Watauga River Rafting

Upon arrival at our riverside outpost in Elizabethton, TN, you’ll check in and be fitted with top-of-the-line gear by our friendly staff. After getting suited up, you’ll board a River & Earth Adventures van for a short and scenic shuttle to the put-in below Wilbur Dam.

Once at the river, your guide will lead a thorough, safety-focused (and entertaining!) talk. Then it's time to hit the water. You'll ease into the trip with a mellow float—followed by an optional 20-foot cliff jump into the cool waters of the Watauga. From there, you’ll warm up on a series of class I and II rapids before taking on the exciting class III Anaconda Rapid, known for its fun drops and dynamic features.

The second half of the trip features a mix of smaller rapids, narrow channels, and opportunities to jump in for a swim or explore the riverbank. You’ll finish your trip right behind our outpost, where changing rooms—and often a celebratory ice cream cone—await.

Yes! This is a great beginner-friendly trip and is open to all ages. Our expert guides are trained to keep everyone safe and comfortable on the water, and no prior experience is needed.

The 20-foot cliff jump is completely optional. If you’d rather skip it, your guide will direct you around that section so you can rejoin the group downstream.

Yes! We have a hidden cameraman stationed at one of the most exciting rapids, Anaconda, to snap action shots. Photos will be available for purchase after your trip.

The Watauga River flows through Cherokee National Forest and East Tennessee farmland, and it’s common to spot colorful birds, turtles, herons, and other river wildlife along the way.

You’re welcome to bring a water bottle, which can be left in the van or outpost before hitting the water. Due to the nature of the activity, snacks or drinks are not permitted on the raft itself.

Yes, guides are in every boat, and guides are in other rafts and kayaks around you during rafting trips. On the Watauga river section V you may captain your own craft while the guides assist, direct, and rescue you throughout the day.

All of our rafts are 13-14-foot self-bailing rafts. These modern rafts have an inflated elevated floor with holes along the side. When the water pours into the raft, it goes right back out through these holes. This boat has great finesse on the water because it is not carrying around heavy water. And you never have to pass the bailing bucket around.

River and Earth Adventures will accommodate your needs. While paddling is typically considered a part of the rafting experience, we can design a trip around your needs.

Rafting is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun and educational. However, as in all adventure sports, there is an inherent risk involved. That risk contributes to the excitement and is one of the reasons people enjoy it so much. Our guides are trained to minimize risks. One state government found in an investigation that the injury rate for whitewater rafting is similar to that for golfing! But still, there is a risk, and you must accept that risk when you go on the river. By the way, the most common injury is sunburn, and most other injuries occur on land, especially getting into and out of the boats.

Everyone on commercial rafting trips wears a coast guard approved buoyancy vest. This will keep you afloat in the event that you find yourself in the river. Many non-swimmers go on rafting trips, and they have a great time. It is more important that you are not afraid of the water.

Rafting is an active adventure, and you will have a paddle in your hands and will be paddling. You should be reasonably healthy and must be able to fit into the life vests. Paddling can be tiring, but guides will instruct you on paddling technique. Oar boats, where you ride along as a passenger, are also available for those who need special accommodations.

Believe it or not, many people love falling out of the boat. It’s exciting. But it can be disorienting and a little overwhelming at first. Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Some people swim on their first trip. It’s a part of rafting. Before you go on any trip, you’ll be given extensive instructions on what to do if you fall in and how to stay safe. Follow you’re guide’s instructions, and your “swim” could be the most exciting part of your trip!