With one full week of remote learning under our belts, we thought it was time to reintroduce you and your family to SUMMER FUN – in case you forgot what that is! Enter our Smarty experts of all things super fun, High Mountain Expeditions!
High Mountain Expeditions offers half and full day tubing, kayaking, canoeing and whitewater rafting outings that will be a hit for your entire family!
About High Mountain Expeditions:
In 1986, High Mountain Expeditions began taking families and adventure seekers alike to some of the most spectacular places in the U.S. Their early efforts helped create a whitewater rafting industry that now shares the beautiful outdoors of the North Carolina Mountains and Tennessee Wilderness with outdoor adventure-seekers every summer.
High Mountain Expeditions is open seven days a week through Labor Day. River tubing, kayaking and canoeing trips are available on the New River. Half-day rafting trips on the Watauga River as well as more intense whitewater rafting adventures on the Nolichucky River are also available.
Tubing adventures on the New River cost $20/person and make for the perfect day trip from CLT. We will be covering High Mountain Expedition trips all summer long, so enjoy the ride!
Here is a detailed breakdown of trip options for your family!
Whitewater Rafting on the Nolichucky/Wilson Creek/Watauga:
Nolichucky River (Full Day): The deepest river gorge east of the Mississippi, the Nolichucky River offers a true world class white water experience. Adventure-seekers will paddle the Nolichucky River starting in North Carolina and finish in Tennessee. Some of the biggest rapids are found on this section of the Nolichucky River. The watery bliss of the river is matched by its stunning rock-scapes and Native American legends making the Nolichucky River perfect for swimming and paddling. Learn more here.
Watauga River (Half Day): The Watauga River winds its way through a remarkable wilderness of dramatic cliffs, twisted mountains, hidden waterfalls and breathtaking pastoral scenery. This ½ day rafting adventure down the Watauga river provides some of the best family rafting in America. The pristine waters of the Watauga River are crystal clear and offer abundant wildlife spotting opportunities. This trip requires no previous whitewater experience. Learn more here.
Tubing, Kayaking, & Canoeing the New River:
Tubing on the New River (just outside of Boone) is the perfect way to relax on a hot summer afternoon. The New River is one of the oldest and most prestigious rivers in the world. It flows north, from its headwaters in North Carolina into West Virginia and beyond. High Mountain Expeditions offers the unique opportunity to float this pure, clear, free flowing river. Water temperatures are inviting and offer a reprieve from the hot summer sun. Learn more about tubing here and kayaking/canoeing here.
Important Safety Information from High Mountain Expeditions:
As we all navigate the new realities of the Coronavirus, our accepted practices, policies and procedures will constantly evolve. High Mountain Expeditions is taking it slow, respecting each other and our customers, and we ask you to do the same. If we all work together to reduce transmission, we will reduce the risks to ourselves and to others. High Mountain Expeditions has put policies and procedures in place to help protect you, as well as protect our staff. Our goal is, and always will be, to have fun and offer the best outdoor experiences. Social distancing, increased cleaning, and generally reducing opportunities for transmission is the new normal for us all. Per CDC recommendations, we ask that everyone practice social distancing, but please understand that the nature of our activities does not allow that 100% of the time. You will be in the great, beautiful outdoors, with fresh air and bright sunshine (most of the time!). We will look for ways to help reduce exposure and promise to do our best to provide the safest environment for our entire High Mountain Expeditions family. Check-in, store and transportation for rafting will be high contact and interaction points, please help us by staying appropriately apart from others not in your group.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our procedures. We look forward to seeing you on the river!
Follow High Mountain Expeditions:
Reservations can be made online or over the phone (828) 266-RAFT.
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