I wanted the freedom to have drinks, breakfast, lunch and A/C. Nantahala Outdoor Center has several outpost locations, conveniently located in Roswell's Azalea Park and Metro Atlanta in Sandy Springs. See. We went with a company call Big Creek Expeditions and they have the most experienced guide staff on the Pigeon River. . [Photos], A Guide to Synchronous Fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains [2023], Buc-ees Sevierville TN Opening Date Delayed [2023], 17 New Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Surrounding Areas [2023]. Tennessee - Ocoee River, Pigeon River, Watauga River and Nolichucky River. Preorder your boxed lunch to enjoy onboard dining. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. I don't want the (what appears to be dull) Lower Pigeon experience. I would recommend that you ride the train because it was my first time ever being on a train and Im 56 and I absolutely loved it. Copyright 2023 Nantahala Outdoor Center, Ocoee Combo & High Adventure 13+ Years of Age. Read More. . After checking in at the store counter, you'll get fully equipped, receive . When we reach the end of the line, we will invite all guests in this class to switch sides with their neighbors so that everyone will have the opportunity to take pictures from a new perspective on the opposite side of the train. Share the splashes and smiles! Summary What To Expect Big Splashes & Bumpy Waves, Maximum 7 People Per Raft + Guide; 5.5 mile trip / approx. Pigeon VS Nahida. 3. It's close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Tennessee resort cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, make it an easy . Dine onsite, shop in the Outfitters store and stay in mountainside lodging. The Pigeon is more exciting and less crowded (I've canoed both), but the Nantahala still has plenty of whitewater, especially for kids who haven't rafted before. We were on the 2nd trip of the day. Children under 3 are free. When we reach the end of the line, we will invite all guests in this class to switch sides with their neighbors so that everyone will have the opportunity to take pictures from a new perspective on the opposite side of the train. The food was ok. Not great but ok. More challenging runs, including Class IV and V rapids depending on conditions, await upstreamtoward the Nantahala Dam in the Nantahala Cascades. Passengers wind through tunnels, across the historic train trestle over Fontana Lake, through fertile valleys and into a deep river gorge. Maggie Valley's Ghost Town in the Sky has been closed since the late 2000s (photo submitted to TheSmokies.com with permission by Gary and Carol Cox, circa 2007), In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most interesting monsters mentioned on Travel Channel's Mountain Monsters (media photo from Travel Channel, werewolf rendering from Adobe stock), We have a trip planned for the end of May Upper Nantahala Cascades ( Topton NC) Distance from downtown Cherokee: 30 miles Level of Difficulty: Easy Trail Length: 0 Located near Findley Falls, the Upper Nantahala Cascades are another delight that can be viewed without even getting out of your car. NOC has a stellar reputation, but there are many others that are wonderful as well. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Activity. Phone: 828-488-6345. email Raft@AppRivers.com or Raft@carolinaoutfitters.com. The regular Tuckasegee River Excursion to Dillsboro, NC is a 4 hour excursion. Not much scenery as its mostly dark, but the entertainment and food were fabulous. If you are planning a trip to Dollywood and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, here the Top 10 RV Parks and Camping options. Other excursions and/or events are available. Subscribeto ournewsletterand we will instantly deliver the best area discounts to your inbox. The Upper Pigeon between Walters Dam and Hartford serves up Class III and Class IV rapids, including such lauded wildwater as Powerhouse, Roller Coaster, Double Reactionary, and Lost Guide (the biggest). I got a picture of the Conductor on the train. Ive done many of these type of train rides and this one ranks real high on list. . Alternatively, you may use, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Forum, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Rentals, Flights to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Restaurants near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide. Had a great time! The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. Premium Open Air Gondola with dining features assigned seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and a roof above to protect passengers from the elements. With plenty of outfitters located on the river along with state park amenities there are plenty of opportunities for guided river tours, rentals, and more. You can find more information at the Obed Visitor Center in Wartburg, TN or on the National Park Services page dedicated to, experiencing the wild and scenic Obed River, At the North Carolina entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies the Oconaluftee River or Luftee for short. Nantahala Outdoor Center has several outpost locations, conveniently located in Roswells Azalea Park and Metro Atlanta in Sandy Springs. Still, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a unique experience that you will likely remember for years to come. It was a very long unhappy experience, never again !! Experienced Class II rafters and kayakers will enjoy putting-in at Potters Ford and paddling to Obed Junction where Daddy Creek flows into the river. Suspension Bridges Crossing Nantahala River . While the river drains into portions of three national forests, it also provides the southwestern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you haven't rafted before, I'd do the Nantahala to see how all of you react. Rafting and Jeep tours are also available. Also, similarly named rivers are . These factors, along with being a great training ground for those who are new to river sports, make the Nantahala one of the most rafted/paddled rivers in the United States. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Our only requirements are that guests be 8 years old or 70 pounds to take the Upper River trip, or at least 3 years old for the Lower River trip. We went on the Nantahala Gorge route on Friday. Id not heard of Thomas until I was grown, but there was something about following the trains along the tiny tracks, the small vignettes they passed, the switch tracks, the lights, everything. Still thinking it over. Hi. New - Our canopy tours will now accommodate kids 8 yrs. Just a great train ride and all the views to see . 1365 Highway 19. We looked forward to doing this for a long time and finally did it recently and I must say I was very disappointed. I highly recommend. Rapids will depend on where your journey begins and ends, but most rafting trips with outfitters from North Carolina and Tennessee will range from Class II-III possibly a Class IV drop if your journey includes Frank Bells Rapid. It's the coldest water, perfect for hot summer days. Located deep in Western North Carolinas Pisgah National Forest, the French Broad features warm water, scenic mountain views, and plenty of fun Class II and III rapids. You can find more information at the Obed Visitor Center in Wartburg, TN or on the National Park Services page dedicated to experiencing the wild and scenic Obed River. Our 5.5 mile Lower River Rafting Trip features approximately 50 class 1 and 2 rapids, making it the ideal trip for kids and families with younger children. We received mugs to keep with endless refills on tea, lemonade, and sodas. The train ride was the draw, but the Fryemont Inn is why we are already planning to return. Check out the full schedule here: https://www.gsmr.com/train-schedule/. It is a bit too calm for athletic outdoor folks! He was very polite. Is the Pigeon a good step between the Nantahala and Ocoee? The holiday-themed rides are usually shorter and less scenic. In the meantime, discover the many other. much more fun, maneuverable, and you'll enjoy yourself a lot more. We went with a company call Big Creek Expeditions and they have the most experienced guide staff on the Pigeon River. Another great option is Turkey Creek Campground where all sites have fireplaces and picnic tables. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information I finally got my roll a few weeks ago and just got my first combat roll on the Nanty last week in the waves after the rock quarry rapid. We were both so very excited. But if you go just a little further past the state line of Tennessee, youll find that the neighboring state also has a lot to offer especially for train enthusiasts. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. There are numerous options for both food and drink available onboard the train, at and around the depot, and at layovers. Hope that helps! Tours run through Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. One of the . The lunch was excellent and our car attendant was a hoot and that made the trip very enjoyable. In these areas both agencies strive for maximum protection of natural landscapes. Be the first to hear of new adventures & specials! Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Model Train Museum. 1,063 were here. I would have combat rolled there had I not gotten a rubber undercut from a ducky. I took my granddaughter this time This was her 1st trip. The Pigeon River is conveniently located just outside of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, offering trips on two sections of the river. For example, selecting 'Bear Creek' shows bridges across several different Bear Creeks. Enjoy these top-grade Southern Appalachian flowsand some breathtaking sceneryon a river trip here! However, a popular put-in is in Carter County Tennessee, just downstream of the TVA Wilbur Dam, and a popular take-out is downstream in Elizabethton, TN. The website promises rods from as far back as the 1800s and in-depth explorations of the history of the sport. The depot sits in the heart of Bryson City. First off, the 2pm steam train we were on to the Nantahala Gorge did not leave until approximately 2:40pm. Welcome to r/whitewater! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Copyright 2023 Smoky Mountain Outdoors| All Rights Reserved, Outpost AddressWhere your trip begins!3299 Hartford RoadHartford, TN 37753, Plan Your VisitTripsPackagesGroup InfoCouponsReviewsDirectionsContact Us, Helpful InfoRead Our BlogFAQsCancellation PolicyAffiliationsEmployment. Which is the winner ? If you all had listened to the train personnel you would have been given the history of this poor southern city. Would definitely recommend. This subreddit is a place to discuss anything and everything relating to whitewater. nantahala run on friday july the 13th..me, austin wilson and met Dennis Taylor, he has run the river many times, so thanks for being our pseudo guide.next . Wildlife flourishes, and people reconnect with nature in the narrow valley between Wesser and Andrews. All departures are from the Bryson City Depot in. From there, you also have a premium open air gondola, crown class, coach class and the open air gondola. Near Sevierville, Tennessee, it receives the flow of the Little Pigeon River before joining the Holston River in Knox County at the place known as Forks of the River to form the Tennessee River. I was very disappointed trestle over Fontana Lake, through fertile valleys and into deep. Breakfast, lunch and A/C in schedule or motive power affects your reservation through fertile valleys and into a River! Keep with endless refills on tea, lemonade, and people reconnect with nature in the narrow valley Wesser... We received mugs to keep with endless refills on tea, lemonade, and iced tea all day we. The full schedule here: https: //www.gsmr.com/train-schedule/ of natural landscapes ll get equipped. New - Our canopy tours will now accommodate kids 8 yrs tickets the day of the... Tea, lemonade, and people reconnect with nature in the Bryson.... 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