top of page

18 items found for ""

  • Reserve a Rafting Trip | North Carolina Whitewater

    Reservations Full payment is required to reserve your space. We operate Rain or Shine. Only DRC staff can cancel or postpone a trip due to inclement weather. Refunds are available in full 48 hours before your trip. 50% refund or a full credit is available before 24 hours of your trip. No Refund or Credit is available within 24 hours of your trip. ​ Please call (828) 507-2428 or text (828) 788-8829 We look forward to hosting you on the Tuckasegee River!

  • Dillsboro River Company | Rafting in Western North Carolina

    Mom-Approved Whitewater Rafting on the Tuckasegee River Welcome to Dillsboro River Company. We provide family-friendly whitewater rafting on the Tuckasegee River, just outside of Dillsboro, Sylva, and Bryson City, North Carolina. The Tuckasegee is the ideal river for first-time rafters, families with young children (minimum age limit is 4), and those who want more of a relaxing river trip with warmer water and the milder Class I & II rapids. ​ Guided Trips Self Guided Tubing About The Tuckasegee River The “Tuck” as the locals fondly call it, gets it start in the Cashiers and Panthertown area of Jackson County. It drops and winds through six reservoirs that vary in size from one to two acres to as large as major lakeside communities. ​ The Tuck is then reborn in the community of Tuckasegee about 18 miles south of our location. This is good because the temperature of the water coming out of the powerhouses is about 55 degrees!! By the time the dam-released water reaches us it has warmed up to 65-70 degrees. ​ The rapids of the Tuck are the Class II drop and pool variety. This means that after each of the rapids there is typically a pool of calm to slower-moving water. Class I means mild moving water, and Class II means moving water with a wave or two. ​ The official whitewater rapids rating system goes all the way up to Class VI. Class V is hardcore, difficult rafting with huge rapids. Class VI is beyond the limits of navigability. Warm water combined with Class I and II rapids is why we have a minimum requirement of only 4 years old or 40lbs. for kids. ​ What is the correct spelling of “Tuckasegee”? There are three spellings that are commonly found here in our Western North Carolina region: Tuckasegee, Tuckaseegee, and Tuckaseigee. ​ The word comes from the Cherokee word “Di-gah-se” and means place of the turtle. Big Group? Save time! Print your waivers & bring in completed! Out of respect for all the private property owners along the Tuckasegee River, please refrain from packing a picnic to take on the river. We have great recommendations on picnic spots and / or local restaurant recommendations to enjoy following your 2-hour whitewater adventure. Our Location and Amenities Dillsboro River Company is located directly by the riverside on the Tuckasegee, in the town of Dillsboro, North Carolina. The check-in desk, changing rooms / bathrooms and parking lot are all within yards of our easy and private access to the river. Our take-out is located 5.5 miles downstream, and also has bathrooms. The shuttle back to the put-in takes about 8 minutes. The Dillsboro River Company store is a beautiful barn style cabin overlooking the Tuck. We carry everything you will need to have a great trip down the river, such as sunscreen (complimentary), water ($1-2 a bottle), river shoes ($9.95 / pair), and snacks (range from .75 to $5). Your safety is important to us. Please refrain from bringing any drugs or alcohol onto our property (this includes both rentals and shuttles). We have a zero tolerance policy . If you choose to bring bags or coolers on your river adventure, we reserve the right to search the contents. ​

  • Pricing | dillsboro

    2023 Pricing Guided Raft Adventure: $40 Adult, $30 Child (12 & under) Self-Guided Raft Adventure: $25 Adult, $20 Child Double Kayak: $25 per Adult, $22 per Child Single Kayak: $33 per person Tubing: $25 per person

  • Self Guided Rafting Trips | Great Smoky Mountains

    SELF-GUIDED RAFTING TRIPS & RENTALS High quality boat rentals are available for North Carolina rafting trips on the Tuckasegee River. Choose from self-bailing rafts and inflatable kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, and new tubes. The Tuckasegee River, with its warmer waters than other area rivers and fun class II rapids are a perfect match for families. Our extensive rental fleet has something for everyone. Rafts ​ Our rafts are light and easy to handle for the average family. The otters are very stable option for the family or groups looking for an all-together river trip. Minimum age of 4 or 40 lbs. Adults - $25 Kids - $20 (12 and under) Tandem Inflatable Kayaks ​ More maneuverable than rafts and our most popular boat. A great option for a family of five with one younger child is for two of the older kids to paddle an inflatable kayak (aka as a "duck" or "duckie") together with mom and dad with one child in a raft. *At least one person in the the double duck must be an adult. Adults - $27 Kids - $22 (12 and under) Solo Inflatable Kayaks and Sit-On-Top Kayaks ​ For folks looking for some extra adventure and challenge, and are ready to get wet! These boats are great fun on this mild river. It helps to know how to paddle (at least a little bit). This option is available for those 13 years of age and older. $33 per boat

  • COVID19 | dillsboro

    COVID-19 5.25.2021 ​ - Mask mandate has been lifted for outdoor activities in NC. Feel free to wear your mask if this makes you more comfortable. - Preset shuttle encouraged ​ 5.17.2021 ​ - Mask recommended for shuttle rides - Preset shuttle encouraged ​ 4.28.2021 ​ - Mask mandatory during time spent indoors and shuttle - Preset shuttle encouraged ​ 3.18.2021 ​ - Mask mandatory during check-in and shuttle - Preset shuttle encouraged ​ 6.27.2020 ​ - Mask mandatory when within 6-feet ​ 6.23.2020 ​ - Guided and self-guided trips available - Mask encouraged when within 6-feet of others 5.15.2020 ​ We have been busy preparing for this rafting season with COVID-19 being at the height of our radar. When counting our blessings our raft company is quite fortunate in so many ways. We operate on the Tuckasegee River, a river where families can feel safe taking a self-guided raft trip, inflatable kayaks or tubes making social distancing possible. ​ - Our vans & equipment will be disinfected between each guest. - Groups will not be mixed. You will be in your own raft with the group or family you came with. - Keys will be stored in individual plastic bags to limit exposure. - Our gift store will be limited entry. - We will open the season with self-guided or guide-assisted trips only. - Our staff will wear masks while driving shuttle & any time they are to be within 6-feet of guests. - Staff temperatures & symptoms will be monitored daily - Windows will be open on the 8-minute shuttle ride. - Groups will be spaced out when launching - Reservations will be flexible - You may be asked to wait in your car to maintain NC phase 1, 10 person limit. - Hand sanitizer will be available for use at the check-in desk - Bathrooms will have increased cleaning throughout the day - We encourage guests to not pull over on beaches that are already occupied ​ Please use caution: ​ Do not travel to our rafting company if you or a member of your party is ill, exhibiting symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days. ​ Thank you for your patience with us as we wade through these unprecedented waters. ​ All forward, The Dillsboro River Company Family ​

  • About Us | dillsboro

    Hello 2023 season! This marks our 5th year as owners of Dillsboro River Company (DRC), the home of mom-approved rafting on the Tuckasegee River! We are pleased to report our amazing team successfully navigated through the challenges brought on by 2020 & 2021 and were blessed in 2022. We are gearing up for another year of river fun at DRC. We have expanded our retail section, increased our equipment supply, created a space for hosting small custom group events as well as our airbnb (https://airbnb.com/h/doubledropsguestsuite) and are thrilled to welcome back many return staff as well as some new friendly folks to our river family. We look forward to making memories with you this rafting season :) ​ Meet our amazing team!

  • Tubing | dillsboro

    Tubing the Tuck **Please read below in its entirety!!** We offer tubing on two sections of the Tuckasegee! Downstream High Adventure Tubing is for participants 16 years or older who are in good physical condition . We have invested in the most advanced tubes to run class II rapids. Our tubes are made from the same materials as our rafts and is guaranteed tough. This is a whitewater run through 5.5 miles of class 1 and 2 rapids. ** Downstream: EAST FORK RELEASE DAYS ONLY** *If you are considering this trip because you're thinking it is easier than a rafting trip or inflatable kayak, this is not the trip for you. ​ $25 per participant (One member of your party must be 18 years or older.) Plus * $5 per mini paddle - if available Upstream tubing is more on the milder side . We drive you 3.5 miles upstream and you float back to Dillsboro River Company. There is a short mandatory portage on this section. ​ $25 per participant (One member of your party must be 18 years or older) Plus * $5 per mini paddle - if available ​ Tubing trip are 2-4 hours pending water levels. ​ *Our tubes are adult size. A small child would have difficulty maneuvering in one of our tubes therefore this activity is not suited for groups with small children. Additionally, anyone under 5 feet should consider floating in a tandem tube (Limited quantity available). Please instead consider rafting or inflatable kayaks - - both excellent "mom-approved" options! ​ *We do not mix our tubes with private tubers. Commercial guidelines/standards vs. private tuber standards vary greatly! We are not interested in any of the liability this presents.* ​ Launch times are from 10-1 on downstream and 10-2 on upstream . Sorry, no exceptions. ​ No coolers. For your safety, we have a zero tolerance policy for alcohol. Save that kind of fun for after the run.

  • Calendar | dillsboro

    The Tuckasegee River is dam controlled with an East Fork river release of 500 cfs and West Fork river release of 250 cfs. When planning your river adventures these are the best days to schedule.

  • Lodging | dillsboro

    Stay & Play with us! Welcome boaters, fisherman, hikers, leaf-lookers and anyone looking for a safe restful nights sleep! We invite you to come enjoy our riverfront hideaway nestled in the upstairs of our rafting company on the Tuckasegee River. My husband and I decided we wanted to try something different from the usual Florida beaches and heat. We are so glad we decided to do that. We took our two girls, 12 and 13, and headed to Dillsboro River Company and the Airbnb on the property. AMAZING stay!!! We were able to get on the river 3 times, one guided tour on a raft the first day and individual kayaks the next two trips. Chase was a FANTASTIC guide and Clark was super helpful with helping us also. This river WAS perfect for us as novice whitewater folks. Some great rapids, but not so crazy that we could not handle or enjoy floating in certain areas and just taking in the view. Every staff member was friendly and helpful and made us feel welcome and comfortable. Every suggestion for the river and where to eat, visit, etc. was spot-on and Adam and Mary are so very knowledgeable and answered our questions and shared great tips the entire week. The stay was super and the space was perfect for our family of four. Enough space for all of us and a BEAUTIFUL VIEW!!! Honestly, this was our best family vacation ever and yes we live in Orlando area. But the nature, river, and mountains were just what we needed to connect as a family. We will definitely return again as soon as possible. Thank you Adam and Mary and everyone at the Dillsboro River Company! - April

  • Fly Fishing Trips | dillsboro

    BOOK A FLY FISHING TRIP Full Day Wading Trips Full day trips includes lunch, soft drinks, and a guaranteed good time! 1 Person - $275 2 Person - $350 3 Person - $425 ​ ​ ​ ​ Half Day Wading Trips Half day trips include drinks and snacks. 1 Person - $200 2 Person - $275 3 Person - $325 ​ ​ Float Trips - Half Day 2 anglers per boat $350 - Half Day ​ ​ ​ Float Trips - Full Day 2 anglers per boat $425 - Full Day ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ FLY FISHING Based out of Sylva, North Carolina, we are fortunate to be surrounded by world class fishing rivers and streams, including the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail and the rivers and streams within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We specialize in full and half day wade trips, as well as float trips for many species including trout, smallmouth bass, and more. All gear is included. Our fishing guides are highly experienced locals and natives of our Appalachian region. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, we strive to make each and every fishing trip a successful and memorable experience. We cater to all ages, including families and children. ​ Learn more about our Orvis Fly Shop in downtown Sylva and our and Fishing Guide Service .

bottom of page