erwin, tn
Nolichucky River whitewater rafting
Nolichucky Gorge RAFTING Is Back
Only 45 minutes from Asheville & 20 minutes from Johnson City
After months of recovery following Hurricane Helene, Blue Ridge Paddling is back on the water! We're guiding guests through a river that's changed in exciting ways that you'll have to experience for yourself.
USFS PERMITTED
CERTIFIED GUIDES
SMALL GROUPS
ALL GEAR INCLUDED
REBUILT AND READY
September 2024
Hurricane Helene tore through the region and dramatically reshaped the Nolichucky River. For months, rafting operations on the Nolichucky came to a complete stop. We've waited until the river was ready, our team had fully scouted the new lines, and we could guarantee the same standard of safety and quality Blue Ridge Paddling has always been built on. Now we're back, and we're ready to help you raft this river.
The New Nolichucky
The storm changed the riverbed, the rapids, and the entire personality of this gorge. Lucky for us, the result is a whitewater experience that's more dynamic and more thrilling than the river we knew before. Guides who have run this gorge for years are calling it the most exciting version of the Nolichucky they've ever paddled. It's a genuinely new river, inside the same wild, remote gorge that first drew us here. So even if you've rafted the Nolichucky before, this is a brand new experience.
REBUILT AND READY FOR ADVENTURE
September 2024
Hurricane Helene tore through the region and dramatically reshaped the Nolichucky River. For months, rafting operations on the Nolichucky came to a complete stop. We've waited until the river was ready, our team had fully scouted the new lines, and we could guarantee the same standard of safety and quality Blue Ridge Paddling has always been built on. Now we're back, and we're ready to help you raft this river.
The New Nolichucky
The storm changed the riverbed, the rapids, and the entire personality of this gorge. Lucky for us, the result is a whitewater experience that's more dynamic and more thrilling than the river we knew before. Guides who have run this gorge for years are calling it the most exciting version of the Nolichucky they've ever paddled. It's a genuinely new river, inside the same wild, remote gorge that first drew us here. So even if you've rafted the Nolichucky before, this is a brand new experience.
New Rafting Trip
our newest trip
Departing from our Erwin, TN outpost - close to Asheville and Johnson City
The Nolichucky Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip
Right now, this is the only trip we're running, and we built it to be the best version of what Blue Ridge Paddling does. This, as always, is a premium small-group experience for rafters of all levels.
8:30 AM Departure
Ages 12+
9 miles - 3.5 hours
Class III–IV whitewater
All guides are Swiftwater Rescue and Wilderness First Aid certified
All PFDs, helmets, paddles, rafts, and splash gear are included
Private transit van with AC
Starting at $114/guest
Everything you need
WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH EVERY TRIP
PFD, helmet, paddle
Splash jacket on request
Professional, certified guide
Secure storage for valuables
River transportation
On-trip photos
PFD, helmet, paddle
Splash jacket on request
Professional, certified guide
Secure storage for valuables
River transportation
On-trip photos
Ready to Ride?
Don't Miss Out - Lock In YOUR DATE
Full refund 15+ days out - rain or shine
Before You Book
COMMON QUESTIONS
What is BRP’s cancellation policy?
Any cancellation within 7 days of the reservation will be charged 100% of the reservation price. Any cancellation made between 7 and 14 days prior to the reservation date will receive a 50% refund. Any cancellation made 15 days prior to the reservation date will receive a full refund or credit to a future reservation.
Do I have to have experience?
No experience needed for any of our activities.
Will my trip or lesson be cancelled due to bad weather?
BRP runs trips and programs rain or shine. If weather or conditions increase risk or alter safety, our experience planner will be in contact with you.
How many people can be in one raft? Will my group be split up?
Our rafts can hold up to 7 paddlers including the guide. BRP prides itself on running smaller, more personalized experiences. Simply put, we would never split up a group that intended on enjoying the river together.
Can I just walk-in and book a trip for that same day?
BRP will do its best to accommodate all our guests, however we cannot guarantee walk-in bookings. It is highly recommended to give us a call to help book your trip or book online.
What do I wear?
The short answer is...Bring a swimsuit or bottoms that you don’t mind getting wet and that can dry quickly. Closed toe river shoes are recommended but we do allow for Chaco and Teva style sandals. Don’t have river shoes? No problem! BRP provides all required gear and equipment including river shoes. Cotton clothing and Jeans are not allowed for safety reasons. Sun protection is recommended with quick dry fit shirts which are sold in our outfitter store.
Should I bring my phone, wallet, and keys to the river? If not, what do I do with them?
BRP highly recommends not bringing your phone, wallet, or keys on your trip. Rest assured we will carefully collect car keys and ask that you leave your wallet behind in your locked vehicle. People do bring phones sometimes for pictures, but the result is that sometimes your phone finds a new home at the bottom of the river. Allow our team to take care of all photo opportunities for you!
What does class I, II, III, IV, V mean?
Check out this great description provided by American Whitewater! https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start/
ABOUT OUR FOUNDERS
MASON SCHMIDT
Co-Founder - Whitewater Instructor/River Guide
Mason Schmidt, like his brother, was raised in Alabama. He has spent a large portion of his life chasing the next opportunity that allows him to instruct in the outdoors. These days, he recently acquired his Outdoor Industry MBA and is now settling into his life’s work of sharing his passion for whitewater with others. Developing relationships and friendships through guiding and instructing in the outdoor industry has been his focus for the last decade. Although he has paddled in countless locations, he cut his teeth in the Southeast – an area that is renowned for exceptional opportunities to learn how to paddle and progress to the next level. Mason has been an instructor of various outdoor recreation activities for nearly a decade. From skiing in the Rockies, to backpacking in the DividerTetons, and kayaking across the southeast – he’s taught many folks the knowledge and skills that he has developed over his career.
Mason’s favorite rivers are the Nolichucky and the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. If Mason is not on the water, you might find him mountain biking or snow skiing depending on the season. Mason’s extensive knowledge and experience in whitewater kayaking instruction coupled with his warm personality will have you requesting a day on the river with him by name time and time again.
BRANNON SCHMIDT
Co-Founder - Whitewater Instructor/River Guide
Brannon Schmidt hails from Alabama but grew up exploring all that the Southeastern United States has to offer. Brannon loves all forms of outdoor recreation, but his biggest passions are whitewater kayaking, rafting, and teaching individuals to love and appreciate the great outdoors. Brannon lives and breathes river recreation. He finds nothing more rewarding than sharing his passion with both experienced paddlers and newcomers, alike.
Brannon’s favorite rivers are the Nolichucky and the Tellico. Brannon is extremely excited to get to know you. His infectious spirit and passion for sharing experiences on the water with you will always leaving you wanting to come back for more.
Get In Touch
Send us a message
If you have any questions about our trips or operations, just fill out the form and our team will get back to you as soon as we can!
Or give us a call using the button below!
ABOUT OUR FOUNDERS
MASON SCHMIDT
Co-Founder - Whitewater Instructor/River Guide
Mason Schmidt, like his brother, was raised in Alabama. He has spent a large portion of his life chasing the next opportunity that allows him to instruct in the outdoors. These days, he recently acquired his Outdoor Industry MBA and is now settling into his life’s work of sharing his passion for whitewater with others. Developing relationships and friendships through guiding and instructing in the outdoor industry has been his focus for the last decade. Although he has paddled in countless locations, he cut his teeth in the Southeast – an area that is renowned for exceptional opportunities to learn how to paddle and progress to the next level. Mason has been an instructor of various outdoor recreation activities for nearly a decade. From skiing in the Rockies, to backpacking in the DividerTetons, and kayaking across the southeast – he’s taught many folks the knowledge and skills that he has developed over his career.
Mason’s favorite rivers are the Nolichucky and the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. If Mason is not on the water, you might find him mountain biking or snow skiing depending on the season. Mason’s extensive knowledge and experience in whitewater kayaking instruction coupled with his warm personality will have you requesting a day on the river with him by name time and time again.
BRANNON SCHMIDT
Co-Founder - Whitewater Instructor/River Guide
Brannon Schmidt hails from Alabama but grew up exploring all that the Southeastern United States has to offer. Brannon loves all forms of outdoor recreation, but his biggest passions are whitewater kayaking, rafting, and teaching individuals to love and appreciate the great outdoors. Brannon lives and breathes river recreation. He finds nothing more rewarding than sharing his passion with both experienced paddlers and newcomers, alike.
Brannon’s favorite rivers are the Nolichucky and the Tellico. Brannon is extremely excited to get to know you. His infectious spirit and passion for sharing experiences on the water with you will always leaving you wanting to come back for more.
