Always a Cool Ride on the Nantahala
Enjoy the "Nanny" from a duckie
Looking for a cool way to spend a hot summer day in the Southeast? Hit the Nantahala River in North Carolina. Nicknamed the “Nanny” for its gentle Class IIs and Class IIIs rapids, this river is always a cool ride. Just this weekend the river temperature was a chilling 52 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Why so chilly? This river is lake fed, which means the water temperature is always cool. This fact makes the Nanny a great place to spend a hot summer day. Many outfitters offer rafting, kayaking, and duckie rentals and guided trips. If you are new to rafting, kayaking, or duckie-ing, this river is perfect for beginners. You can experience the thrill of rapids without getting in over your head on your first trip.
On the Nanny
Many areas are gentle, giving a nice break from rougher areas of the water. Whether you are looking for a gentle ride or a more adventurous one, you will find both on the Nanny. Rent a duckie and head for the rapids for a wetter more adventurous ride. Duckies are inflatable kayaks that put you closer to the waves than you will be in a raft. These crafts are easy to negotiate and a blast to ride in.
The Nantahala River also offers beautiful scenery. Slow down through the gentle parts and enjoy the surroundings.
Remember to bring a waterproof camera to document your trip. Plan ahead and wear sunscreen. Even though much of the river is shaded it is easy to find yourself sunburned at the end of a trip on the Nanny.
Soaking wet and cold, I made it through the Nantahala!
Safety while on the river should come first. Always keep your hands on the paddle and be aware of where your paddle is at all times (i.e., avoid hitting your rafting partner with it). When approaching rapids and waves, lean INTO them. Leaning away from waves can result in an unexpected swim through the rapids. If you fall in the river, lean back on your life jacket and keep your feet up. Dangling your feet in the water can result in getting a foot stuck in the rocks and you can be pulled under by the waves. Once possible, get back into your raft.
Check out Whitewater Express to schedule a trip on the Nanny.
2 Responses so far
Ashley
June 22nd, 2010
11:44 am
Hi! Just now seeing this. My husband and I are going to ducky down the nantahala but we are trying to decide whether we want to go guided or unguided. we both have been whitewater rafting before. Although it was some 5+ years ago. We have also both been kayaking a couple times on the cartecay in Elijay Ga. I just want to make the best decision, but also do not want to be falling out of the kayak constantly! Advice? Thanks!
Jessica
June 25th, 2010
8:01 am
Hi Ashley,
Personally, I think the Nantahala is pretty easy to navigate on your own. On our trip, I was the only one who got dumped out. At the end, there is a place where the river parts. The left side is wide and smoother, the right side is rocky, rougher and narrow. We took the right, and I took a swim. Chances are, you would be fine on your own. That said, if you have reservations, there’s no harm in going with a guide. Better safe and having fun, than sorry and miserable. And once you do the river with a guide, you might decide to go back again on your own. Hope that helps! Have fun whatever you decide. And please come back and post a comment about your trip. I’d love to hear how it was.
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