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