The Classic
LivelyBase-flow fun with real rapids: Ambush, Turner's Tumbler, Pemberton Falls, Waveshaper and a surf session on Good Wave. Built for families and first-timers.
Choose your ride Four guided trips, one river.
The Chattahoochee in Columbus is two rivers in one. At base flow it is a playful Class I-III+ run. When North Highlands Dam opens its turbines, it becomes one of the biggest-volume whitewater runs in the eastern U.S.
Guided trips
Four guided trips on the Chattahoochee
All trips are run by Whitewater Express and leave from 1000 Bay Avenue in Uptown Columbus. No experience is needed for any of them. Updated
The Challenge
MaximumThe same river after the dam opens up. Big-water rapids up to Class V, including Cutbait, one of the largest rapids in the East, and the giant Waveshaper.
The Carnage
MaximumThe amped-up version of the Challenge in small, nimble 'ninja' rafts (4 guests + a senior guide). You surf everything that can be surfed.
Inflatable Kayak
LivelyCaptain your own 'ducky' just inches above the waves, with a guide shadowing you in a separate boat. No kayak experience needed.
Side by side
Compare the trips
Trip details from Whitewater Express as of September 2026. Current rates and open dates are on each booking page.
| Trip | Rapids | Time | Minimum | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Classic | Class I-III+ | ~2 hrs | Age 7 or 60 lbs | Families, first-timers, mixed groups | Book |
| The Challenge | Up to Class V | ~2.5-3 hrs | Age 12 | Thrill seekers, groups of friends, bachelor(ette) parties | Book |
| The Carnage | Up to Class V | ~2.5 hrs | Age 12 | Repeat rafters who want small boats and maximum surfing | Book |
| Inflatable Kayak | Up to Class III+ | ~2 hrs | Age 12 | Independent paddlers who want their own boat | Book |
Low water vs. high waterClassic trips run on base flow (about 900 cfs). Challenge and Carnage trips need at least a two-unit release (about 4,500 cfs) and are scheduled around Georgia Power's releases. How flows work.
Military discountActive-duty military get 10% off all trips with valid ID, per the outfitter's policy. Fort Benning is just down the road.
Coming back?The outfitter sells season passes with unlimited Classic and Challenge trips plus Blue Heron zipline access. See season passes.
More adventures
Zipline, paddle school & rentals
The same outfitter runs dual ziplines that cross the river between Georgia and Alabama, a kayak and SUP school, fly fishing, and tube, bike, SUP and kayak rentals from Rental Island.
