Rolling Thunder River Company — Attraction in McCaysville

What started with two non-adventurous kids (10 & 14) turned into “the best day ever!” I found Rolling Thunder River Company through a Google search and I am SOOOO glad I did! The entire process was amazing, start to finish. When we arrived, we checked into their main office and were given clear instructions on where to meet the team. The leader gave great instructions and made the mood light to settle nerves of those who were apprehensive. We received our gear, then moved on to an area designated for our training before boarding the bus with Tim, the nicest driver who took us to our drop off point. When we arrived at the ramp, we were introduced to our guide, Owen. Before starting down the river, he gave us clear instructions on how we were to paddle, what he would say and how to follow through, etc. While Owen was young, he was AMAZING! He has tremendous knowledge of the River, was able to guide us safely through all the passages, stayed calm and helped to ease my kiddos concerns, and was so personable!

The river stays around 50 degrees year round, but you’d never know it was that cold with all the excitement we had. My kids aren’t very adventurous (we will go to Disney World and leave them at home). For our 10 year old, here’s how the progression went: -I don’t like this -I don’t really want to do this -it’s not so bad -this is kinda fun -this is awesome -I want to work here -I never want to stop!

Talk about a shift! It really was a blast with them!!! Rolling Thunder River Company is a CLASS ACT! I would recommend them a million times over if I could! They have outfits to raft the Ocoee and tube the Toccoa rivers, as well. When the youngest is old enough for the Ocoee, I will definitely use RTRC for the adventure. Regardless of which river you’re looking to explore, you will be so pleased if you use Rolling...

Rolling Thunder River Company was my first experience rafting on rapids, and it was one of the best experiences of my life.

It being my first time, I was more than a little nervous and excited, but my nerves were calmed after the safety meeting. Everyone gathered around outside the gear storage building, and listened intently to the jovial yet earnest safety lesson. Then everyone collected their gear and got on the bus for what felt like a 15-20 minute ride to the put-in. This is where you are assigned your boat and guide, and actually get to practice some of the safety lessons in a boat on dry land. I was assigned to a boat with a family of four, Julie – the guide, and myself.

Julie had us practicing moves like, “lean in” and “get down”, and of course reiterated “Goal #1: Stay in the boat!” When it was our turn, we carried the boat down a ramp and finally put it in the water, then we climbed in and set off down the river. Julie got us all rowing in sync in very little time, she called out what to do, and the five of us followed those orders as fast and accurately as possible.

There are brief times your arms may get tired, but there are plenty of times where rowing isn’t necessary, so they get a break, and you get to take in the views. This was the part I wasn’t prepared for. As someone who enjoys hiking and camping, one of my favorite things is to stumble upon gorgeous, natural views that are off the beaten path. And while plenty of people have been down this river, the views alone are worth it.

After spending some time with the guides, it’s easy to see how much they love what they do, and it becomes infectious. I’m already looking at...

Witnessed very poor guiding skills, river etiquette and just overall terrible attitudes from this company on Saturday the 31st. It was a busy holiday weekend and a group of us were kayaking for a friends memorial paddle. One guide decided to side surf the bottom pour over hole at Broken Nose Rapid, despite the fact multiple people were dropping into the top of the rapid. (I guess Rolling Thunder doesn’t teach basic river etiquette or common sense to their guides- downstream traffic has the right of way- always) 2 experienced kayakers (including a team paddler for Pyranha kayaks) were swept into, then under the raft resulting in dangerous and scary swims. Two other people also swam. The guide in question decided to go downstream, not making an effort to help get the boats to shore or even checking if the swimmers were okay, despite 100% being the cause of said swims. Then, as two of the swimmers were getting into the eddy- one with blood streaming down her face, 2 other rafts came crashing into the eddy, into people and knocking the people trying to help and assess injuries downstream. I raft guided around the country and internationally for over 15 years and have never seen such poor boat control. The guide surfing should not have been there and someone was sent to the emergency room to get stitches with a likely concussion because of his poor choices. I can only imagine the situations they put their guests into. Do better Rolling Thunder- spend some time actually teaching your guides to be guides and decent members of the...