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Whitewater ColumbusChattahoochee River · GA / AL
Churning whitewater in front of a restored brick mill tower
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The Challenge Big water. Class V. Right downtown.

When Georgia Power pushes multiple turbines' worth of water through North Highlands Dam, the river doubles, triples, even quadruples in volume. That is when the Challenge runs, and when the Columbus course earns its reputation.

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Photo: WhitewaterColumbus.com, August 2012.

Updated · Independent guide, not the outfitter

Quick answer

The Challenge is the big-water guided rafting trip in Columbus, GA. It runs during multi-unit dam releases (about 4,500 to 13,000 cfs) with rapids up to Class V, including Cutbait and Waveshaper. It lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours on the water and requires guests to be 12 or older. No experience is needed.

On the river

What you will run

Maximum

Cutbait

The headliner. The outfitter calls it a massive Class V and one of the largest rapids on the East Coast. A hole forms around 4,500 cfs and gets meaner as flows rise.

Waveshaper

At high release, the outfitter bills it as "the world's largest Waveshaper," a fast feature with powerful current underneath.

Pemberton Falls

Turns from a rocky, technical drop into a pushy wave train around 4,000-5,000 cfs.

Good Wave & Great Wave

Back-to-back waves by the RiverWalk. Good Wave is a Class III wave above about 8,000 cfs.

Monkey Wrench

A play hole under the 13th Street Bridge that comes alive at the highest releases.

Rapid difficulty on this course changes with dam releases. See each feature at low and high water on the rapid map.

Big waves on the Chattahoochee below Uptown mill buildings
Photo: WhitewaterColumbus.com, August 2012.

Who it is for

  • Groups of friends and bachelor or bachelorette parties
  • Teens 12+ who have done a Classic and want more
  • Rafters who have run the Ocoee or Nantahala and want bigger volume
  • Anyone who wants to say they ran a Class V rapid
Not quite right?Bringing kids under 12? The Classic is the one for you. Or take the 30-second trip finder.

What to wear & bring

  • Quick-dry clothes or a swimsuit. Skip cotton, it stays cold and heavy.
  • Shoes that stay on: water shoes, sandals with a heel strap, or old sneakers. No flip-flops.
  • Leave valuables in the car. Small lockers are available to rent at the outfitter.
  • Cold months: wetsuits and splash jackets are provided free.

Printable packing checklist →

Common questions

How hard is the Challenge trip?
It is the most intense standard raft trip on the course. Expect big waves, powerful hydraulics and a real chance of swimming. You do not need experience, but you should be comfortable in water.
When does the Challenge run?
It is scheduled around Georgia Power's multi-unit releases from North Highlands Dam, typically when at least two generating units are running (about 4,500 cfs).
Is Cutbait really Class V?
The outfitter markets it as a massive Class V; American Whitewater rates it Class IV. Either way it is one of the biggest rapids in the eastern U.S. at high water.
Can I do the Challenge as my first rafting trip?
Yes. Many guests do, as long as they are 12 or older and comfortable swimming. If you are nervous, start with the Classic.

Keep planning

Cutbait explainedThe rapid everyone talks aboutThe CarnageSame water, smaller raftRapid mapEvery feature at high water
Ready?

Grab your date on the river

Walk-ins are welcome when there is space, but holidays and summer weekends fill up. Reserve ahead to guarantee your spot.

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