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What class of rapids are in NC?

Listed below are the major rivers and their appropriate class of rapids.
  • Nantahala River (Class II-III) ...
  • Nolichucky River (Class III-IV) ...
  • French Broad River (Class II-IV) ...
  • Big Laurel Creek (Class IV) ...
  • Wilson Creek (Class III-IV) ...
  • Watauga River (Class I) ...
  • Watauga Gorge (Class IV-V) ...
  • Ocoee River (Class III-IV)




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Located near North Carolina's southern boundary, the Green River (a French Broad tributary) is 60 miles long. It's highly regarded for whitewater sports, with great runs for novices (Class II-III) and experienced rafters (Class V).

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Class IV Rapids - Whitewater with Obstacles and More Technical Skills » Larger waves, narrow passages, and multiple obstacles to avoid requiring precise maneuvering to avoid upset.

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These rapids are often best saved for those who have rafted before, but that doesn't necessarily rule out the first-time adventure-seekers. If you're in great shape and ready for a physical and mental challenge, you may be ready for Class IV rapids rafting trip on your first river expedition.

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Whirlpool Rapids Gorge—Niagara River, New York The Niagara Gorge is a deadly section of exploratory rapids. As the water travels through, it reaches about 30 mph, creating the Class 6 Whirlpool Rapids, some of the most extreme in the entire world.

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While most people can raft Class 4 rapids for their first time, there are several requirements. The minimum age to raft Class 4 rivers, depending on the river and company, is 12-14 years old. Many Class 4s recommend that you are in good physical condition, on the adventurous side, and know how to swim.

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Feel the thrill of being at the river's edge! White Water Walk offers a first-hand lesson in the raw power and peril of the Niagara River's Class 6 whitewater rapids, some of the wildest in North America.

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Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. Only teams of rapids' experts should attempt these rapids at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions.

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The Grand Canyon is rated Class IV with few Class V rapids and numerous Class I – III rapids as well.

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The Class 1-10 system that is used in the Grand Canyon roughly parallels Classes I-V on the International Scale of River Difficulty (ISRD).

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The Yellowstone River is classified as Class II-III rapids from Yellowstone National Park to Paradise Valley (the first 18 miles of legally navigable whitewater on the Yellowstone River).

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The Most Dangerous Rapids In The World
  • Upper Yough River, Maryland. ...
  • Lochsa River, Idaho. ...
  • Godzilla – Rio Upano River, Ecuador. ...
  • Section 4—Chattooga River, Georgia and South Carolina. ...
  • God's House – Karnali River, Nepal. ...
  • Little White Salmon, Washington. ...
  • Santo Domingo River, Chiapas, Mexico. ...
  • White Nile, Uganda. Shutterstock.


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Upper Tuolumne River (Cherry Creek), California Cherry Creek is the gold standard for Class V and is the hardest section of commercially rafted whitewater in the United States. Rapids like Mushroom (V), Toadstool (V), and Lewis's Leap (V) challenge even the most experienced river guides.

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Younger kids, roughly 5-9 years old, are best suited for river trips that last up to 3 hours on the water and some are better with shorter spans of 1-2 hours. Each child, of course, is different and able to focus and enjoy for different periods of time.

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The Niagara Gorge is a deadly section of exploratory rapids. As the water travels through, it reaches about 30 mph, creating the Class 6 Whirlpool Rapids, some of the most extreme in the entire world.

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Lava Falls is the most famous and most formidable rapid in Grand Canyon National Park. Fabled for its steep drops and highly technical rapid layout, Lava Falls is rated as a Class 10 rapid, the highest rating a rapid can receive under the Grand Canyon's older classification system.

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