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North Carolina Visitor & Relocation Guide - Franklin Chamber of ...

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Come Outside & Play<br />

Thrill to the challenge and excitement<br />

<strong>of</strong> whitewater rafting on several popular<br />

rivers near <strong>Franklin</strong>. Enjoy the scenic<br />

splendor <strong>of</strong> the Nantahala National Forest<br />

and the Great Smoky Mountains as you<br />

paddle the clean cold waters in the area.<br />

The world famous Nantahala<br />

River, where Olympic contestants come<br />

from all over the world to train, is the<br />

closest whitewater river to <strong>Franklin</strong>.<br />

Great whitewater rafting started here<br />

almost 40 years ago and continues to be<br />

a favorite outdoor activity for visitors to<br />

the area. A whitewater rafting trip down<br />

the scenic Nantahala River is a full 8 ½<br />

mile trip, total trip time is about 3 ½ to<br />

4 hours, with 2 hours being on the river<br />

itself. You can choose to go with a guidein-boat,<br />

guide-assisted or non-guided.<br />

All equipment is provided including<br />

top quality life jackets paddles & boats.<br />

Transportation is provided to and from<br />

the river by the many outfitters located in<br />

the area. Paddlers <strong>of</strong> all experience levels<br />

enjoy the Nantahala River. The Nantahala<br />

is a Class I, II and III whitewater river and<br />

is very family friendly, however you must<br />

weigh at least 60 pounds or be at least 7<br />

years <strong>of</strong> age.<br />

In addition to the Nantahala<br />

River, the Chattooga River is conveniently<br />

located in <strong>North</strong> Georgia, the Ocoee River<br />

in East Tennessee, the French Broad and<br />

Cheoah in Western <strong>North</strong> <strong>Carolina</strong>.<br />

You will want to bring shorts,<br />

tee shirt, and shoes that you don’t mind<br />

getting wet. Sandals are not a great idea<br />

because they leave your toes exposed.<br />

The water is generally between 48 to 55<br />

degrees year round, so bring a change <strong>of</strong><br />

clothes to change into after your trip and<br />

a plastic bag for your wet clothes. In the<br />

cooler months, a wool sweater or fleece, a<br />

rain jacket, wool socks or some other cold<br />

weather gear is recommended. Water<br />

tight zip bags will come in handy to keep<br />

your valuables dry.<br />

If you are up for even more<br />

adventure, try the zipline canopy courses<br />

<strong>of</strong>fered through Wildwater Ltd. Rafting.<br />

More than a zip line ride, the tours take<br />

you through multiple ecosystems, past<br />

hemlocks, into hardwoods, and through<br />

a deciduous forest packed with native<br />

flowering plants such as mountain laurel,<br />

dogwood, rhododendron, giant Frazier<br />

magnolia, rare umbrella magnolia, silver<br />

bells and many more. Your canopy ranger<br />

will point out these natural features and<br />

will also share with you some <strong>of</strong> the<br />

cultural history <strong>of</strong> the gorge.<br />

All flyers will need to arrive<br />

wearing collared shirts, longer shorts or<br />

cropped pants and require closed toed<br />

shoes. Harness seats will wrap around your<br />

upper thigh, shoulders, and waist so shirts<br />

and pants should cover modestly. Long<br />

hair must be tied back and secured and<br />

please leave your cell phones in the car.<br />

A complete list <strong>of</strong> whitewater<br />

outfitters is located on page 59. Their<br />

websites will have valuable information to<br />

help you plan your perfect adventures in<br />

the <strong>Franklin</strong> area.<br />

Visit<strong>Franklin</strong>NC.com 29

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