This post contains affiliate links. When clicked, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting RA and keeping it free!
Are you looking for a white water rafting adventure near Atlanta? Good, white water rafting is exhilarating! It really does not matter whether you are self guiding your families raft down gentle rapids or have an accomplished guide providing instructions as your raft down pulse pounding rapids.
The experience of rafting is a highlight for the summer, especially if you ask my kids.
In this post we will explore 5 rivers that you can go white water rafting within a few hours of Atlanta.
With fair warning, many of these white water rafting outfitters are located to the north, in the Carolinas. They could be done in a day trip, but also part of a great weekend getaway to the mountains.
So if you are up for a white water rafting trip near Atlanta, read on and find a perfect outfitter for which ever river you choose!
There are multiple rivers near Atlanta that provide amazing white water rafting adventures. You can choose from following rivers:
- Ocoee River
- Chattahoochee River
- Chattooga River
- Cheoh River
- Nantahala River.
In this post, the outfitters will be separated by which river they serve. A few of them serve multiple rivers.
Rivers with White Water Rafting Near Atlanta
Ocoee River White Water Rafting
- Approximate miles from Atlanta: 117 miles
- Age: 12 and up.
The Ocoee River white water rafting excursions is a just a few miles north of the Georgia border and into Tennessee. This destination is not terribly far from Atlanta and could be a possible day trip as it will be a little more than a 2 hour drive.
The Ocoee River damn release is controlled by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA.)
Most of the outfitters will offer Upper Ocoee or Middle Ocoee rafting tours, many will also do both. Each section is about 5 miles in length. The combination will run about 10 miles.
- The Upper Ocoee is also referred to as the Olympic Course because it was selected for the 1996 Summer Olympics. There are multiple class IV rapids and is generally thought of for its big white water and large drops. This section has more limited availability when the TVA releases the damn. Typically this occurs on the weekends in the summertime, but be sure to call ahead to see if it is available.
- The Middle Ocoee is known for its continuous white water. This has class III and IV rapids. It is also the most popular choice for river rafting on the Ocoee.
Here are a few of the Ocoee White Water River Outfitters.
- Ocoee Rafting
- Carolina Outfitters- Ocoee
- Outland Expeditions- Ocoee
- Quest Expeditions Ocoee River
- Cherokee Rafting – Ocoee River Whitewater Tours
- Rolling Thunder- Ocoee
- WildWater- Ocoee
Chattooga River White Water Rafting
- Approximate miles from Atlanta: 127 miles
- Minimum Age: 8 or 12, depending on section
Located in Long Creek, SC, just across the Georgia Border and not far from the Tallulah Gorge is the Chattooga River.
This could be done as a day trip, or better yet combine it with weekend stay while exploring the Tallulah Gorge State Park.
This river has multiple sections of difficulty, making it a great option for families. There are tours for beginners, intermediate and advanced paddlers.
For more information, here are couple of the Chattooga River White Water River Outfitters:
Chattahoochee River White Water Rafting
- Approximate miles from Atlanta: 107 miles
- Minimum Age: 7 or 12, depending on section.
You might think that since the Chattahoochee literally flows through Atlanta, there must be a white water rafting spot in the city. While there are a few rapids, most people “shoot the hooch” on a tube.
Many people access the Chattahoochee from one of the many parks that make up the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. There are many sites with river access and some of the best hiking near Atlanta.
However, if you are looking for bigger water, you head down river to Columbus, GA. At this section of the river, you are on the border of Georgia and Alabama.
This river has multiple sections of difficulty, making it a great option for families. There are tours for beginners, intermediate and advanced paddlers. In the more difficult sections, expect class III and sometimes class IV rapids during high water.
For more information, here is the Chattahoochee River white water river outfitter:
Whitewater Express- Chattahoochee
Cheoah River White Water Rafting
- Approximate miles from Atlanta: 169 miles
- Minimum Age: 16
The Cheoah River is one of the most exciting white water rafting rivers near Atlanta, but it is reserved for expert paddlers. The rapids on this river are class IV to IV+. Expect large vertical drops and many boulders that require expert technical skills.
For more information, here are a couple rafting outfitters for the Cheoah River:
Nantahala River White Water Rafting
- Approximate miles from Atlanta: 150 miles
- Minimum Age: 7 years or 60lbs
With guided or unguided river trips, this is the perfect family friendly location for a white water rafting river adventure near Atlanta. This is one of the most popular rafting destinations in the area for families.
For more information, here are a few of the Nantahala River white water rafting outfitters: