NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) in the Nantahala Gorge is a 500-acre playground for outdoor lovers. In addition to rafting and kayaking on the Nantahala River, you can fly on zip lines, play on the treetops, bike, and hike. Replenish at two riverside restaurants, and get some gear at their stores. Located about 75 miles from Asheville (an 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). Miss the big crowds in May, September, and October (great way to see fall color!) Go to NOC's website to book a river trip!
Riverside Dining & Shopping
Enjoy delicious entrees, pizza, sandwiches, and drinks year-round at Rivers End Restaurant, or grab a burger or salad at Big Wesser Riverside Pub, where every seat views the river. Enjoy live music every weekend from May-September.
NOC’s Outfitters Store offers everything you need to gear up for an adventure! From paddlesports gear and kayaks to hiking and camping equipment, stop in to peruse plenty of apparel from top brands or grab a souvenir to remember your trip!
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 a 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. 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. 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.
NC Mountain Biking
The mountains surrounding NOC offer world-class mountain biking opportunities with challenging terrain and great scenery. NOC offers rentals or guided mountain biking tours on local Tsali or Flint Ridge Trails with lake views, expert guides, and fun for everyone. (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. Save a bundle with the Nantahala Adventure Pass for a full day of fun. Go to NOC's website for more.
More NOC Info
Deluxe Cabins at NOC, Bryson City
Experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge. Conveniently located near the Nantahala Outdoor Center, you can participate in thrilling activities… read more
Experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge. Conveniently located near the Nantahala Outdoor Center, you can participate in thrilling activities like river rafting, paddleboarding, and mountain hikes. Four beautifully renovated cabins, each accommodating 2-22 guests, offer modern comforts in an outdoor paradise tailored for unforgettable experiences.
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… read more
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 contains the kitchen, dining hall, charcoal grill and…
NOC Nantahala Adventure Resort Special Events - All Free Admission
Go to NOC's website for a full list of festivals, live music and more.
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.
