. The Unaka Mountains provide an incredible backdrop as you paddle from North Carolina into Tennessee in the steepest river gorge east of the Mississippi. NOC runs the smallest, most intimate rafting trips on the Nolichucky River, allowing you and your group to fully absorb the experience.

Nolichucky River Rafting Photos & Videos

Click the thumbnails below to see photos from NOC Nolichucky whitewater adventures:

"NOC has always been my choice for whitewater expericences. On the Nolichucky, NOC had the guides position themselves in series in the routes we were supposed to take (for the duckies). This made the routes easy to spot. NOC is a professional organization." —G. Neill

Because the Nolichucky is a free-flowing river, water levels are subject to change by the day. At each level, the river takes on a particular personality. This is one of the reasons we love to raft the Nolichucky River so much. If you're curious, check out the river's level before departing for your NOC Noli trip.

The Nolichucky is a great whitewater option for families with kids and grandparents of all ages. The more adventurous folks in your group can challenge the Nolichucky Gorge while the younger kids can float the Lower Noli. All will finish at the same place at roughly the same time.

Nolichucky Trip Options

	Nolichucky Gorge Full Day 8.5 Miles/3-5 Hours on the River Enjoy a full day of adventure on the Nolichucky's class III-IV whitewater rapids. A full riverside lunch enhances the experience.
	Nolichucky Gorge Express 8.5 Miles/2-3 Hours on the River All of the spectacular scenery and exciting whitewater of the Nolichucky gorge packed into a half-day experience.
Nolichucky Adventure Ducks 8.5 Miles/3-4 Hours on the River Take on the Nolichucky's challengeing rapids in single-person inflatable kayaks. NOC guides show the lines and offer support. Lower Nolichucky Float Trip 3.5 Miles/1.5-2 Hours on the River Relax while floating down a beautiful river with your friends and family. Choose an inflatable kayak or a raft for these class I-II rapids.

Nolichucky Gorge Full-Day: Enjoy a full-day trip with the best guides on the river. The character of this free-flowing river fluctuates with daily rainfall, and NOC guides are experts at maximizing the fun at every water level. At high water levels, you can expect a fully-guided raft trip. As water levels abate, your trip leader may offer a combination of rafts and ducks, allowing everyone to choose their adventure.  Included in the trip is a deli style lunch served alongside the scenic river. Minimum age of 12 years old.

Nolichucky Gorge Express:  Don't have time to spend a full-day on the Nolichucky?  This spring catch a fully-guided raft trip during the warmest part of the day.  This will allow you to enjoy the beautiful Nolichucky Gorge when water levels are at their best.  This will also provide ample time for you to pursue other activities in the area all in the same day. Minimum age of 12 years old.

High Adventure Ducky (Inflatable Kayak): Looking for a more adventurous day on the river? This ducky only trip is for those who want to enjoy the class III/IV rapids in the Nolichucky Gorge while paddling their own inflatable kayak. You will follow our guides down the most exciting lines as well surf in rapids such as Jaws. Water and snacks will be provided at a scenic spot along the river to keep you hydrated and energized for this action-packed whitewater adventure. Minimum age of 16 years old.

Lower Nolichucky Float Trip: The lower Nolichucky River is a 3-5 mile, Class I-II stretch of river. It is ideal for families with children below the minimum age to raft the Nolichucky Classic. Adults can add excitement in a ducky or paddle along in a guided raft. On this trip, expect to paddle though mild Class I and II rapids and small drops. Minimum age of 4 years old.

Driving Directions to NOC's Nolichucky Outpost—All NOC Nolichucky River trips depart from our Nolichucky outpost, near Erwin, TN.