On The Water
 Highlands
NC is fortunate to be located in one of the most
beautiful parts of our state, the Nantahala National
Forest. This natural outdoor preserve offers an
unlimited amount of adventure activities that
residents and visitors to Highlands enjoy each year.
We have several rivers that make their way through
our mountains, offering some world class whitewater
rafting, kayaking, and more.
The Nantahala River has an 8 mile stretch of
raftable water with class II and class III rapids.
The Nantahala is a dam-controlled river, which means
that water levels stay consistent when the flow is
“on”. The water is approximately 52 degrees for most
of the year because the water come from the bottom
of Lake Nantahala. This is the perfect way to cool
off during the hottest part of the summer. The upper
part of the river, called the Cascades by locals, is
steep and narrow; suitable for only the most daring
and experienced kayakers. After a big rain when the
water is high, kayakers come from all around to test
themselves on class IV and class V rapids with names
such as, “The Horns of God”.
 Another
popular river is the Cullasaja, a tributary of the
Little Tennessee, originates near Highlands. The
Cullasaja is famous for it numerous waterfalls,
chief among those being Bridal Veil Falls, Dry
Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. The 45 foot Bridal Veil
Falls is the only waterfall in North Carolina that
you can drive a vehicle under. The overhanging bluff
from which the water falls offers visitors the
opportunity to walk behind the falls, and if the
water is low, stay relatively dry. The last major
waterfall on the Cullasaja is Cullasaja Falls, which
drops approximately 200 feet. The Cullasaja also
offers challenges for whitewater rafters and
kayakers. Although the river is only 4.75 miles in
length, it’s rapids are almost entirely class IV and
class V, meaning even the most experienced paddlers
will be able to find an exciting challenge here.
There are several outfitters in our area that offer
guided trips down our local rivers. If you’re
interested in taking a trip down the Nantahala,
Cullasaja, or any other river in our area, please
feel free to give them a call for trip information
and pricing. |
Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 Hwy 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-2175 |
Blue Ridge Outing Co.
5472 US Hwy 74W
Whittier, NC 28789
828-586-3510
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Carolina Outfitters Rafting
12121 Hwy 19 W
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-6345 |
Rolling Thunder River Co.
10160 Hwy. 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-2030 |
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| If you have any
questions or would like more information, please contact us
828.526.2475,
email
us, or use our online request form. |
