USA Raft Adventure Resort offers a thrilling experience on the Nolichucky Gorge with expert guides like Walker and Loren. The Lower Nolichucky trip provides a different but fun adventure, with a beautiful primitive campground at Red Banks take out. The friendly and helpful staff, including Dale and Riff, make for an enjoyable stay in accommodations like the Love Shack. While Take Out and One Love were closed during this visit, guests can bring their own supplies for next time.
We love this place. We try to visit 2-3x a year. Bathrooms/showers are clean. The Take out bar and grill was a great additive. We’ve camped in regular tents and the Bell tent.
Ashley Price — Google review
My wife and I were in town for our anniversary and looking for something exciting to do. The spelunking adventure into Worley's Cave was AWESOME! Andy and Miranda (our guides) were knowledgeable, personable, funny, and so patient during our excursion. We were with another group who had smaller kids and they took their time to pause to point out cave-dwelling wildlife, rock formations, and were mindful of what crystalline formations were still growing to look at but not touch! Fantastic experience - highly recommend!
Matt Anthony — Google review
Planned this trip a month ago, long overdue vacation with my wife. We scheduled a 1/2 day rafting trip, for 1:30pm. We both work late nights into early morning so getting up for the 8:30trip would have been a rough indevour. However the wonderful staff worked some magic and got us a group for 10:30am.
Our guide Lauren was amazing, personable, knowledgeable and made our trip memorable and safe.
At night our "Appalachian concierge" Cory was quick to get us what we needed, helpful, friendly and an all around great guy!
We had a couple great evenings at the Take Out Tavern. The food was amazing, the beers ice cold, service was absolutely spot on weather it was to warm our bellies after the wonderful white water or after a few beers.
We stayed in one of the domes, the pictures didn't even do it justice to how luxurious it would be. The bathhouse facility and sauna were clean and maintained daily.
We had a wonderful surprise of live music by the Dirty Dead.
The grounds had this amazing vibe and ambiance, it felt like I came home, it was home, and everyone there was my family.
A completely magical vacation, we can not wait to go again. Already looking at the calendars!
Thank you to everyone, even if I didn't get your name you were intrical to making it the best vacation, what our souls really needed.
Erin Hurlock — Google review
I was charged with criminal trespassing for showing up on their property after getting my property back from my ex-boyfriend at the Nolichucky River Gorge Campground. Avoid going here. They just want your money and do not care about relationships or the truth. I am not a thief.
Cat Walsh — Google review
We stayed at the resort for two nights. Dale, Riff and the rest of the staff that we interacted with were friendly and helpful. We loved staying in the Love Shack. We were there on Monday and Tuesday night, so the Take Out and One Love were not open. We brought our own and will check that the next time we are there.
We went rafting on the Nolichucky Gorge with USA Raft during our stay. Our guide, Walker, was fantastic. He is a real pro on the river. He and trip leader Loren made the trip exciting and fun. We will definitely go again.
We also floated the Lower Nolichucky a couple of times while there. That is a different but fun trip. The Red Banks take out has a nice beach and is a beautiful primative campground.
Benjamin Smith — Google review
Super awesome experience on the Nolichucky with Andy! He was very informative of the surrounding area and history, kept us engaged with silly jokes, and kept us on the edge of our seats! Definitely a trip worth making. Can't wait to come back!
Madison Taylor — Google review
We had an amazing time with USA Raft..A group of us stayed in the Crockett Cabin. The cabin was HUGE..it was great for covid..we all had our separate places and one main area. We spent most of our time outside enjoying the river, fishing, swimming, and tubing…we missed out on the rafting but that’s just an excuse to come back. The communal bathrooms were cleaned and stocked from tampons to hand towels, soap and more…Everything was always fully stocked and clean. We went during SOL Jam…so it was pretty packed. They made everyone comfortable with all things covid. It really was more than I expected in every way. The food was great, the people were great and the music was great. A truly wonderful experience for us all.. We love the Band Sol Driven Train and we hope to come back and see them and USA Raft again next year. Thank you, for sharing your little piece of heaven with us and all your accommodations, recommendations and making us all feel so welcomed.
Kelly Stahulak — Google review
We took a wrong turn coming off the AT trail after hiking 18 miles (the sign with showers and several amnenities got us overly-excited!) and ended up at the USA Rafting Adventure Resort. We were confused and asked for directions and guidance of how to get to Uncle Johnny's Hostel in the main store. They misled us by saying it was far away and telling us there was no real downtown area in Erwin (which we knew was false information) presumably to encourage us to stay there (their cabin rates started at $165). An off-duty staff member offered us a lift (all of 1 mile) for $10 and left us waiting for 20 minutes for him to return and he never showed up. We ended up just hiking the extra mile to Uncle Johnny's. It was confirmed that this facility often mislead and attempt to appeal to the hiking community but doing so by spreading false information is really dishonest and dissapointing.
Virginia Isaharov — Google review
Great location, great people. Horrible management.
The manager, Tiffany, was rude and condescending. When I finally asked her to stop interrupting me, she yelled “OH, YOU’RE CUTE talking to me like that…” And it only got worse from there.
It only takes one person to make the entire establishment look bad. Which is awful considering everyone else was really friendly, accommodating and seemed like very nice people.
The Tiny House was fine as long as you can use the patio and deck area. For $285 I would have expected a few things to be nicer. For example: the cob webs along the AC unit, bleach stained shower curtain covering up a rusty water heater. The tent had 3 of its feet screwed in but one came loose and in the wind was slamming down and quite noisy!
The interior was not made for lounging. The amazing view was blocked by a full sized refrigerator and countertop grille backed by a trellis. The end of the bed and corner of the room were the only places to sit and see the River from inside unless we were standing and as it was too cold to stay outside for long, that’s all we got! During great weather I bet this spot is great but great weather it was not!
We never found the wifi, not in the in-room notebook which would be logical. Finally upon checking out, we saw a plaque in front of the office.
Note to staff:
-When cold weather is coming, don’t make the client have to call for another space heater or extra blankets. Have it in the unit for them.
-Let people speak and if they want $15 worth of tubing passes for the summertime so you might redeem yourselves as a location worth peoples money and time, listen to them instead of manipulating and condescending!
Jenn Criss — Google review
My partner and I have done the Nolichucky half-day trip twice now. This isn't a technical raft, but there are plenty of fun, splashy rapids. The aspect that keeps us coming back--and we'll be back again--is the scenery. For all of the 8.5 mi downriver, you're surrounded by verdant Appalachian mountainsides. A little-used train track traces a line along the south riverbank. Two-thirds of the way through, you are rewarded with a beautiful stretch of rocky cliffs on the north riverbank. Overall, very fun and tough to beat as a tour to this pretty portion of the Appalachians.
Our last guide, Ashley, was outstanding.
Ian Mc Dowell — Google review
First time out with USA Raft and was very impressed. Had a fantastic trip down the Nolichucky with Trip Leader Loren (sp?). He was very knowledgeable about the area, and had amazing control of our raft, such that we actually had to do very little paddling relative to other trips we've been on. His safety briefing was serious but also humorous. We will definitely be going back and requesting Loren as our guide.
Jim Applegate — Google review
We went white water rafting last Friday just before heading back home to FL. Walker was our guide and he was outstanding! Great personality and a Super Guide. We all had an amazing time. This river is now in the top of our favorites. Great white water rapids! The only downside was no pics....y'all need to get those back.
Heather DeBolt — Google review
Had a great time on the rafting trip! Our guide Andy kept us alive and entertained the whole time. Great guy. 10/10 would do again 🫡🫡🫡
Ivan Goubski — Google review
USA Raft is truly an amazing place. I can’t express in words how beautiful the Nolichuky Gorge is. You must float the river and experience it yourself. Danny was our guide, his knowledge on the history of the area, the flora & fauna made the trip that much more special. His paddling skills were amazing, he could certainly pick a line!
The campground at USA Raft is awesome as well, the Take Out Bar has a great beer selection and good bar food. You might get lucky with good music on the small or large stage!
I can’t say enough about this Mountain Gem!
Thanks for a wonderful weekend!
Rhys
Rhys Chittick — Google review
Stayed in one of the airstream camper trailers while hiking the AT. It’s 0.1m off trail and a great spot to stay dry on a rainy night. Activities look very cool, but it’s back to the trail tomorrow.
David L — Google review
Was a great time. My sister had never gone rafting before so we decided on the half day. Had a great time and the scenery was gorgeous. Great for all skill levels and the staff was extremely nice and friendly! Definitely would recommend.
Jennifer Behl — Google review
Rafting was lots of fun, beautiful sights and amazing guides. Cam and Andy were wonderful :)!!
Vikiix — Google review
Our group had a blast on the half day rafting trip through the gorge. It was SO beautiful, and exciting to navigate the class 3 and 4 rapids. Elliott was our guide and he was the master of the water and the dad jokes - very knowledgeable and entertaining. The location is perfect - convenient to the highway etc. We loved the resort too - so much that we came back the following weekend for the Dog Days festival. This will be at the top of our list to refer to our friends. Thank you!
Brooke Melendi — Google review
Wow! Such an amazing experience staying and rafting with my family! We were able to take our 5 and 6 year old kids on the Nolichucky river and Bobby was an incredible guide. Able to give us a taste of adventure without being too scary for the kids. Cannot wait to come back and go again! The Loft cabin was such a perfect and refreshing place to crash after a day of hiking, rafting, and playing in the river. Highly recommend.
Amber Featherston — Google review
Had the best time rafting down the river with USA Rafting! Will was a great guide and got along great with our group! Absolutely loved all the corny jokes he told and how much history he knew of the River. 10/10 would recommend USA rafting! Hope to come back soon!
Brooklyn Newman — Google review
This is my second opportunity to stay here, and I love all the changes (additions) that have been made to include Red Banks, the bar, disc golf and more. Matt Moses and his team are amazing, friendly, and create that “family” vibe. You won’t be disappointed with a stay here, even if you just enjoy the outdoors and sound of the River.
Shawn Schwantes — Google review
Stayed in cabin for the weekend. Clean and comfortable. Bar/grill was awesome so we didn't have to leave the resort for food, staff was extra nice. The music (both live and recorded) was great. The overall atmosphere of the resort was so relaxing and of course beautiful being next to the river. We hope to do it again in the future.
The Town of Unicoi Visitor Center is a charming stop with interesting local artwork, musical instruments, and wooden nickels. The friendly staff offer genuine smiles and are happy to answer questions. Visitors can find lots of pamphlets for nearby activities and enjoy a clean bathroom. The highlight is the opportunity to explore the inside of a train on display. Mrs. Patricia, in particular, is praised for her sweet demeanor and knowledge about the history of the train.
Very nice lady and pretty cool place inside
Christine Gagawchuk — Google review
Nice little information center. Lots of pamphlets to help see what's around to do. Staff was nice. Bathroom was clean. Loved being able to go into the train and see what it looked like inside. It was pretty amazing.
Regina Harrison — Google review
We were traveling through and caught Mrs. Patricia as she was locking up. She was so sweet, helpful, and informed about the history of this train. She was a doll! I will definitely be stopping by every chance we get.
Samantha Hollifield — Google review
We enjoyed a short stop at the welcome center. Some interesting art work by local artist. Musical instruments and even Unicoi wooden nickles. Friendly staff and geniune smiles. Don't forget the guest book at the door, it's near the candy bowl.
JimBo' B. (JimBo') — Google review
Fantastic! Very friendly and helpful staff.
Patricia Garland — Google review
The lady that works there is amazing! Explained history of the area and that they were restoring the train out front! Amazing stop for photos on our trip! Thanks again for being awesome!
Jonathan Carroll (Rianieko) — Google review
Friendly staff happy to answer all your questions
Jeremy G — Google review
Not very big, but a nice place to stop and stretch your legs. Good info and pamphlets inside about local attractions, has a Dollar General across the road so you can get snacks and a local restaurant is there too.
Abagail Rhea — Google review
They have a very friendly staff that was very helpful and thoughtful to me. It was quick and very easy to get into and out of. They have a lot of very useful information about the city and county. They also have a very interesting museum and art center.
Spence Meyers — Google review
Every Tues morning they run a Farmer's Market and Flea Market. Watch for the home baked breads by the Johnny Lynch couple. He also grows terrific tomatoes. I buy the basil and tomato bread. Erwin has their market in the afternoon on Tues.