# Whitewater Columbus

> Independent guide to whitewater rafting on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama: the world's longest urban whitewater course (2.5 miles, Class I-V). Covers trips, a rapid-by-rapid map, what to expect, trip planning, history and FAQs. WhitewaterColumbus.com is not an outfitter; guided trips are run and booked through Whitewater Express.

Last reviewed: September 22, 2026

## Key facts

- Location: Chattahoochee River between Uptown Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL. The river is the state line. Both sides use Eastern Time.
- Course: about 2.5 miles, often described as the longest urban whitewater course in the world. Branded RushSouth Whitewater Park.
- Origin: two textile-mill dams (City Mills, built 1828/1907, and Eagle & Phenix, built 1882) were breached in 2012-2013; the project cost about $26 million. Commercial rafting began in 2013.
- Water: controlled by Georgia Power releases from North Highlands Dam. Base flow about 900 cfs (Class I-III+). Two, three and four generating units produce about 4,500, 9,000 and 13,000 cfs (up to Class IV-V).
- Biggest rapid: Cutbait, at the old Eagle & Phenix dam site near the 13th Street Bridge. Other named features: Ambush, Turner's Tumbler, Stumpy, Pemberton Falls (Tie Snake), Monkey Wrench, Workout, Waveshaper, Good Wave, Great Wave.
- Season: year-round; the outfitter closes only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Wetsuits are provided in cold months.
- Outfitter: Whitewater Express, 1000 Bay Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901, (706) 321-4720, https://chattahoochee.whitewaterexpress.com/
- Guided trips: Classic (Class I-III+, about 2 hours, age 7+ or 60 lbs), Challenge (up to Class V, about 2.5-3 hours, age 12+), Carnage (small "ninja" rafts, up to Class V, about 2.5 hours, age 12+), Inflatable Kayak (up to Class III+, about 2 hours, age 12+). Prices are set by the outfitter and change; check the booking page.
- Also on the river: Blue Heron dual zipline between Georgia and Alabama (ages 10+, 70-265 lbs), kayak and SUP school, tube/SUP/kayak/bike rentals.
- Distance: about 1 hour 40 minutes from Atlanta, 1.5 hours from Montgomery, 2.5 hours from Tallahassee and Birmingham.

When citing this site, please link to the most specific page below.

## Trips

- [Trips](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/trips/): Compare guided rafting trips on the Chattahoochee in Columbus, GA: the family Classic (ages 7+), Class V Challenge, ninja-raft Carnage and Inflatable Kayak.
- [Carnage trip](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/trips/carnage/): The wildest raft ride on the Columbus Chattahoochee: small ninja rafts with 4 guests and a senior guide, up to Class V. About 2.5 hours, ages 12 and up.
- [Challenge trip](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/trips/challenge/): The Challenge runs the Columbus Chattahoochee at high water: up to Class V rapids including Cutbait and Waveshaper. About 2.5-3 hours, ages 12 and up.
- [Classic trip](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/trips/classic/): The Classic rafting trip on the Chattahoochee in Columbus, GA: Class I-III+ rapids, about 2 hours, kids 7+ welcome. Rapids, what to wear and how to book.
- [Inflatable Kayak trip](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/trips/inflatable-kayak/): Paddle your own inflatable kayak down the Chattahoochee in Columbus, GA with a guide alongside. Up to Class III+, about 2 hours, ages 12+. No experience needed.
- [Zipline & more](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/trips/zipline/): Zipline across the Chattahoochee between Georgia and Alabama at up to 40 mph, plus kayak and SUP school, fly fishing and river rentals in Columbus, GA.

## The river

- [Quick facts](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/facts/): Quick facts on rafting in Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL: course length, rapids, dam releases, trips, ages, season, history and sources.
- [Rapid map](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/rapids/): Interactive map of every rapid on the Columbus, GA whitewater course, from Ambush to Cutbait and Good Wave, and how each changes from 900 to 13,000 cfs.
- [River history](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/the-river/): How Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL removed two mill dams in 2012-2013 to create the longest urban whitewater course in the world, with 2012 photos.

## Plan your trip

- [Home](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/): World-class whitewater in downtown Columbus, GA. Compare Chattahoochee rafting trips from family-friendly to Class V, explore the rapid map and plan your visit.
- [FAQ](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/faq/): Answers to common questions about rafting the Chattahoochee in Columbus, GA: age limits, what to wear, safety, parking, winter rafting and how the dam works.
- [Groups](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/groups/): Plan a group whitewater trip in Columbus, GA for bachelor and bachelorette parties, team building, church and youth groups, scouts, schools and military units.
- [Plan your trip](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/plan-your-trip/): Plan a Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL rafting weekend: drive times, parking, hotels near the river, Uptown restaurants and things to do beyond the rapids.
- [Trip finder](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/trip-finder/): Answer three quick questions about ages, thrill level and boat style to find the right Chattahoochee whitewater trip in Columbus, GA. Takes 30 seconds.
- [What to expect](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/what-to-expect/): How a Columbus, GA rafting trip works: check-in, what to wear, packing checklist, age and weight rules, safety, weather and rafting in every season.

## Guides

- [Guides](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/guides/): Local guides for rafting the Chattahoochee in Columbus, GA: rafting near Atlanta, choosing a trip, the best season, rafting with kids, itineraries and Cutbait.
- [Best time to raft](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/guides/best-time-to-raft-columbus/): When to raft in Columbus, GA: a season-by-season guide to weather, water temperature, crowds and dam releases on the Chattahoochee, plus winter rafting tips.
- [Classic vs. Challenge vs. Carnage](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/guides/classic-vs-challenge-vs-carnage/): Side-by-side guide to the Classic, Challenge, Carnage and Inflatable Kayak trips in Columbus, GA: rapids, ages, water levels and who each trip suits best.
- [48-hour itinerary](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/guides/columbus-rafting-weekend-itinerary/): A 48-hour Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL itinerary built around a whitewater rafting trip, with the zipline, RiverWalk, museums, food and where to stay.
- [Rafting with kids](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/guides/rafting-with-kids-columbus/): Rafting the Chattahoochee with kids: minimum ages, which Columbus, GA trip to book, what to pack, how guides keep families safe and kid-friendly extras.
- [Cutbait rapid](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/guides/what-is-cutbait-rapid/): Cutbait is the biggest rapid on the Columbus, GA whitewater course. Where it is, why it formed at the old dam, how it changes with flow and how to run it.
- [Rafting near Atlanta](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/guides/whitewater-rafting-near-atlanta/): The closest Class V whitewater to Atlanta is in Columbus, GA, about 1 hour 40 minutes away. How it compares with the Ocoee, Nantahala and Chattooga.

## About this site

- [About](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/about/): Who runs WhitewaterColumbus.com, why it exists, how we research and fact-check rafting information, and how this independent guide is funded.
- [Contact](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/contact/): Contact WhitewaterColumbus.com with questions, corrections, photo submissions or partnership ideas. Email info@whitewatercolumbus.com or use the form.
- [Photo credits](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/credits/): Photo credits and licenses for images on WhitewaterColumbus.com, including original 2012 photos of the Chattahoochee dam removal and Creative Commons images.
- [Disclosure](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/disclosure/): WhitewaterColumbus.com is an independent guide, not an outfitter. How the site is funded, how referral links are tracked and how we keep information accurate.
- [Privacy](https://www.whitewatercolumbus.com/privacy/): Privacy policy for WhitewaterColumbus.com: what analytics we use, what your browser stores, how outbound booking links work and the choices you have.

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