What do the movie “Deliverance” and the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, North Carolina, have in common?
For starters, they both turn 50 this year, and the outdoor center’s founder, Payson Kennedy, played a whitewater-rafting stunt double in the movie. You’ll be happy to hear that’s where the similarities end if you’re familiar with the movie plot that lands four friends in some unexpectedly hostile outdoor adventures. Given the 7 million rafters who’ve now enjoyed expeditions led and organized by NOC, Kennedy’s impact on Southeastern whitewater sports has far exceeded that of his movie role.
Initially, NOC was a small operation in Bryson City that included rafting and paddling instruction on the Nantahala and Chattooga rivers, a convenience store and gas station, River’s End Restaurant, and overnight lodging at the Tote ‘n Tarry Motel. Half a century later, NOC is one of the nation’s largest outdoor recreation companies, facilitating experiences for nearly 1 million guests with a 700-plus staff every year and more than 120 land- and river-based itineraries across 10 locations in four states.
Since its inception, NOC has existed as a gathering place for families and friends while also providing a place for Olympic athletes and those aspiring to reach that level to train. Working with the highly trained staff, guests of all skill levels are able to embark on numerous adventures.
“We see all sorts of ages at our center, whether it’s folks visiting off the Smoky Mountain Railroad, taking a rafting or zip-line adventure, even at our renowned paddling school trying out a kayaking course or honing their skills,” says Kristin Kastelic, director of marketing.
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, NOC has brought back its International Adventure Tours that provide a unique opportunity for guests to experience destinations including British Columbia, Iceland, Zimbabwe, Costa Rico, Peru, Norway and Bhutan. Activities on these all-inclusive, guided, small-group excursions range from rafting Class 4+ rapids on the Zambezi, scouting out elephants on safari, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and wine tasting.
For those looking to spend one day adventuring, the popular River to Ridge package allows guests to experience the Nantahala River Gorge by water and by air. Start the morning with a fully guided whitewater rafting trip, break for lunch, and end the day flying across two miles of zip line with views of the Great Smoky Mountains and Lake Fontana.
Packages are an easy entry point to planning, but individual itineraries are simple enough to build based on the time of year and activity level.
And no need to pack a lunch. From coffee to gastropub fare to a spot exclusively serving New Belgium craft beers, multiple dining options have your needs covered, all with spectacular views of the Nantahala.
Quick Facts
- Founded in 1972 in Bryson City, North Carolina
- 10 locations across four states
- 120+ land and river-based itineraries
- 500-acre main campus in Bryson City offers rafting, zip lining, mountain biking, restaurants, shopping, and lodging
- 3 outdoor retail locations in Asheville, Bryson City and Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- 3 restaurants located on the Nantahala River campus
- 2 professional schools offer training and courses on the Nantahala Campus
- 6+ lodging and cabin options on the Nantahala River Campus
- 7 million guests have taken a whitewater rafting trip with NOC
- 23 Olympians, including 2 Olympic gold medalists, have called NOC home
50th Anniversary Kick-Off
Annual Spring Fling Festival
April 23, 8 a.m.-April 24, 5 p.m.
13077 US-19, Bryson City, N.C.
Free
