We will be in Helen Georgia heading to Gatlinburg, TN and want to go rating on the way there. We are considering the Chattooga or the Ocoee. We are travelling with some people who will not be rafting so we need somewhere where they can find somethiing to do while we raft. Also, which of these would make travelling to Gatlinburg faster. When I mapped it on the internet it seemed that going through North Carolina (Pisgah) would be faster, but that seems very mountainous. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Both these rivers are wild rivers, which means they are at the far end of nowhere. There isn't likely to be much for your friends to do unless you drop them off in Highlands, which is a pretty well developed resort with lots of craft and antique shops, but I would still be surprised if they could fill the whole time you are rafting.

And, yes, both the rivers and Gatlinburg are in the mountains, but opposite sides of the mountains, so you will be on some twisty roads whatever you do. Beautiful country.

I have not done section 3 of the Chattooga, but the Ocoee is more fun to raft than section 4 of the Chattooga. The Ocoee is a roller coaster ride -- a thrill a minute. Section 4 is miles of tedium interrupted by one stretch of really significant rapids.

The most convenient rafting, if you're heading for Gatlinburg from Helen, is the Nantahala River. It's a Class II-III rather than the III-IV that the Ocoee and the Chattooga are, but it's a fun river all the same. Check out the Nantahala Outdoor Center's website at http://www.noc.com/rafting.html.

There is no fast way to get to Gatlinburg from Helen. Just enjoy the scenery.

EL