Destination

Nantahala River, NC

Overview
Trips
Specials

Nantahala Outdoor Center’s main campus is perfectly positioned where the Appalachian Trail meets the Nantahala River, just a stone’s throw from the Great Smoky Mountains. An ultimate destination for those passionate about the outdoors since 1972, our 500-acre campus offers a vast array of activities to keep your group entertained, whether you’re visiting for a day or planning an extended stay.

If you’re looking for adventure, then take a white water raft or inflatable kayak(ducky) for a Nantahala River rafting adventure.
Paddle the scenic Lake Fontana with a SUP or kayak.
Fly above the canopy with NOC’s Mountaintop Zip Line Tour, and test your skills at the Zip Line Adventure Park – a challenge course with 16 aerial obstacles.
Combine several adventures with our packages for a whole day of adventure!

There’s also mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, shopping at NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, onsite cabin and bunkhouse lodging, plus dining and relaxing at NOC’s famous riverfront restaurants – River’s End Restaurant and Big Wesser.

Nantahala River Trips

Package

Guided

Easy

Nantahala River Rafting: Fully Guided in North Carolina

Bryson City, NC

from $60

4.94 (703 Reviews)

White water rafting in North Carolina is a classic family friendly trip down the iconic mountain river: The Nantahala River. This popular rafting trip is perfect for families and paddlers of any skill level.

Featured

Guided

Moderate

Mountaintop Zip Line Tour

Bryson City, NC

from $134

4.95 (195 Reviews)

Fly through the Smoky Mountain skies on NOC’s Mountaintop Zip Line Tour! With almost two miles of zip lines from treetop to treetop, this trip is considered a premier zip line experience in the mountains of North Carolina.

Package

Guided

Easy-Moderate

Raft and Ropes: Rafting & Adventure Park Package

Bryson City, NC

from $90

June - October

The Nantahala Raft and Ropes is hands-down the best value for a multi-adventure day filled with fun. Combine a guided Nantahala River rafting trip with the Zip Line Adventure Park!

March-October

60-250 lbs

4-5 Hours Long

Package

Guided

Easy-Moderate

River to Ridge: Rafting and Zip Line Package

Bryson City, NC

from $159

4.97 (105 Reviews)

Combine two of our most popular adventures and save with our River to Ridge package! Fly on over two miles of zip lines through the Smoky Mountain skies on NOC’s Mountaintop Zip Line Tour! Combine with a guided whitewater rafting trip for a day of adventure you’ll never forget!

Zip Line Adventure Park

Bryson City, NC

from $55

4.88 (34 Reviews)

Great for kids and families!

Race your friends on 550-foot-long dual zip lines as you enter this aerial challenge park with over 16 exciting obstacles. NOC’s expert aerial guides offer advice as you explore two levels of the park at up to 40-feet above ground level!

Package

Guided

Easy-Moderate

Moderate

Pedal & Paddle: Guided Rafting & Mountain Biking Package

Bryson City, NC

from $139

Combine two of our most popular guided adventures rafting the Nantahala River and mountain biking on local Tsali Trails in this full day of fun!

Great Smokies Deluxe Multi-Sport Adventure

Bryson City, NC

from $2700

NEW Lodge Based Adventure for 2024!

Experience the best of the Smokies in this multi-day, adventure package!

NOC Rafting And Ducky Kayak Rentals in North Carolina

Bryson City, NC

from $39

4.92 (301 Reviews)

Paddle the scenic Nantahala River at your own pace with a raft or ducky rental. Perfect for experienced paddlers and groups of any size.

Tsali Guided Mountain Biking

Bryson City, NC

from $99

3.50 (2 Reviews)

Experience fun trails and scenic overlooks with a guided mountain biking tour on Tsali! Just a short drive from our main campus, guests will receive top of the line equipment, instruction and guidance along with a trailside snack!

10+ Years Old

April-October

3-4 Hours Long

Guests biking in North Carolina on the Nantahala Adventure Pass trip

Package

Guided

Easy

Deep Creek Guided Hike and Raft Adventure Package

Bryson City, NC

from $140

New for 2024!

Enjoy a mix of scenery and excitement with this exclusive guided hike and raft package.

Featured

Browse Trips

Special Deals

Save 20%

Rinse & Repeat Discount

Raft more, save more! Book 2 NOC whitewater rafting trips on different rivers and save 10%, book 3 different rivers and save 15%, or book 4 different rivers and save 20% on your entire rafting reservation.

See Relevant Trips Call to Book

Save 10%

Stay and Play Discount

Outdoor Adventure at your doorstep! Stay 2 or more nights at NOC lodging and save 10% on outdoor activities at our 500-acre Nantahala campus. Call us to book today!

See Relevant Trips Call to Book

Save 10%

Second Activity Discount

More adventure, more savings! Save an extra 10% when you book a second qualifying activity at our Nantahala River adventure campus.

See Relevant Trips Call to Book

Leaders in Outdoor Adventure Since 1972

Legacy in Adventure & Instruction

Leading and innovating in adventure, instruction and education since 1972.

Memorable Outdoor Experiences

Specializing in quality experiences, gear and guidance for all ability levels.

Connecting People & Places

Connecting people and places through fun, engaging and authentic interactions.