The Adventure Collective 2017 WNC Adventure Guide | Page 18

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Boone River Expert: River & Earth Adventures
5578 Hwy. 421, Vilas, NC
866-411-RAFT || www.raftcavehike.com
Watauga River (Valle Crucis):
The Watauga River
Gorge is known throughout the country as being one of the premier
whitewater runs in the East. But beginner paddlers and those just looking to en-
joy a lazy float can also find great options as well. The river offers gently flowing
sections through scenic Valle Crucis that are perfect for kayakers, canoeists, and
tube floats. For the more experienced boaters, look no further than the Class V
Watauga Gorge. During summer dry seasons, the section below Watauga Lake
offers boaters a chance to ride big waves on a regularly scheduled dam release
and makes for a great trip thanks to the numerous swimming holes and sce-
nic stretches. River and Earth Adventures offers guided trips, canoe and kayak
rentals and shuttles for the Watauga River. Directions from Boone:
Take Hwy 105 S for 4.8 miles to right onto Broadstone Rd./Hwy 194. Follow past
the Historic Mast General Store in Valle Crucis to Watauga River Rd on the left. A
good put-in is beneath the bridge immediately after turning onto Watauga River Rd.
Contact River & Earth for shuttles and rentals.
Canoe The High Country:
Allow River and Earth Adventures to
provide you with all the equipment and logistics as you immerse yourself
fully in the famous, breathtaking landscape of the Appalachians. All you have to
do is float and enjoy. They’ll provide you with a Mohawk canoe, personal flo-
tation device, paddles, and a small cooler upon request. Spend an hour on the
river, or the whole day! It’s your own vehicle waiting for you at the take out!
River and Earth Adventures will come and pick up the canoe. Bring sunscreen
and a lunch and relax as the river carries you through wilderness. Those rocky
beaches are perfect for a picnic! Whether it’s a romantic rendez-vous for two,
time to catch up and cool off with your best friends, or a day on the river for a
family reunion, you will love your relaxing, rejuvenating, tranquil day of paddling.
Plan Ahead: Contact River & Earth Adventures to plan your outdoor adven-
ture by calling 866-411-RAFT.
Raft the French Broad River: The French Broad River
flows 213 miles starting in nearby Transylvania County into Tennessee
and provides some excellent whitewater rafting and float opportunities. The
river is calm as it cuts around downtown Asheville, but it’s a torrent of whitewa-
ter further west near Hot Springs. Run a 5 mile half-day trip for an experience
chocked full of class II-III rapids such as Pinball, S-Turn, and Stack House. Go for
an 8 mile full day trip and tackle the famous class IV Frank Bell’s rapid. Direc-
tions from Boone: We recommend hooking up with River & Earth Adven-
tures to schedule this trip in advance. They offer shuttles from their Boone location
or, if you’d prefer, you can meet the guide at the put-in and start your adventure.
Standup Paddleboard Watauga Lake: take in the beauty of
Watauga Lake from the comfort of a standup paddleboard, the perfect vessel for
a fun day of swimming, paddling and exploring. River & Earth Adventures is now offering
paddleboard rentals for a half or full day of adventure on the water and can point you
in the right direction for the best places to explore on the lake. Plan Ahead:
Contact River & Earth Adventures to plan your outdoor adventure by calling 866-
411-RAFT.
Canoe Camping on the New River (Jefferson): The New
River was dedicated as a National Scenic River in 1976, and for good reason – this
gentle river is home to a vibrant ecosystem and flows through the pastoral landscape of
gently rolling hills and rugged mountains. With 32 miles of river to explore, we suggest
bringing your camping gear and making it a multi-day journey. The state park section of
the river offers