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NOC: Nantahala Outdoor Center Adventure Resort

NOC: Nantahala Outdoor Center

The NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) Adventure Resort in the Nantahala Gorge is paradise for outdoor lovers. In addition to rafting and kayaking on the Nantahala River, you can bike, shop, eat and hang out on the beach! Try stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana, fly on the zip lines, bike and shop at NOC's Outfitter's Store. Located about 75 miles from Asheville (easy trip mostly on a four lane highway), it is tucked along the Appalachian Trail. Whitewater Rafting
Thousands of people flock to NOC on a warm summer day to kayak or raft down the river. The shimmering Nantahala River offers whitewater rafting through rapids that are mild but exciting. Nantahala rafting features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls. Both guided and self-guided trips are available - either on rafts or ducks (inflatable kayaks). Go to NOC's website to book a river trip!

Stand Up Paddleboard
Take a paddleboard out on Fontana Lake (the Nanatahala River empties into Fontana Lake on the NOC campus). Paddle through a quiet mountain cove to see a 100-ft. waterfall. Zip Line Tours
Nantahala Outdoor Center's Mountaintop Zip Line Tour includes a three-hour tour with a half-mile-long “Mega Zip” above Townhouse Creek Falls with views of the Nantahala Gorge, Fontana Lake, National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fully-guided tour (ten riders or less in a group with two guides) features 10 zips with an “above the trees” feel. Some zip lines provide traditional tree-to-tree rides, but overall the experience delivers more mountain-to-mountain experience. Fly almost a half-mile through the air and get up to 350 ft. above the forest floor. The Mega Zip is one of the longest zip lines in the East! Enjoy 360-degree views and see landmarks like Clingman’s Dome and Cheoah Bald. The Mountaintop Zip Line Tour’s location at NOC’s Nantahala River campus provides many options for guests. Raft and zip line packages are available, and all guests enjoy NOC’s pleasant riverside campus and restaurants after their tour. Go to NOC's website for tour info and reservations.

NOC Zip Line Adventure Park
At this self-guided adventure park in the trees, soar over 600 ft. through the air on the Wesser Zip; then take on a multi-level challenge course as high as 60 ft. above the forest floor. Each level features new obstacles: wobbling sky bridges, confusing spiderwebs, nerve-racking tight ropes and more exciting ziplining. With all these options, you can pick and choose your challenges based on your abilities. The Zip Line Adventure Park also features the latest in continuous auto-belay technology, so you can guide yourself through the course at your own pace. Once harnessed in you stay connected at all times, and you're free to negotiate the challenges ahead. Go to NOC's website for more.

NOC Treetop Adventure Nets
New for 2017: For ages 2 and up, this ship themed canopy feature is the first 100% net-based aerial playground in the United States - suspended up to 20 ft. above the ground floor with views of the Nantahala River. Explore, climb, slide and navigate through a series of tunnels, open spaces, chutes and pathways.

NC Mountain Biking
The mountains surrounding NOC offer world-class mountain biking opportunities, with challenging terrain and great scenery. The NOC Bike Shop is a full-service stop for all of your cycling needs, both on and off-road. The Flint Ridge Trail at NOC is a designed specifically for mountain bikers. It features technical riding as well as some rolling single-track. From the Bike Shop, the ride is about 4.5 miles, with a loop at the end. Just minutes from NOC is Tsali Recreation Area, regarded as mountain biking mecca. (See our Mountain Biking Guide.)

Package & Save
At NOC, there are many options for outdoor adventure. You can package your rafting trip with other adventures offered on campus (such as an excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad or a zip line tour and save. New in 2017! Save a bundle with the Nantahala Adventure Pass for a full day of fun. Go to NOC's Web site for more. NOC Restaurants on Nantahala River NC
River's End: Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at this longtime riverside favorite, with a menu that includes chicken biscuits to the hand-patted Voracious Vegan Burger and a few all-time favorites—Sherpa Rice, Appalachian Fish Tacos and the Nantahala Gorge Wrap.

Big Wesser BBQ & Brew: This open-air cafe offers quick and convenient food riverside with an outdoor deck to take in the action happening on the river. Enjoy live music every weekend night, May thru September.

More NOC Info Nantahala Adventure Pass, NOC
Head to Nantahala Outdoor Center’s main campus near Bryson City for a day of outdoor fun, with whitewater rafting, the Zip Line Adventure Park, Fontana Lake SUP and mountain biking. Save nearly $100.
Rate: From $60/person.
Go to their website. Add to My Favorites Deluxe Cabins at NOC, Bryson City
Get the best of both worlds with adventure and luxury in the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Walk to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)'s activities, including river rafting, Fontana Lake paddleboards and kayaks, mountaintop zip lines, restaurants and hiking the Appalachian Trail. 4 cabins, $199-$599, sleeps 2-22, 2-6... read more Basecamp at NOC
Spend the night where the Appalachian Trail hikers stay, at Nantahala Outdoor Center's main campus. This budget-friendly, hostel-style lodging along the Nantahala River is the ultimate home base for outdoor enthusiasts with whitewater rafting, zip lining, mountain biking, paddling and more at your doorstep. The shared community building... read more

NOC Nantahala Adventure Resort Special Events - All Free Admission
Go to NOC's website for more.

NRC Whitewater US Open
March 25-26, 2017: This national-level slalom and downriver race on the Nantahala River is a favorite for paddlers & onlookers alike!

NOC Trail Festival
April 21-22, 2017: This Jamboree features outdoor adventure-themed film screenings, a vendor village staffed by industry representatives, gear repair and tournaments to support the Appalachian Trail Concervancy. Also enjoy product giveaways, door prizes and live music.

NOC Spring Fling
April 29-30, 2017: Check out the season's hottest gear (with free test paddling) at the NOC's Outfitter's Store. Top it off with free live music and local brews.

Merrell Adventure Dash
May 27, 2017:  Participate or spectate as runners negotiate challenging obstacles in this 5K Adventure race.  Or, have the time of your life and participate in the 1K Fun Run!

NOC's Sizzling 4th of July
Celebrate the 4th with live music and specials. Cool off with a raft trip down the Nantahala or a lake kayak tour on beautiful Lake Fontana. Enjoy plenty of onshore entertainment.

Guest Appreciation Festival & Gear Sale
September 22-24, 2017: NOC thanks loyal guests for another great year with unbeatable discounts on outdoor gear and gifts, live music and entertainment for the whole family, as well as food and beer specials.

Outdoor School Courses
Since 1972, NOC has been leading courses in whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing and river leadership. Over the year's they've grown to become one of the most convenient, comprehensive destinations for learning in the outdoors. They are the top school for kayak instructors and raft guides, and a destination for backcountry leaders to get wilderness medicine certification. Go to NOC's website for more.

Directions from Asheville
(About 75 miles, but mostly four-lane roads) Take I-40 West toward Knoxville, TN. Take exit 27 onto US 74 West toward Waynesville. The Nantahala is located 50 miles down this road. Stay on 74 West. Eight miles west of Bryson City, the four-lane highway you are on will split into two 2-lane roads. Stay on 74, which is the left lane. Go another five miles. On the last descent you will see a yellow caution sign on the right indicating you are entering the Nantahala Gorge. Just after the sign you will see the Nantahala River, and NOC's Nantahala Outpost.

Go to NOC's website for more. For more info on rafting in the North Carolina mountains, see our Whitewater Rafting Guide.

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