Wahoo! Feel the rush of the North Georgia rapids splashing and carrying you downriver on an epic journey to remember. Going whitewater rafting in North Georgia is a must for the adventurer, thrill-seeker, and outdoor enthusiast looking for an exciting day trip. On your next vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains, consider bringing a swimsuit, waterproof wear, water shoes, and sunscreen for a fun and wild river rafting experience.
North Georgia Rafting Rivers
Popular rivers to go whitewater rafting in North Georgia include the Chattooga River that runs through the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Ocoee River. As the longest undammed river in the southeast, the adventurous Chattooga River ranges from beginner Class II rapids to advanced Class IV+ rapids. It’s technically a national wild and scenic river, one of the only of its kind to allow commercial whitewater rafting tours.
Along the Ocoee River, accessed just across the border in nearby Tennessee, you can experience Class III and IV rapids. In fact, the world-class Upper Ocoee River is only open about 34 days of the year and features the 1996 Olympic rapids: Godzilla and Humongous. This 93-mile river is known as the Toccoa River for 56 miles through North Georgia. Ocoee is often referred to as the “Roller Coaster of the South”!
Top Whitewater Rafting Outfitters in North Georgia
A neat outdoor activity you can share with family and friends plus check off your bucket list, whitewater rafting North Georgia is made easy and safe with the right guide. Forgot to pack what you need to raft the rapids? The best whitewater rafting outfitters in North Georgia have you covered there, too!
How much does it cost to go whitewater rafting in North Georgia? Pricing generally hovers between $39-145 per person and typically depends on the length of the trip, how many participate, and which river you choose.
Southeastern Expeditions | Clayton, GA
Average Price: $90-139
Over in Clayton, GA, Southeastern Expeditions features whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River. This North Georgia rafting company has been around since 1972 after purchasing equipment from Warner Brothers used in the making of the movie Deliverance, which helped make the Chattooga River famous.
Experience the 75-foot descent among the Five Falls in Section IV — Entrance, Corkscrew, Crack in the Rock, Jawbone, and Sock ‘Em Dog! Or opt for a slightly easier ride along Section III. Either way, the scenery of the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest is breathtaking.
Nantahala Outdoor Centers | Clayton, GA & Benton, TN
Average Price: $50-125
Leading the southeast in outdoor fun, NOC currently offers 2 guided rafting outposts within reach of North Georgia. Journey along the Chattooga River in Clayton, GA, where you can raft the famous Five Falls that toss and dip into Class V rapids.
Or take on the Ocoee River in Benton, TN, about an hour from Blue Ridge. You can even rent rafts to paddle the Chattahoochee River — aka the Hooch — best known for tubing near Atlanta, GA.
Experience the ultimate rafting adventure along the Chattooga River.
Whitewater Express | Copperhill, TN
Average Price: $50-95
See the beautiful Cherokee National Forest as you make your journey down the Ocoee River in Copperhill, TN, with Whitewater Express. With reasonable pricing and safety as a priority, they have many accolades to their name, including making it into the Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame in 2019 on TripAdvisor.
Travel the Middle Ocoee for intermediate rafting or challenge both the Middle and Upper Ocoee for advanced rafting. Whitewater Express also features a ropes course, paintball, horseback riding, and mountain biking to expand your outdoor adventure in the mountains.
Ocoee Rafting | Ducktown, TN
Average Price: $50-90
Guiding countless folks on the Ocoee River since 1976, Ocoee Rafting is one of the oldest rafting companies around and a top choice for your whitewater rafting experience just across the North Georgia border in Ducktown, TN. Choose between Middle and Upper Ocoee tours or challenge both on a full river combo tour!
In summertime, June, July, and August, you can raft every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And Ocoee Rafting only operates the weekends in April, May, September, and October. For more outdoor fun, ask about their exciting zipline tours in Blue Ridge.
Get a first-hand look at Ocoee Rafting!
Rolling Thunder River Company | McCaysville, GA
Average Price: $42-101
Offering whitewater rafting through the beautiful Ocoee Gorge, Rolling Thunder River Company in McCaysville, GA, has served 1+ million guests and counting since 1977. You can choose to ride for half a day or a full day, and they include all equipment necessary to ride. Note: groups of 10+ can get 10-15% off!
For more water fun, Rolling Thunder also offers tubing and kayaking on the Toccoa River, headwaters of the Ocoee River, better suited for weaker swimmers, smaller children (at least 5 years of age), and those who want a more leisurely river experience.
Wildwater Adventure Centers | Ducktown, TN & Long Creek, SC
Average Price: $40-140
As the first commercial outfitter to run the Chattooga River in 1971, Wildwater offers a memorable experience that starts just across the North Georgia border in Long Creek, South Carolina. Mini adventures, as well as Section III and Section IV trips, are available from March through October.
Interested in the Ocoee River? Wildwater has another outpost in Ducktown, TN, that offers Middle, Upper, and combo rafting trips along the Ocoee. Wildwater is also known for its zipline canopy tours that you can add to your excursion, available at both locations.
Go WILD on the Chattooga River!
Where to Stay in North Georgia
Whitewater rafting North Georgia means tired muscles and a need to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventure. At Georgia Cabins for YOU, you can cap off your rafting adventure with a stay on the Toccoa River that also offers tubing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and other fun activities on the water.
Toccoa River Mist
Built in 2021, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cabin rental accommodates up to 6 guests and features an outdoor lounge, stone firepit, luxury interiors, a rec room with a wet bar and games, a steamy hot tub, plus a short walk down to the Toccoa River.
Get pumped to hit the rapids in North Georgia and start planning your cabin stay online or at 1.800.580.5524 today.
