Watauga River Rafting

Watauga River Rafting Half-Day Adventure

The Watauga River winds its way through a remarkable wilderness of dramatic cliffs, twisted mountains, hidden waterfalls, and breathtaking pastoral scenery. This 1/2 day rafting adventure down the Watauga River provides some of the best family river rafting in America. Whether it is our famous gourmet deli buffet lunch, taking the plunge off our famous jump rock, or squirting your friends with High Mountain Expeditions signature water guns, the Watauga River offers excitement and enjoyment for every member of the family.

The fast-moving Watauga River is dam controlled ensuring consistent whitewater all season long. For the more adventurous, High Mountain Expeditions offers one-person inflatable kayaks for some personal paddling fun at no additional cost. The pristine waters of the Watauga River are crystal clear and offer abundant wildlife spotting opportunities. This trip requires no previous whitewater experience; you need only the desire to enjoy yourself. Additionally, every raft will have one of High Mountain Expeditions professionally trained guides.

Itinerary

11:15 AM Check in at High Mountain Expeditions Banner Elk outpost, located at Ski Country Sports

11:20 Complete Liability and Acknowledgement of Risk Release Waiver

11:25 Issued a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

11:30 Load vehicles and depart for the Watauga River

12:20 PM Arrive at High Mountain Expeditions picnic grounds

12:30 Enjoy High Mountain Expeditions famous gourmet deli buffet style lunch

1:15 Return to High Mountain Expeditions put-in location

1:20 Final PFD check along with detailed safety and river orientation speech

1:25 Launch rafts

2:00 Arrive at High Mountain Expeditions original Jump Rock

4:15 Arrive at High Mountain Expeditions private take-out location

4:20 Change clothes inside High Mountain Expeditions private changing rooms

4:25 Enjoy a snack riverside

5:00 Arrive back at High Mountain Expeditions Banner Elk outpost, Ski Country Sports

5:05 Meet and greet with your guides

5:10 Slideshow of the day’s photos and videos

*Note: This itinerary is provided as a sample. Actual times and activities are subject to change as a result of weather conditions, current water flows, and guest preferences.

What We Provide

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Dry Top
Wetsuits
Paddle
Water Guns
Wilderness First-Aid Kit

*If you do forget something our outpost stores carry a full selection of Water Shoes, T-Shirts, Waterproof Cameras, Sunscreen, and more.

What To Bring

Swimsuit or Quick Drying Shorts
Water Shoes or Strap Sandals
Waterproof Sunscreen
Sunglasses with Strap
Ball Cap
A Change of Clothes
Towel
Plastic Bag for Wet Clothes
Small Amount of Money for Refreshments at the End of Trip
Camera – Waterproof Digital Camera
Special Medication

Do Not Bring

Wallets, Jewelry, and Watches – Leave all valuables at home or locked in car at outpost.
Flip Flops
Non-Waterproof Electronic Devices
Pets
Cotton Clothing Items – Cotton dries very slowly and actually draws heat away from your body
Cigarettes – High Mountain Expeditions is a Smoke-Free Company

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Watauga River Rafting Half-Day Adventure

Trip Details

Price: Adults - $90 | Kids - $80
Trip Time: 3 to 5 Hours
Trip Mileage: 5 Miles
Classification: Class I-III Rapids
Minimum Age: 3
Begins & Ends: Banner Elk, NC

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What Our Clients Say

Testimonials

Wonderful experience. Wonderful experience. The people working the experience were very helpful and friendly. We asked to leave early and they said no problem and made it happen.

Dolph S

September 4, 2022

Laid back fun in the sun. A great time with friends floating down the New River. We got 10 friends together over Labor Day weekend and hooked our tubes together. The staff was helpful. Signing up was a breeze online. I would highly recommend.

Georgia M

September 3, 2022

Beauty and fun all in one place My friends and I haven’t done tubbing east of the Mississippi before. Was not sure what to expect. We all had an amazing time! So peaceful, with the slowness of the river, surrounded by the mountains all while having a great time chatting it up. We also rented the cooler tube. It held our cooler and dry packs. For sure you want a pair of water shoes. Couple areas you may have to walk. Would do it again!

Erin S

August 16, 2022

Great fun Entertaining from beginning to end. Delicious lunch picnic then World Class karaoke on our bus ride by Dalton. Skillful driving by Meagan who doubled as the entertainer of the year Rafting Guide that back flips on call. This was a great time led by confident, skillful staff. Highly recommended for the whole family. 5 Stars from a highly experienced Travel Agent. Kudos guys

Robin H

August 9, 2022

Family tubing trip Great experience! I’ve tubing before in Boone area without going through a company. Having a safe place to park your car and a shuttle back is with every penny! Would do it again!

David B

August 8, 2022

Amazing time! Very fun! Well organized and having the forms available to fill out before we got there was so great. Everyone was nice and the floating was beautiful and relaxing. Would definitely recommend to anyone!

bethanyl3077

August 7, 2022

Fun time! We had a great time tubing in the New River. It was a relaxing and fun day. The people at High Mountain Expeditions were very friendly and helpful. We would highly recommend them.

KimMohntonPA

August 3, 2022

A great day rafting with High Mountain Expeditions This was our first family rafting trip with High Mountain Expeditions and we can’t rave enough on how fun the whole experience was. From comedy and music on the bus … to rapids, water cannons & water buckets on the raft, High Mountain Expeditions did a phenomenal job from beginning to end. Our guide Dalton was super entertaining, knowledgeable and a total pro. Even though we were lame and didn’t want to jump in the artic water (we’re used to Myrtle Beach water temps, lol) he rolled with it and still made every minute entertaining and fun. Thank you to everyone on the High Mountain Expeditions team for making our day great 👍🏼

Greg and Jen M

August 1, 2022

Professional and Super Fun Rafting Adventure Guide and Quality Company! Well planned and executed adventure by an outfit clearly demonstrating competency and expertise running a great rafting trip!From beginning to end the communication, leadership and care provided by the whole team was outstanding.Our guide Patrick was exceptional! Highly recommended fun, enthusiastic, professional and compassionate leader who made everyone on our trip feel comfortable and confident while making the trip exciting and exhilarating. We highly recommend Patrick and the team at High Mountain Adventures!

kmsandr

July 31, 2022

Watauga River Rafting

Watauga River Rafting Half-Day Adventure

Watauga River Rafting Half-Day Adventure

Trip Details

What Our Clients Say

Testimonials

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