Whitewater thrills, peaceful paddles, and new lodging at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Nantahala Outdoor Center is known for whitewater rafting. Church groups, families, and school trips arrive by the busload, ready to take on the rapids of Nantahala River, which are just the right level to thrill participants while still being accessible to most ages and experience levels.
I’ve been among the whitewater crowds, and it’s a blast. At just two hours from Greenville, it’s a day trip that yields big fun for all ages and lasting memories (one of our favorite family stories involves my husband being shoved into the rapids by an off-balance boat-mate).
But on my most recent trip there, I learned there is more to NOC than rafting day trips. Just a five-minute stroll down a riverside path sits the less-discovered side, where kayaks and stand-up paddleboards traverse peaceful, tree-lined Fontana Lake.
With a growing list of activities at NOC, including zip-line tours, mountain biking trails, and an adventure park, it’s easy to make a weekend of it, booking a night or two in a trailside cabin or, coming soon, the Hemlocks, the center’s newest and most luxurious accommodations.
For our stay, my daughter and I checked into a trailside cabin, which offered three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a private deck overlooking the lush foliage of the 500-acre resort, and even a peek at the river. After a late arrival, we decided to spend an hour at the Zip Line Adventure Park, or ZLAP, with a 600-foot dual zip line through the mountains and 16 additional aerial elements tucked into the forest. We loved racing through the tree canopy; next time, we might try the Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour, which takes guests on almost two miles of zip lines above Nantahala Gorge and beneath the night sky.
After a quick waterside dinner at Big Wesser Riverside Pub and a shopping excursion at the Outfitter’s Store, we headed to our cabin for down time and a good night’s sleep.
Nantahala Outdoor Center Experience
The next morning, we headed out early for Slow Joe’s Donut Bus, where we drank iced coffee and ate cinnamon-sugar donuts while watching a family skip rocks in the river. As traffic picked up at the center of NOC, we strolled along the riverside path and in minutes arrived at the utterly quiet Fontana Lake.
This 29-mile gem in the Smoky Mountains offers unspoiled scenery and tranquil waters ideal for boating and paddling. Next time, we might rent a ducky, or inflatable kayak, and tackle Class II rapids on Nantahala with a guide, but for this trip, we were looking for something more scenic and relaxing, and took turns with a kayak and a stand-up paddleboard.
On the calm blue waters, surrounded by pine and oak forests, we explored shady coves and saw plenty of wildlife, including fish, turtles, and vibrant kingfishers. We ended up at stunning Bird Falls, a 60-foot waterfall, and tried a bit of paddleboard yoga before paddling back. During our two-hour adventure, we only saw a couple of fishing boats and one distant steam train, chugging along the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
After more than 50 years of helping people get outdoors, Nantahala Outdoor Center keeps growing, with more than 120 itineraries in ten locations throughout the Southeast. We thought we knew NOC, and while whitewater rafting will always be a popular option for thrills (and, if you are my husband, spills), we discovered it’s also a great place for serene immersion in unspoiled nature. With a multi-day stay, you can have the best of both worlds.
Fun Fact
On the Founders Bridge, a pedestrian bridge at the center of NOC that crosses the Nantahala, you are on the 2,198-mile Appalachian Trail. It’s common to see hikers with backpacks and trekking poles crossing the bridge, some of whom started at Mount Katahdin in Maine more than 2,062 miles north. They have just 136 miles to go to hit the trail’s end in Springer Mountain, Georgia.
Stay and Play
The Hemlocks
Opening in 2024, The Hemlocks are upscale bungalow-style cabins with king rooms, private decks, and elevated design elements that blend perfectly into the mountain setting. High-end toiletries, local Pisgah Coffee, and plush furnishings ensure a comfortable stay.
Trailside Cabins
Four private cabins in various configurations with full kitchens, private decks, and spacious living areas. Just a short walk from shopping, dining, and adventure.
Dogwood Lodge
Private king suites or double bunk rooms with a shared common area. Each room includes a private deck.
Camping
Platform tents, on waterproof raised pods, ensure a comfortable camping experience in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest. Van and car camping are also available, with personal fire pits and picnic tables.
Choose Your Own Adventure
- Whitewater rafting
- Zip line tour
- Whitewater kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Adventure park
- Guided hikes
- Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals
- Multisport adventures
Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 Hwy. 19 W., Bryson City, NC, noc.com
