It’s time for whitewater rafting!! This year, we are heading back to North Carolina and using the Rolling Thunder River Company. We rafted there last year and had a great experience. The trip will take place July 12 – 14.
To mix things up, we will offer both the Nantahala River and the Ocoee River (for anyone interested in a more challenging whitewater rafting experience). The Nantahala River has Class I and II rapids with a Class III fall at the end. The Ocoee River has Class III and IV rapids. Please note that Scouts must be at least 12 years old to raft the Ocoee River.
Scouts will be covered by the Troop, and the cost for registered adults will be $48 per person. We will have a guide in all the rafts.
Last year we used the onsite bunkhouse, but this year we will be camping. The campsite cost will be covered by the Troop.
For those headed to the Northern Tier high adventure a week later, please remember to play it safe. If you do something as simple as hurt your ankle, it could be impactful to your upcoming trip. Please consider that when/if you sign-up for this event.
Please complete one of the sign-up sheets below. You can choose to raft the Nantahala River or the Ocoee River.
[Nantahala River (all ages) Sign-up Sheet]
[Ocoee River (age 12+) Sign-up Sheet]
Finally, as with our typical campouts, everyone attending will need to pay $16 for food.
The sign-up will close June 27, and payments will be due on the same date. This due date applies for both the rafting fees and the food costs noted above. Please submit payment via [PayPal], or bring your payment to Ms. Jean Hilyard or Ms. Joni Johnston.
Additional Details
Anyone whitewater rafting must complete the following waiver.
Also, the address for camping and Nantahala whitewater rafting pick up is:
10160 Hwy 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713, US
1-800-408-7238
Be careful! There are two locations for the Rolling Thunder River Company.
About Your Rafting Trip Before You Check-In:
1. You need to check-in at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled rafting trip. (That’s Eastern Time by the way.) (11AM IS OUR CHECK IN TIME FOR BOTH RIVERS) (KEEP IN MIND THAT IT IS AN HOUR DRIVE TO THE OCOEE LOCATION)
2. Each and every person in your rafting party must sign an online waiver of liability prior to check-in. This enables you to take the time to read the waiver thoroughly (our OCD lawyers want you to do this) before signing and will also expedite your check-in. You will find your waiver link below. Anyone under 18 years of age must sign a waiver and have a parent/legal guardian co-sign it as well.
3. Be on time! Even Better – Be Early. If you arrive late, you will miss your trip.And we will be very sad for you because our trips are pretty fantastic. We’re very resourceful but if you get here late there’s not much we can do. We cannot issue refunds for late arrivals. Also, we will not issue a refund if you check-in with less people than you have confirmed on your reservation. The Thunder Bus leaves on time and we cannot hold up a trip for late arrivals. All of those folks who got here on time and are on the fun bus would mutiny, and it would just get messy.
4. Wear shoes that fit securely to your feet. Flip flops are not acceptable. We do sell river shoes at our rafting centers.
5. Tipping Your Guide: It is a common practice in this industry to tip your guide if you feel that they have done a great job. The amount is entirely up to you.
6. Another Tip: When you arrive at our rafting center, we suggest leaving all your personal belongings (and phones) in your car. Use it like a locker. Please do not bring valuables. The U. S. Forest asks that we not allow you to bring anything with you on the raft except any necessary medical supplies. You may leave your keys (no phones please) in our office while you’re on the river. You should bring dry clothes, dry shoes and a towel for after your trip. Yep, you’re going to get wet.
7. For safety reasons the use of alcohol or drugs before or during a river trip is absolutely prohibited. Rolling Thunder River Company will remove you from a river trip, with NO REFUND, if we believe you or any member of your party to be snookered in any way. Save it for later. Seriously.
8. We go rafting RAIN OR SHINE! Bring your spirit of adventure and get ready to have a great time with us on the river!
9. Be cautious using GPS in the mountains. You might end up near a moonshine still and we all know that’s not going to turn out well. The links below will help you get to our rafting center. Be sure you click the correct location to where you have a reservation. We are located in two different states. Please don’t go to the wrong location. It will really put a damper on the whole experience for you.
