Weekend Whitewater Rafting Destinations <10hr drive from Indianapolis?

[Nick VanBurkleo]

In a couple months I'll be moving from Minneapolis to Indianapolis, and I understand that this will put me within driving distance of some decent whitewater rafting – something I've never done before. Does anyone have any experience and/or recommendations for rafting destinations within reasonable striking distance (<8hrs drive) of Indy? Any duration, single or multi-day, but ideally something that could be knocked out in a long weekend.

I'd also love to hear about any good or bad experiences you may have had with guides, outfitters, etc. Thanks!

[Ben C]

You have a lot of options within 8 hours. I will start with the ones I have the most experience with.
The Big South Fork of the Cumberland(Ky-Tn) has some good water and nice scenery. The Big 3 are class 4 runs and there is a lot of other class 3 water. Burnt Mill Bridge to Leatherwood Ford is the best section. It is very unreliable as there is no dam. You will need to check water levels before going. I think Sheltowee Trace (ask for Papa Smurf) is the only outfitter; he also runs the milder Cumberland River.
Ocoee(Tn) is a heavily used river. The whitewater is good but the scenery is not. Expect crowds too. Because of its popularity, its easy to set up a trip.
The Chatooga(SC-Ga) is a great option. It has several sections. Sections 3 and 4 are probably your best options. Section 3 has a lot of class 3-3+ water and ends with a class 4-5 drop. Section 4 is a bit tougher. It has a lot of class 3 water with a fair amount of class 4-5 as well. The Chatooga is a great run and very scenic. But its really in the middle of nowhere. Maybe the best river in the East.
There is the Pigeon River just off I-40 in the Smokies. Its class 4 maybe but not very scenic. Access is very easy and you can stay in the Smokies.
The Nantahala is a dam release that always has some class 2-3 water. NOC and others rent duckies. No guide is needed if you can paddle at all.
The Russell Fork is a dam release creek in eastern Kentucky. It can be solid class 5 water durin the big releases, but class 4 on more normal releases.
The Cheoah is a limited dam release trip. I have not been on it but have heard good things. Its class 4-5. Its in a pretty area.
There are lots of other SE options too: Obed, Nolichucky, Clear, etc that you might be able to book a raft for. Nantahala Outdoor Center is the leading outfitter in the southeast.
The New and Gauley in West Virginia are obvious stops as well.

[Nick VanBurkleo]

I was expecting one or two options, but it sounds like this is just the tip of the iceberg. Based on those notes, I need to plan at least two trips. The first to the Chattooga, and the second to meet the river guide named Papa Smurf. :)

Thanks for the recommendations, Ben!

[Steve Meier]

Hi Nick, welcome to Indy. For the tradeoff of a very low cost of living and safe living, you'll need to drive a good bit to good hiking and whitewater. I did some rafting in the Carolinas which Ben covers above and it is a great time. The hiking in the area is classic AT-type routes. The New/Gauly Rivers in WV is class IV when they release the dam. I've not done that yet but my wife has and its known for some of the best whitewater east of the Mississippi.

[Nick VanBurkleo]

Thanks Steve, all good info. WV seems to be a popular recommendation for getting my outdoor fix.

[Nick VanBurkleo]

Just a random update.

Since moving to Indy I rafted the Cumberland a couple times and met the infamous Papa Smurf.  I also kayaked a section of the Nantahala with a friend. That was a cold ride :)

Thanks again for the recommendations!

[Ben C]

Glad to hear Papa Smurf is still kicking.  He has been running shuttles FOREVER.  And he got the name from his glorious white beard, so he was pretty old when I first met him.

If you get a chance, do a trip with Papa Smurf on the Big South in the spring when the water is running well.  It’s fun whitewater, no crowds, and spectacular scenery.

[Author]

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