The Nantahala Outdoor Center (tel. 800/232-7238) offers whitewater rafting adventures on the scenic Chattooga River in North Georgia (it's the one you saw in the movie Deliverance) and the Ocoee in Tennessee (which was an Olympic venue). Put-in points for both rivers are about a 2-hour drive from Atlanta. Trips vary in length (from a few hours to a few days) and difficulty.

The Chattooga offers Class II and III rapids in Section III and Class III, IV, and V in Section IV. The roller coaster Ocoee has Class III and IV rapids only. Kids must be at least 10 years old for easy trips, 12 or older for more difficult rapids. The company also offers canoeing and kayaking, and trips of varying difficulty on other rivers. All of the expeditions are immensely popular, so make reservations as far in advance as possible.

Prices vary depending on length and difficulty of the trip. Weekends are more expensive than weekdays. Half-day trips begin at about $35, full-day trips at about $62; both rates include equipment, a guide, and transportation from the outpost to the river. Rafting season is April 1 to October 31, with occasional trips in March and November.

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has several spots where canoers, kayakers, and rafters have access to the cold, slow-moving Chattahoochee River. Call the National Park Service (tel. 770/399-8070) for more information. Watercraft can be rented from the Chattahoochee Outdoor Center (tel. 770/395-6851) at the Johnson Ferry and Powers Island units in the recreation area.