Rolling Thunder River Company
Rolling Thunder River Company
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About
Mild or Wild? Rolling Thunder River Company offers adventurous whitewater rafting trips on the legendary Ocoee River or gentle, relaxing float trips on the Toccoa River in an inner tube or a kayak- both out of their easy to get to location in McCaysville, Georgia- just 15 minutes from Blue Ridge, GA. Rolling Thunder guarantees the ultimate in Ocoee rafting trips.
McCaysville, Georgia
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Rolling Thunder River Company
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(365 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,933 reviews
Excellent
2,873
Very good
40
Average
9
Poor
8
Terrible
4
Dylan Salter
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Friends
Prior to this trip, I had only been kayaking a handful of times and had never been whitewater rafting. Admittedly I was a bit nervous as we got into the boat and made our way down the river due to my lack of previous experience. However, my anxieties soon disappeared as the journey progressed and I saw that I was in good hands. Our tour guide, Jared (aka Subway) led our boat in a very professional manner - was very clear with call-outs/instructions, provided interesting info on the Ocoee’s history, all the while making sure the trip was full of fun. I definitely recommend RT to anyone interested in rafting on the Ocoee
TL;DR
Rolling Thunder is an excellent team, the tour guides are fun and well-trained, and safety is always the top priority
TL;DR
Rolling Thunder is an excellent team, the tour guides are fun and well-trained, and safety is always the top priority
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay Nasrallah
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We had a blast on this trip. Our tour guide, Lucas, was absolutely incredible. He really knew everything about the safety of the raft all the way to the history behind everything you pass. He was extremely professional and respectful and I would highly recommend him to anyone that takes this adventure.
Written July 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay, thank you for your awesome review. We'll pass along your comments to Lucas. We hope to have you roll with Thunder again. - Bobbye
Written July 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clark G
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Family
Everytime I go whitewater rafting I wonder why I don't go more often..
In an age of disconnect, I promise nobody in the family will be busy looking at their phones as you cross class 4 rapids...
Worth every cent, Rolling Thunder is goofy and fun at the same time they have a real focus on safety..
Our Guide was "Jeffe" and she rocked it.
She had real command of the boat at all times, she made it so fun, we were loving her from the start. She even rescued a swimmer thrown from another raft, heroics you'd expect from a National Guardsman from the great state of Michigan IJS, her momma must be damn proud.
Hope to go again soon
In an age of disconnect, I promise nobody in the family will be busy looking at their phones as you cross class 4 rapids...
Worth every cent, Rolling Thunder is goofy and fun at the same time they have a real focus on safety..
Our Guide was "Jeffe" and she rocked it.
She had real command of the boat at all times, she made it so fun, we were loving her from the start. She even rescued a swimmer thrown from another raft, heroics you'd expect from a National Guardsman from the great state of Michigan IJS, her momma must be damn proud.
Hope to go again soon
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clark, thank you so much for your great review. We're still smiling. Jeffe is a great guide and she will appreciate your kudos very much. Our focus is on safety at all times and we are glad you recognized our efforts. - Bobbye
Written July 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Johnny Cash
3 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Our guide, Ashley, was incredible! These professional guides are able ‘customize’ your river experience in order give families/groups their OWN perfect trip. This was not my family’s first trip down this river, however it was our first with Rolling Thunder. We were semi familiar with rafting but Ashley took it to another level of awesome by giving us multiple options along way to enhance our ride. We rode the same river route as last year, but this time were able to do donuts, surf waves, etc. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the River itself, which was a nice added bonus. She was also a great leader getting us through the water and encouraging our teamwork. She was also very complimentary of my family, which always makes a mom feel proud.
The company itself is extremely organized and professional. Lucas was a phenomenal tour leader, being serious when necessary, then going out of his way to entertain us with dad jokes (to the delight of the bus full of fathers) during the ride back. He was also incredible about pumping up the town itself and supporting local businesses. (Also, to the owner, please give Lucas the promised hug he deserves for creating this review. He likes them. He thinks you’re a nice lady.)
As a small bonus owner ourselves, this company is a perfect representation of taking a fun experience and enhancing it 10x with a great group of employees.
The company itself is extremely organized and professional. Lucas was a phenomenal tour leader, being serious when necessary, then going out of his way to entertain us with dad jokes (to the delight of the bus full of fathers) during the ride back. He was also incredible about pumping up the town itself and supporting local businesses. (Also, to the owner, please give Lucas the promised hug he deserves for creating this review. He likes them. He thinks you’re a nice lady.)
As a small bonus owner ourselves, this company is a perfect representation of taking a fun experience and enhancing it 10x with a great group of employees.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnny, you made our day with your thoughtful and detailed review. Thank you! Ashley is a great guide and deserves all the praise you gave her. On her behalf, thank you. Lucas, your hug is coming kiddo. I think he's a nice young man as well :) We do encourage our staff to have a great time and enjoy themselves believing that this will enhance the customer experience tenfold. We think it has. Thank you again and hope to see you roll with Thunder again. - Bobbye
Written July 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert R
4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Fantastic experience from start to finish. Rolling Thunder River Co. has fun and excitement, balanced with safety, completely figured out. Booking the excursion was easy, the facility is very organized with showers, changing rooms, clean bathrooms, a gift shop and even a basketball hoop to keep the kids busy before and after your adventure starts. The staff is friendly and helpful. The pre excursion safety briefing was informative and fun too (guy with man bun is hilarious).
My son and I plus six other friends/family booked the middle river portion and everyone had a great time. Our guide, Moriah, was AWESOME. She provided us with tons of information about the sections of rapids we were paddling, she made everything fun and safe at the same time. Highly recommend!
My son and I plus six other friends/family booked the middle river portion and everyone had a great time. Our guide, Moriah, was AWESOME. She provided us with tons of information about the sections of rapids we were paddling, she made everything fun and safe at the same time. Highly recommend!
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe E
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
We had an amazing experience doing the middle run on 7/5. From start to finish Rolling thunder makes sure your group has a great time all while keeping you safe and informed. I feel sorry for the other groups who went out at the 12 o’clock session because we by far had the best guide. Jim took his time to explain everything upfront and make sure we were prepared for our journey down river. He was great at telling us information about the river and the rapids, but also kept the trip light and entertaining. I would recommend rolling thunder to anyone.
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe, we appreciate your 5 star review and your kind words The Ocoee River is an amazing experience. Jim is a great guide and we're glad he took great care of you. Thank for recommending Rolling Thunder to others. -Bobbye
Written July 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Truth be told
Alpharetta, GA22 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We were two middle aged couple looking for something fun and different to do, Sat. July 31, we found it! We did the white water rafting upper river (full river run). Our Guide was Donavon, his knowledgeable and experience set us at ease right away. He made the rafting fun and exciting, he was very funny, kept us laughing the whole time. All 4 of us would recommend using Rolling Thunder, 20 Hughs St.
McCaysville, Ga. all of the employees seemed great, but we would recommend asking for Donavon! Have a great ride!!
McCaysville, Ga. all of the employees seemed great, but we would recommend asking for Donavon! Have a great ride!!
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road67872507317
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
We were with Emerson and Jefe for our trip. Both guides were super helpful. They fought us how to paddle correctly and what todo for the new riders. Emerson was so funny on the way down. He was constantly cracking jokes and making everyone on the boat laugh. Jefe was so nice talked us through and helped us. She talked to us about rafting and kayaking through the rapids. She was very knowledgeable about the forest and river. The company was safety first and made sure everyone was together and safe at all times. I highly recommend these two guides and this company for white water rafting in Georgia. My family had a blast!
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post such a great review for us. We will definitely pass along your praises to Emmerson and Jefe. They are great guides and we are proud to have them on our team. Our company is all about safety and we're very pleased that you recognized our extra efforts. Hope to see you roll with Thunder again!-Bobbye
Written June 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marissa C
4 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
My parents have been taking my brother and I to Rolling Thunder since we were kids. So when I planned a trip Georgia to visit my parents, rafting was a must. Rafting with Rolling Thunder is always a blast, their guides are always friendly, funny and charismatic, but our guide this time around, Jack “Wild Man” was an utter blast. With years of experience, he’s very obviously the go-to for not only safety, but more importantly, FUN! With corny jokes, incredible river knowledge, you’re bound to have an amazing time. Fun-fact, when booking you can REQUEST a guide (I never knew that) and I highly recommend you request Wild Man. You will not regret it.
Georgia on the mind? Tennessee traveling? Take a trip down the Ocoee River with the best rafting company I’ve been down with in all my times of doing it. 11/10, would recommend.
Georgia on the mind? Tennessee traveling? Take a trip down the Ocoee River with the best rafting company I’ve been down with in all my times of doing it. 11/10, would recommend.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mitchel S
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Couples
My wife and I went to rolling thunder over the 4th of July weekend. We had an amazing experience! Our guide was Nessy and he killed it, teaching us how to do basic maneuvers in the raft so we could enjoy our time there on the river and giving us something to laugh about with his jokes. The rest of the customer service was awesome as well. Overall we had a great experience with Rolling Thunder.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ttonkel
Baton Rouge, LA11 contributions
I am thinking of booking the 9:15 tour. Does anyone have suggestions of things to do in the area afterwards? Can we fit in tubing or should we do that a different day?
Karl R
16 contributions
Couple of really good restaurants in town. I never looked for tubing but definitely spots to find where you can dip in the water.
stubbistubbi
Tampa, FL6 contributions
Does Rafting on the Ocoee stop during colder months? If so, when is the last opportunity this year?
rollingthunderriver
McCaysville, GA
We close the end of September and reopen the first of April.
maiya10
Salt Lake City, UT24 contributions
We’re a family of 3 and are looking for recommendations on where to stay for a weekend in April.
We plan to do a weekend white water rafting trip.
Thank you!
rollingthunderriver
McCaysville, GA
We are located in two states so it depends upon where you are planning to go rafting. Please message us on our Facebook page and we'll do our best to help you.
How much are the rafting pictures?
vebbie68
Ellijay, GA255 contributions
It is 37.00 for all the pictures they take and they email the pictures to you.
minnield37
Miramar, FL4 contributions
Can I take my GoPro on the trip
gabrielacmesa
Miami, FL1 contribution
Yes you can but only to attach to the helmet.
Artsvarc
Moore, OK62 contributions
What do you think the total trip time is between, getting ready, shuttle and the river?
spellaga
New Orleans, LA6 contributions
Hi we left around 930 AM , arrived at the river around 10. The river trip was approximately 2 hrs. We returned to the store around 1230. This is our 3rd trip with this company and I can promise you they are the best! I wouldn’t put my family’s lives in anyone’s else’s hands! They definitely know how to maneuver the river, which allows you to feel safe so you can enjoy the adventure. I hope this helps. Enjoy.
ted6869
Pace, FL
What would you recommend for foot wear..
NiniAtlantaGA
Atlanta GA20 contributions
You need to wear shoes that can get wet and will stay on (no crocs). Water shoes or keens or tevas work well. Basically you “brace” yourself in the raft with your feet so shoes must no be able to easily slip off. Also, the Rolling Thunder folks will advise you too! Have fun!
jperkins0205
Bryson City, NC1 contribution
I see there is an option for wetsuit rentals. Is the water in June really that cold to need one?
Xavier P
11 contributions
No you do not need one
Rolling Thunder River Company - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Rolling Thunder River Company Information
Excellent Reviews | 2,871 |
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Rolling Thunder River Company Photos | 1,319 |