Explore More at the Nantahala Outdoor Center I Hill Country Homestead
Nantahala Outdoor Center is nestled amid the Great Smoky Mountains and is the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company. The Nantahala Outdoor Center proudly guides outdoor trips on both private and public lands which adds to the immense grandeur and beauty of each adventure and stay. The main campus located in the small mountain town of Bryson City, North Carolina, and their adventure reach sprawls across 4 Southeastern States and boasts dedicated outposts on eight different rivers. Each river is set to the backdrop of stunning mountain views and is easily accessible from Asheville, Gatlinburg, and East Atlanta.
The NOC offers a diverse collection of adventure packages including but not limited to 120 different river and land-based itineraries. Some of the highlights include learning to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, fully guided whitewater rafting, a variety of zip line adventures, mountain biking, hiking, testing the latest outdoor gear and shop at its LEED-certified flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as its three restaurants and multi-tiered lodging.
The Nantahala Outdoor Center offers a fantastic introduction into whitewater rafting. The fully guided rafting trip is the perfect intensity for a family looking to explore the whitewater world. The 3-hour ride is just long enough to experience the river truly, but not too long for the youngest adventurers. The run is predominantly level II rapids to give you the adrenaline rush of taking on the wild, with the occasional calm spots. Partnered with the right guide, Big Joe, in our case, these tranquil spots can be just as enjoyable if not insightful. A brief history of the Gorge, an introduction to the natural remedies provided in nature, and some general river wisdom passes the smooth sailing right up to time to start battling the rapids again. As the raft comes to a stop, don’t forget to get a copy of your picture to remember this fantastic experience.
The experienced adventure guides live on campus at the NOC, and their main goal is to ensure an unforgettable experience for each visitor. These folks live nearby in a remarkable little village for the season and do life together as a whole. Their comradery is evident in the air at the NOC, and their passion for adventure is why the NOC is such an amazing place to stay and play. In the gorge, the only direct sun you get is for 4 hours mid-day hence the name Nantahala, which is Cherokee for “Land of the Noonday Sun.” Staying in a cabin in the treetops is pure magic and provides an otherworldly feel as if you were a mountain tree dweller your self. From the personal connections made with the resident guides to the on-site restaurants serving delicious snacks and meals, and just the overall chill vibe make the Nantahala Outdoor Center a place for the whole family to unplug and you will never want to leave. Promise.
