What people need to know about rafting on Watauga River, Elizabethton Tennessee.

Many rafting outfitters use the Watauga River. Watauga Kayak, High Mountain Expeditions, Edge of the World, Wahoo Adventures, and River & Earth, are just some of the Outfitters.  This is the closest river to Boone, Banner Elk, North Carolina and that is why most of the outfitters travel to Tennessee’s Watauga River.  Out of the group only one is locally owned and operated  Watauga Kayak, two others Wahoo, and High Mountain Expeditions have purchased property here for an outpost.  Most of the out-of-state outfitters will drive a bus from Banner Elk, and Boone to Watauga River which is at least 45 minutes one way.   We all start at the same place - Wilbur Dam, some go farther than others, some offer lunch, and some are more expensive than others it's up to you to find the one that is right for your family.

Most of these outfitters are great depending upon what kind of trip you may want each one is a little different.  Ask questions, check out the reviews, and make sure they wear PFDs (life jackets) any good commercial outfitter will require you to wear them all the time.  The prices are all different for these outfitters most of the prices do not include tax and fees you must check before you book to see what you are really paying, and have a great time no matter who you go with.  Watauga Kayak lists the price you pay everything is included what you see is what you pay.  Depending upon the outfitter you may ride a bus for an hour one way, do you want to listen to comedy jokes and more on your trip, do you want to spend 5-6 hours when your rafting trip is only about 2.0-2.5 hours, do you want buckets of water splashed on you to get an action shot, do you want to pay for pictures of your trip, do you want to be in large rafting groups, or be in a rush to get back to the bus. 

Would you just like to enjoy a guided rafting trip where you are treated like family, at Watauga Kayak you are part of our family?  All prices are not the same, with Watauga Kayak you pay for what's listed on our website and what is quoted to you on the phone everything is included in that price.  Don't be fooled by gimmicks.

With Watauga Kayak you will pay less, and get more; Individual attention, safe fun, free pictures, smaller groups rafting, local knowledge,  a short 10-minute drive to the put-in, a break area with a tree swing, slide, and outhouse, and the classic trip ends where you parked your car,  a physical location with bathrooms and changing stations, and a place where you can purchase water shoes, tee shirts and more.    Watauga Kayak offers different guided rafting trips, funyaking, kayaking, and extreme river tubing trip great for families.  Many different Rafting Trips are offered on Watauga River from our most popular Upper Classic 2.0-2.5 hrs to our Expedition 3.0-4.5 hrs on the lower part of the river depending on water flow.    Come play on the water with us and experience the Watauga Kayak Difference.