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

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   SarahRD95 
 
 
 
 Verified Highly recommend! We’ve used High Mountain Expeditions multiple times for tubing in this area. We highly recommend this company. The staff are especially kind and welcoming. The river is so beautiful and peaceful. We always have a wonderful time here.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Christopher H 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing canoeing adventure We had an amazing time canoeing down the New River. The canoes we rented were in great shape and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   BigSacagewa 
 
 
 
 Verified High Mountain Expeditions is a good operator We went at 2 p.m. on a busy Saturday afternoon, but had reservations. I had read most of the reviews prior to going, and that was helpful in knowing to bring something to push your tube off rocks in shallow places, and to bring rope to tie your groups' tubes together, in case the company ran out ( and they did) We also rented a cooler tube, and I recommend that to not only keep your cooler, but to serve as a dry box for things. The staff were very polite and courteous, and the trip was very fun and memorable for our family of six ( ages 9-73 !)
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Larry N 
 
 
 
 Verified Family Tubing Trip Our family had a great time on the river with High Mountain Expeditions! The ride was relaxing as well as just a fun time together with lots of laughs and just perfect weather.We would truly recommend High Mountain for your trip as they were helpful and had us covered from put in to a bus ride back to our cars. Thanks again for a fun trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kristen W 
 
 
 
 Verified Beautiful views Amazing views in the mountains. Water was nice. The tubes are nice and very friendly staff. You can even stay in a tree house
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Bruce C 
 
 
 
 Verified Great experience! Started late but everything else great…. Friendly staff, clean new facility, safety focused, good stations, customer focused
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jamie T 
 
 
 
 Verified Tubing Relaxing (don't go after a hard rain) Beautiful views and mostly relaxing, although not as much after a hard rain. Normally takes 2-2.5 hours in clear water, we floated for 1.5 hours in high muddy water. Had to get out to go across a low bridge. Bumped into thorny brush alongside the river. Overall would do it again, just not after a hard rain. Would also bring along a small paddle to steer away from the sides.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   seasideljs 
 
 
 
 Verified Great time amazing staff!! Great trip on a calm river! Management here does everything right.. the whole area is super clean, too! They schedule trips each hour which helps the river not be so crowded and clumped together. We had an hour or more of beautiful weather then it rained. The bus came by to let us know where the pickup point was. He helped me out of the water since I have a bad knee. He was super kind!! I would highly recommend this company!! It was a blast! It’s not their fault it rained.. we will go again and take our four year old as well. Our nine year old loved it!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Elizabeth W 
 
 
 
 Verified Best Ever! Our rafting trip was amazing! Beautiful views and great people running things. Evan was the best guide and entertaining! Sam was also entertaining and a great driver! I would recommend them over and over again and will definitely do it again!