Best Whitewater Rafting Adventures

Bounce over rushing rapids or meander downstream with a few fun dips on your next whitewater rafting adventure with one of these companies. From week-long journeys through rugged canyon walls to half-day floats for first-time rafters, the trips you'll book through the groups below are some of the best in the country. You'll even find rafting options with man-made rivers (for those who need a quick thrill) and overnight glamping.

These 10 zip lines were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. Western River Expeditions | Salt Lake City, UT

Nearly all travelers rate their trip with Western River Expeditions as a five-star experience. They praise the wise and funny guides, the delicious campfire meals (with special attention to dietary restrictions) and the unbelievable beauty and adventure that unfolds around each river bend. This company runs rafting excursions on six different rivers for families, group charters and solo travelers.

2. Nantahala Outdoor Center | Bryson City, NC

Training grounds for 24 Olympians, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is one of the most popular whitewater rafting spots in the Southeast. The whole family can experience the fun of riding down gentle waves on routes that are rated for kids as young as three, but if you've got a couple of teenagers, check out the trips down the Middle Ocoee with Class III and IV rapids.

3. St. Elias Alpine Guides | McCarthy, AK

If you've ever dreamed of exploring the Alaskan wilderness by raft, St. Elias Alpine Guides can make those dreams a reality with its 3–15 day journeys through the Wrangell Mountains. The shorter itineraries are great for families or first-time rafters and can be scheduled as private if you want a more personalized experience. However, the two-week Source to Sea trip is an incredible expedition for veteran rafters.

4. Moab Adventure Center | Moab, UT

Moab Adventure Center tackles the Colorado River with fun, attentive guides. Its itineraries include one-day trips with BBQ picnics by the water and four-day journeys through river-cut cliffs that end with a flight back to your starting point. Tip: For more intense rapids, plan your trip during the spring runoff when the Big Drops in Cataract Canyon are roaring.

5. Adventures on the Gorge | Lansing, WV

Adventures on the Gorge appeals to rafters of all skill levels. If you're looking for a scenic float with a few fun rapids, the Upper New River experience is a great choice and can accommodate kids as young as 6. Pros, however, flock to the Upper Gauley each fall for a wild ride down an 11-mile section of the river that has worldwide acclaim.

6. Glacier Guides and Montana Raft | West Glacier, MT

Travelers with Glacier Guides and Montana Raft rave about the jovial and knowledgeable captains, the roomy boats (which means everyone gets a chance to paddle) and the high-quality equipment. Consider booking one of the company's combination adventures if you'll be in the area for several days; you can bike, hike and enjoy horseback riding in addition to your rafting expedition.

7. Wilderness River Adventures | Page, AZ

For a tranquil float past famous natural wonders or a heart-pounding ride through thundering rapids, choose Wilderness River Adventures. The half-day Horseshoe Bend experience leads you up the Colorado to visit Petroglyph Beach and the river's iconic bend, while the six-day Full Grand Canyon tour provides a journey spanning 188 miles on a wild river cut through giant rock walls.

8. Far and Away Adventures | Ketchum, ID

Designed for the traveler accustomed to the finer things of life, trips with Far and Away Adventures combine the beauty of America's wilderness with the conveniences of her cities. Spend the day rafting down the remote Middle Fork of the Salmon River, and then unwind at a glamping site, complete with a professional chef, wine tastings and oversized tents that include elevated beds.

9. Hatch River Expeditions | Marble Canyon, AZ

With over 90 years of experience on the Green River, Hatch River Expeditions can put even the most apprehensive of rafters at ease. Choose from motorized rafting trips, ideal for any age, and oar trips, which switch between fast and wild and scenic and slow as they follow the river's flow. These adventures can be packed into four days or stretched to 12.

10. The Whitewater Center | Charlotte, NC

Get your feet wet in the biggest man-made whitewater river in the world at the Whitewater Center. Built for those who want to experience the outdoors without leaving the city, the facility's rafting sessions last around one hour with options catered to families looking for Class II rapids as well as pros who prefer high-intensity rides. Purchase a day pass for access to all the on-site activities, like rock climbing and ropes courses.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

Having worked in television news as an anchor and investigative reporter, Anietra Hamper is now an award-winning outdoor writer specializing in global fishing. Anietra writes for travel and outdoor publications and is a vetted member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). She does public speaking and production work, and she is the author of Secret Columbus (Reedy Press), 100 Things To Do In Columbus Before You Die (Reedy Press) and a contributing author to the bi-lingual book Yangzhou Through American Eyes. Anietra is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and is the owner of ThreeWordPress. Follow her @anietrahamper or on Facebook.

Jenn and Ed Coleman, aka Coleman Concierge, are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing stories of amazing adventures through transformational and experiential travel. They advocate for sustainable and ethical tourism and truly believe in the power of travel to transform both the traveler as well as the world. Their tagline is "amazing adventures for ordinary people" because they contend that you don't have to be super-rich, super-fit or super-anything to have an amazing adventure. Expanding your comfort zone and trying new things will pay huge dividends in both health and happiness. Learn more about their journeys at colemanconcierge.com or follow them @conciergecorner and @coleman_concierge. You can also find them on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure. Learn more at MikesRoadTrip.com.

Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.