Questions? We have answers.

Rates are set by Whitewater Express and vary by trip and season, with the family Classic trip being the most affordable and the small-raft Carnage the premium option. Taxes, fees and trip photos are separate. See current pricing on the booking pages.

Whitewater Express operates the guided rafting trips on the Columbus course, from its outfitter store at 1000 Bay Avenue. WhitewaterColumbus.com is an independent guide and links to their booking pages.

Walk-ins are welcome when there is space, but reservations guarantee your trip, especially on summer weekends and holidays.

The outfitter asks for cancellations at least 24 hours before your trip by phone or email. Check your confirmation for current terms.

Active-duty military receive 10% off all trips with valid ID presented in store. Season passes offer unlimited Classic and Challenge trips plus Blue Heron zipline access.

Yes. Rafts hold 4 to 7 guests (a few larger boats hold 8 to 9), and groups can fill multiple boats. See our group trips page.

Families and first-timers: the Classic. Thrill seekers 12+: the Challenge. Experienced rafters wanting small-boat chaos: the Carnage. Want your own boat: the Inflatable Kayak. Try the trip finder.

The Classic and Inflatable Kayak trips run about 2 hours; the Challenge about 2.5 to 3 hours; the Carnage about 2.5 hours. Plan for extra time for check-in and gear.

It depends on the dam. At base flow (about 900 cfs) the course is Class I-III+. With two to four turbines running (about 4,500 to 13,000 cfs) it reaches Class IV-V at Cutbait. See the rapid map.

Your guide parks the raft on a standing wave like Good Wave, where it balances in the circulating water. It is a highlight of the trip, and yes, sometimes people fall out.

The 2.5-mile course through Columbus and Phenix City is widely described that way by the outfitter, local tourism officials and paddling media.

Classic: age 7 or at least 60 lbs. Challenge, Carnage and Inflatable Kayak: age 12 and up.

There is no upper weight limit for rafting, but every guest must fit the provided life jacket safely. Ziplines have a 70 to 265 lb range.

You do not need rafting experience, but you should be comfortable in and around water. Everyone wears a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Talk to your doctor and the outfitter before booking. Whitewater involves jolts, cold water and possible swims.

Quick-dry activewear or a swimsuit and shoes that strap to your feet. No cotton, no flip-flops. See the packing checklist.

Yes. Very wet. On the Challenge and Carnage expect big splashes and a real chance of swimming.

Leave valuables in the car or rent a small locker. A professional photographer shoots every trip, weather permitting, and photos are available online afterward.

Trips run rain or shine. You are going to be wet anyway. Trips may be adjusted for lightning or unsafe flows.

Yes. The outfitter runs year-round (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas) and provides wetsuits and splash jackets free in cold months.

Uptown street parking and garages, including the Front Avenue garage, are close to 1000 Bay Avenue. Allow 15 extra minutes.

Tipping is customary in the rafting industry if your guide did a great job, though it is always optional.

Two textile-era dams, City Mills and Eagle & Phenix, were removed in 2012 and 2013, restoring rapids that had been underwater for well over a century. Read the story.

Georgia Power releases water from North Highlands Dam and posts a tentative daily schedule. The USGS gauge at 14th Street reports flows hourly.

Experienced paddlers do. No permit is required, but life jackets are required by local ordinance, and the dam can raise the river quickly. Beginners should go guided.