2025 Summer Road Trip Plans

Southeast Road Trip 

Want to squeeze a little more fun out of the summer sun? With six rivers and multiple outposts to explore, your next unforgettable weekend is closer than you think!

Whether you’re ditching town for a long weekend or a much-needed summer escape, skip the airport and head for the river. Our locations across the Southeast make it easy to choose a quick road trip or a full-blown outdoor escape, with rafting, ziplining, hiking, riverside eats, and lodging all in one convenient stop.

With six rivers and multiple outposts to explore, your next unforgettable weekend is closer than you think.

No matter your launching pad, let’s head on a Southeast road trip where whitewater meets the open road. 

📍Atlanta, GA: ~3 hours  

• Whitewater rafting near Atlanta: Nantahala River Campus (2.5 hrs) 

• Why Go: Full send on a mountain escape with whitewater, ziplining, dining, and lodging all in one place. The best outdoor adventures in the southeast! 

• ATL: In need of a local weekday escape? Then come shoot the hooch with us! Use Code Weekday5 when you book online for our Chattahoochee Outposts in Roswell or Sandy Springs and save $5.00 on your weekday river tube or kayak rental!  

📍Chattanooga, TN: 1.5 to 2.5 hours  

• Closest NOC Locations: Ocoee River (1.5 hrs) or Nantahala River (2.5 hrs)  

• Why Go: Choose between big water thrills at the Ocoee or a whole Adventure Resort experience at Nantahala with overnight options! 

📍Charlotte, NC: 2.5 to 3.5 hours  

• Closest NOC Locations: French Broad River in Marshall (2.5 hrs) or Nantahala River (3.5 hrs)  

• Why Go: French Broad is ideal for a laid-back, scenic float with access to Asheville; Nantahala offers a classic full-day outdoor escape.  

📍Greenville, SC: 1.5 hours  

• Closest NOC Location: Chattooga River  

• Why Go: Full-day, Wild & Scenic whitewater adventure in a remote forested gorge, unforgettable from first rapid to last with some of the best outdoor adventures in the southeast. 

📍Knoxville, TN: 1.5 to 2.5 hours  

• Closest NOC Locations: Pigeon River (1 hr), Ocoee River (1.5 hrs)  

• Why Go: The Pigeon River offers a big adventure without the long drive, great for families and first-time rafters. The Ocoee brings high-energy wave trains for the thrill-seekers! It’s even more for a Smoky mountain road trip. 

What Awaits You at Each Outpost  

Nantahala Adventure Resort – Bryson City, NC  

Best for: full weekends, families, multi-sport adventurers  

• Class II+ rafting with calm, clear mountain water  

• Ziplining, mountain biking, ropes courses, and Fontana Lake  

• Lodging and riverside dining at Big Wesser and River’s End  

• Live music, gear shops, and an unbeatable mountain setting  

Stay a While: The Hemlocks at NOC

Just above the river and tucked into the trees, The Hemlocks offer a modern cabin experience just steps from your next adventure. King rooms, kitchenettes, and decks with a view—this is your basecamp with a little more breathing room. The perfect place to rest your head on a Smoky Mountain road trip. 

Ocoee River Outpost – Benton, TN

Best for: adrenaline, big wave paddling, half-day trips  

• Class III–IV rapids with back-to-back wave trains  

• Ideal for Chattanooga and Knoxville road-trippers  

• Go beyond the average trip with our HIGH ADVENTURE Ocoee Trip!

French Broad River Outpost – Marshall, NC

Best for: quick escapes, scenic rapids, Asheville accessible adventures  

• Class II–IV rafting in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains  

• Relaxed mountain-town base just 30 minutes from Asheville  

• A mellow ride with pockets of fun and history  

Chattooga River Outpost – Mountain Rest, SC

Best for: remote adventure, full-day challenge, epic scenery  

• Designated Wild & Scenic River  

• Class III–V rapids in a granite-strewn gorge  

• All-day guided trips include lunch, swims, and serious river cred  

• Perfect for Greenville and Atlanta guests seeking an unforgettable paddle  

• Check out our Off The River Guide for a weekend visit to Clayton GA just 30 min form the Chattooga Outpost.  ▶https://noc.com/news/adventure-in-tallulah-gorge/  

Pigeon River  Outpost– Hartford, TN

• Class III whitewater rafting through a scenic gorge in the Smoky Mountain foothills
• Under an hour from downtown Knoxville = perfect for same-day road trips
• Upper Pigeon: action-packed rapids for maximum splash
• Lower Pigeon: gentle float ideal for younger kids and beginners
• Surrounded by charming mountain towns and close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Morning and afternoon trip times. Easy to pair with lunch, shopping, or a Smoky Mountain detour
• Ideal for last-minute planners, weekend warriors, and anyone looking for the shortest route to big fun

Let the River Set the Pace  

The best summer stories start somewhere wilder. Whether you’re navigating granite drops on the Chattooga, floating along the historic French Broad, or crashing through waves on the Ocoee, NOC’s outposts deliver adventure within a short drive!