Introduction
Popular Destinations
- ๐๏ธ Chattooga River: Located near Atlanta, offers family-friendly Section III and thrilling Section IV.
- ๐ Ocoee River: Near Chattanooga, known for its Class III-IV rapids.
- ๐๏ธ Nantahala River: In Bryson City, NC, perfect for beginners and families.
- ๐ American River: In California, offers trips on three forks with varying difficulty levels.
- ๐ฒ Pocono Whitewater: In the Poconos, offers dam release and family-style trips.
- ๐๏ธ Hudson River: In the Adirondacks, features Class IV-V rapids in spring and mellows to Class II-III in summer.
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Pricing and Packages
- ๐ต Chattooga River: Prices range from $99.95 for the Chattooga Mini to $440.85 for deluxe camping.
- ๐ฐ Ocoee River: Prices start at $59.95 for the Middle Ocoee to $99.95 for the Upper & Middle combo trip.
- ๐ธ Nantahala River: Prices start at $34.95 for rentals to $127.92 for the rafting & ziplining package.
- ๐ฒ American River: Offers various packages, including deluxe camping and gourmet meals.
- ๐ต Pocono Whitewater: Offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day packages with additional activities like paintball.
- ๐ฐ Hudson River: Pricing varies by season and trip type, with higher prices during peak spring rapids.
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Family-Friendly Options
- ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Nantahala River: Known for its family-friendly rapids and scenic views.
- ๐ถ Upper New River Gorge: Suitable for kids as young as 6 years old, with free rafting for kids with a paying adult.
- ๐ง Lower Pigeon River: Offers a relaxing ride suitable for the entire family.
- ๐ฆ Hudson River: Mellow Class II-III rapids in mid-summer, perfect for families.
- ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Pocono Whitewater: Family-style trips with mild rapids and scenic views.
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Adventure Levels
- ๐ข Class I-II: Suitable for beginners and families, found on rivers like the Nantahala and Upper New River.
- ๐ต Class III: Intermediate level, offering a mix of excitement and safety, found on the Ocoee and Lower New River.
- โซ Class IV: Advanced level with challenging rapids, found on the Chattooga and Upper Gauley River.
- ๐ด Class V: Expert level, extremely difficult and dangerous, found on the Hudson River in spring and Upper Gauley in fall.
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Additional Activities
- ๐ช Ziplining: Available as a combo package with rafting on the Nantahala and Pigeon Rivers.
- ๐จ Paintball: Offered at Pocono Whitewater, with packages combining rafting and paintball.
- ๐ด Biking: Rail Trail Biking available at Pocono Whitewater.
- ๐ Moonlight Rafting: Unique night-time rafting experience on the Lehigh River.
- ๐๏ธ Camping: Deluxe camping options available on the Chattooga and American Rivers.
- ๐ฝ๏ธ Gourmet Meals: Offered on American River trips, enhancing the overall experience.
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Safety and Equipment
- ๐ฆบ Provided Gear: Most outfitters provide all necessary equipment, including paddles, PFDs, and helmets.
- ๐ Footwear: Secure footwear is required; sneakers, water shoes, or sandals with a back strap are recommended.
- ๐งฅ Clothing: Quick-drying clothing is ideal; avoid cotton and jeans as they retain water.
- ๐ Safety Orientation: A safety briefing is conducted before each trip to ensure all participants are prepared.
- ๐ Swimming Ability: Not required for most trips, but recommended for more challenging rapids.
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Best Times to Visit
- ๐ธ Spring: Best for high water levels and challenging rapids, especially on the Hudson and Gauley Rivers.
- โ๏ธ Summer: Ideal for family-friendly trips with milder rapids, perfect for beginners.
- ๐ Fall: Offers scenic views and moderate rapids, with peak foliage in the Adirondacks and Smoky Mountains.
- โ๏ธ Winter: Limited options, but some locations like the American River offer year-round trips.
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