If you are a water sport enthusiast and always looking for chances to escape to a thrilling and adventurous holiday, I am sure white water rafting in the first sport that comes to your mind every time. River rafting is considered to be one of the most exhilarating and challenging water sports till date. The feel you get while paddling through the chaotic water, passing different landscapes which go by in a whirl and discovering new places in a unique way has not matches to any other feeling. You get the true feeling of being a part of nature. However, it requires little skill for beginners. So, what is you say on a river rafting vacation this holiday?
Are you confused about where to go? Do not worry! This article is exactly for you to help you decide on the top 10 best places in the USA to have a memorable river rafting experience:
1. Colorado River, Colorado, Utah & Arizona
Colorado River is considered to be the best place for white water rafting in USA. It will provide you with the thrill and adventure that will last for ever. The motif of this trip will be to experience how the Colorado River runs into the Grand Canyon, one of the most natural landscapes in the world. The place is overbooked all year round and you need to get reservation in advance. Once you are back, you will still crave for more of the amazing rapids, clear and very deep canyon waters and the surrounding mountain scenery.
2. Cache La Poudre, Colorado
Cache La Poudre, Colorado in French means “The Powder’s Hiding Place”. However, there are many stories floating around this unusual name. As Colorado’s only National Wild and Scenic River, it is a very popular destination. Even though it is less crowded during some seasons, this adds to the charm and enjoyment of a rafting experience enveloped by such beauty. The minimum age limit for this experience is 7 years. The total drop of Cache La Poudre has been estimated as 7000 feet! There is continuous action in store for you with constant rapids named Liquid Thunder, The Maw of Death, Twin Pin, Cardiac Corner, and the like.
3. Penobscot River, Maine
Penobscot River, Maine guarantees you fantastic rafting experience in this whitewater indulgence It is surrounded by remarkable scenery and the river consists of hundreds of steep falls known as little waterfalls. The fast flowing crystal clear water makes your rafting trip all the more intense. The western branch of the river is considered as the most sensible whitewater rafting locations in the entire eastern United States.
4. Deschutes River, Oregon
Deschutes River, Oregon is considered dramatic for a good reason. The river originates from the Little Lava Lake in the Cascade Mountains. You will therefore find rock formations of lava, asphalt rocks and stones, which got hardened as the lava cooled down. The river is 250 miles long and is easily a favorite destination in Oregon. This is a must-visit destination when in The States. Age is not a factor to matter for white water rafting in Oregon!
5. Middle Fork of Salmon River, Idaho
This location is considered a legend among all whitewater rafting rivers. It is long stretch for 150 miles and welcomes you with fresh and clear water. The drop is of 3000 feet and the wilderness surrounding it is untamed, uneven and natural. More than 300 rapids are in store for you as you paddle your way through the wild water of this river.
6. Great Rivers, Montana
If you are of the slightly crazy, startling and adrenaline pumping adventurous type, this place is exactly for you. Strictly note that you won’t be able to survive it if you have a weak heart here. The rapids that will come your way have been given names like ‘Bone crusher’ and ‘Jaws’ which are among the less scary ones. On the way you’ll find strange rose colored rocks and warm water too. There are bigger rafts for kids and elder people to float on milder waters too.
7. Rogue River, Oregon
This place has a unique beauty of its own. It has a different kind of charm due to the canyons with its enormous whitewater stretches with a sprinkling of mild and placid pools. It is known as dramatic because of the sudden changes in the water flow. There is a fir forest with an abundance of wildlife consisting of some of the rarest species. The river is about 40 miles long and there are lovely old world lodges on the banks.
8. Gauley River, West Virginia
This is another very popular location for whitewater rafting. With breathtaking scenery to surround the river, you’ll be offered about 100 major rapids or maybe even more. Rafting through this river can be challenging and this is another reason as to why Upper Gauley with a 650 feet vertical drop is not recommended for beginners. You’ll have to peddle hard and strain your muscles a bit but the exhilaration you’ll feel will be worth it.
9. New River, West Virginia
New River, West Virginia is a place that seems to be heaven. It has some of the best restaurants, arts and crafts and adventure sports. The highlight of the trip is along the quieter and calmer parts of the river hidden between the beautiful scenery. You may take this trip with your family as ages as young as six are allowed in certain areas like Upper New River. Get ready for the adventure of a life time.
10. Ocoee River, Polk County, Tennessee
Ocoee River has been a favorite of rafters and kayakers for a long time now. Since it is a mountain river, the whitewater comes rushing down from northern Georgia to southeastern Tennessee from where it joins Lake Ocoee. It started off with only three rafting companies and today it has become a home for almost 3-4 lakh rafters per annum. You’ll be surrounded by greenery due to the Cherokee National Forest. Wild life enthusiasts, fisherman, campers and photographers will be seen flooding the place everywhere. You will have to be over 12 to be able to participate in any of the rafting events. All the best with this one!
Akshay Agarwal
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