When someone says whitewater rafting, you probably imagine schlepping into the wilderness to spend a day or two out in nature.
Well, that’s part of it. But in some places, popular whitewater rafting spots are closer than you think.
The James River in Richmond, Virginia, is known for its urban rafting. There are easy rapids that anyone can do.
But in the lower part of the river are Class III and Class IV rapids—that’s serious stuff—right within Richmond itself.
Georgia is home to what is considered the world’s longest urban whitewater rafting river.
Running more than 2 miles, the Chattahoochee River takes you right through downtown.
Those rapids are similar to what you see in much wilder parts of the country.
If it doesn’t occur in nature, you can count on someone to make it.
The U.S National Whitewater Center in North Carolina has the world’s largest man-made recirculating river, and it’s only about 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte.
A guide will take you through Class II, III and IV rapids…and, because it’s man made, you can count on those rapids to be more consistent than those in the wild.
For more information, visit the water sports archives.
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