Enjoy an exhilarating river adventure with the 10 best rafting tours in the US

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The rivers of North America offer some of the world’s best whitewater rafting opportunities for all experience levels. From white-knuckle rapids to more relaxed family floats, rafting is a great way to add a dash of adventure to a trip. To find the best spots for rafting, we asked a panel of experts and 10Best editors for nominations. The top 10 winners were then determined by votes from our readers.

Photo courtesy of Northern Outdoors

No. 10: Northern Outdoors - West Forks, Maine

Northern Outdoors is an adventure resort located in Maine. Guests can enjoy whitewater rafting on the Kennebec, Dead and Penobscot Rivers from May through early autumn. Half- and full-day trips are offered for families of all ages, as well as folks of all skills levels, from first-time paddlers to the most experienced rafters.

Photo courtesy of Western River Expeditions

No. 9: Western River Expeditions - Moab, Utah

Western River Expeditions has more than 50 years of experience guiding trips along the rivers and canyons of the American West. Today, the company offers itineraries in Arizona (Grand Canyon), Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Costa Rica.

Photo courtesy of Green River Adventures

No. 8: Green River Adventures - Saluda, North Carolina

Green River Adventures offers whitewater rafting experiences and personalized kayak lessons from Saluda, North Carolina. Their Lower Green River adventure is perfect for families and those with more moderate activity levels, while their Upper Green River experience is geared more towards experienced kayak enthusiasts who are looking for heart-pumping excitement and Class IV rapids!

Photo courtesy of Wildwater

No. 7: Wildwater Rafting - Hartford, Tennessee

Wildwater Rafting, the Southeast's "original professional outfitter," has been leading whitewater rafting trips since 1971. With outposts on four rivers throughout the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, Wildwater offers a variety of rafting trips ranging from family-friendly to wildly epic.

Photo courtesy of Rivers and Oceans

No. 6: Rivers & Oceans - Flagstaff, Arizona

With Rivers & Oceans, adventurous travelers can explore the rivers of the western United States. Choose between one-day trips through the Grand Canyon or multi-day rafting itineraries in Utah, Oregon, Arizona or Idaho.

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No. 5: Glacier Guides and Montana Raft Co. - West Glacier, Montana

This Montana-based tour company can’t want to take you rafting down the stunning border rivers in Glacier National Park. Enjoy thrilling Class II-III whitewater rafting adventures with various rafting experiences for half-days and full days. Also available are overnight/multi-day trips for intermediate and advanced rafters, family-friendly rafting and private rafting trips where you choose the date and duration. 

Sports & Outdoors: You voted, and these are the best adventure tours and travel companies for 2022

Photo courtesy of Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours

No. 4: Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours - Durango, Colorado

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours leads trips in Colorado, Utah and Arizona, with a river for just about any thrill level. Trips last anywhere from two hours to five days.

Photo courtesy of Downstream Adventures

No. 3: Downstream Adventures Rafting - Empire, Colorado

Downstream Adventures takes travelers on rafting trips through the heart of the Colorado Rockies via Clear Creek. Beginners navigate the 15 rapids of Middle Clear Creek, while more experienced rafters can take on the Lower or Upper Canyon (or the full river).

Photo courtesy of Zachary Collier

No. 2: Northwest Rafting Company - Hood River, Oregon

Northwest Rafting Company specializes in rafting trips on Oregon’s Rogue River and Idaho’s Salmon River, though guests can also choose multi-day trips along the Owyhee, Illinois or Chetco rivers. Specialty itineraries add in gourmet food, yoga sessions or live bluegrass music. Trips last four to six days.

Photo courtesy of Wilderness Voyageurs

No. 1: Wilderness Voyageurs - Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania

Wilderness Voyageurs is a full-service outfitter in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. They offer guests several whitewater rafting adventures on rivers in Pennsylvania and Maryland between May and early fall. Trips for all ages, from five to 85, and every skill level, from beginner to experienced, are available.