Nantahala Outdoor Center

The facilities and staff make this adventure our all-time favorite. My wife and I used NOC several times for white-water trips in 1988. We were finally able to return after a 20 yr absence and brought our 11 yr old son to experience this adventure. The facility has grown, but the customer service, knowledge, and abilities of their guides has stayed at the same high level. Our group had a tremendous time.

My husband and I enjoyed a couple meals at NOC's restaurant while visiting the area on a long weekend this past weekend. Great burgers and pizza and excellent choice of beer and wine. Great staff and view of the Nantahala River! There's a lot to see and do at the NOC; eat, drink, shop and catch the Great Smokey Mountain Railway right there...not to mention watching all the kayakers fighting the waters of the river! Heck, we might give it a try ourselves some time! They're also an outfitter!

The changing leaves floating through the brilliant blue sky toward the river. Sharing the experience with dear, old friends. The staff is wonderful and fun.

I've been down the Nanty with my two daughters a couple of dozens times. It has two Class three runs at the beginning and end. The rest are class two with some extended waves. If you're experienced, rent a ducky and go down unassisted. If you've never done whitewater, take a raft with a guide. If you want more action, tell the guide. They'll take a more exciting line or bump off some rocks. It's about 2:30 hours down depending on flow. Yes, you will get wet. The water is very cold. It is a crowded river, but this can be fun. NOC is a little more $$$ than others, but definitely worth it. They aim at SAFETY. Highly recommend as an intro to whitewater. Remember to tip the guide.

this was my first time white water rafting and i honestly think it could have been better. Some parts of it were fun but everything else was boring. The river was beautiful, though.