Whitewater rafting trips are one of the most exciting ways to spend a vacation. The great thing about a rafting vacation is that you can have an exciting time without leaving the country. There are whitewater rivers all over the country. You can choose to find a really beginner level whitewater location, or else you can look for a river with expert level rapids. If you do choose to go with an expert level whitewater spot, then you can get a tour guide to assist you. These guides are great for making sure you make it safely down the river. Below is a list of three really popular locations for river rafting in the United States.
Moab Whitewater Rafting
One of the largest and most popular whitewater rafting spots is in Moab. This section of Utah is home to the Colorado river. The amazing thing about rafting trips in Moab is that you have so much variety. You will be able to find a rafting trip no matter what your skill level. There are slow sections of the river that are perfect for beginners who want to ease into it and not have to deal with huge rapids. There are intermediate-class rapids along much of the river as well, which are perfect for semi-experienced rafters or even those who are comfortable with white water their first time out. Finally, there are sections of the river where you will encounter expert level, class 5 rapids. In most cases you can find a river rafting guide to supply the rafts, the safety equipment, and the transportation from the base of the river to the head.
Cataract Canyon
If you are looking for a long rafting trip where you will encounter serous rapids and amazing scenery, then you should look at Cataract Canyon. It's a section of the Colorado river where you will encounter major rapids (known as "big water"). Helmets and other safety gear are advisable. Many people who choose to raft Cataract Canyon will camp out and make it a multi-day adventure. You should check with a river rafting outfit located in the area to see if you need to secure permits.
Delaware River
If you're over on the east coast and want to experience heavy white water but are not keen on traveling out west, then you can look to the Delaware river. It might not have the same "big water" that you find out west, but it does have some fun sections with rapids. Additionally, it's a quick trip from places in the Tri-State region, so if you're from Manhattan or Newark and want to experience white water, this is your best bet.