‘Twas the morning of GAF in the Nantahala Gorge.
Fog curled off the river like smoke from a forge.
Vendors set out their art, their boats, and more.
Old river friends wandered up from the shore.
I filled up my coffee and tucked cash in my coat.
Then off to the market I went to find my next boat!
Welcome to the Guest Appreciation Festival, or GAF, at Nantahala Outdoor Center. This fall gathering brings our river community together to celebrate another season outside. You’ll find used gear, local art, live music, and time beside the river. Everyone is welcome, including first-time visitors, longtime guests, staff, neighbors, and friends. Come looking for your next boat or spend the weekend with us. Here’s how to plan your first GAF visit.
A festival with a boatload of history!
Sharing gear and gathering by the river have deep roots at NOC. Cathy Kennedy, NOC’s first female raft guide and longest-serving guide in NOC history, recalls end-of-season raft sales outside the original store starting in the mid-1970s. These memories offer a glimpse into the early days of the festival’s used gear market. By 1987, GAF was promoted in NOC News alongside our 15th anniversary celebration. That year’s event featured used equipment sales and a weekend of community activities.
Today, shopping for used gear remains part of what brings people together. A boat changing hands can help someone begin their next season on the river.
4 Things to Know Before GAF
- Shop early for your must-haves & unique items. If you have a specific boat or item in mind, make shopping your first stop. The used gear and artisan markets are expected to open Friday at 2 p.m. Check the event schedule for separate sale hours before planning your arrival. Start with the boat or gear you’ve been hoping to find. Used items vary, so the piece you want may be the only one. Once you’ve found your treasure, slow down and browse the rest.
- Plan ahead for parking. Parking is limited in the Gorge, especially during a busy festival weekend. Carpool when you can, and arrive early for the best parking options. Sharing a ride also helps reduce traffic and our impact on the Gorge. Use marked spaces and follow directions from our parking team. They can help direct you when collecting a boat or other large purchase. Ask staff before moving your vehicle for a pickup.
- Bring cash and a card. Different sellers may accept different forms of payment, so bring both. There is an ATM on campus if you need cash. Ask sellers how they accept payment before making a purchase.
- Be ready to take something home. If you’re shopping for a boat, plan how you’ll transport it home. Bring the vehicle setup and straps you’ll need for your purchase. Our team can help you secure a boat to your vehicle. Boat racks may not be available for purchase during the festival. Planning ahead gives you more time to shop and enjoy the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I shop the used gear market?
Before arriving, think about what you need and how you’ll use it. Set a budget and write down your top 2 items you are looking for. That helps you focus when several good finds catch your eye. Talk with our vendors about each item’s condition, use, and history. Ask about wear, repairs, missing parts, and how the gear has been stored. Take time to inspect each piece before deciding whether it fits your plans. Buying used can lower the cost of trying a new outdoor activity. It also keeps useful gear in circulation for another season of adventures. If you’re still browsing later, make another lap before heading home. Some sellers may be open to offers as the weekend winds down.
Returning for another GAF? Bring measurements or notes about gear you want to replace. You’ll have those details handy when comparing your options.
How can I make a full weekend of it?
Leave room for shopping, a riverside meal, and an adventure between market visits. You can build the weekend around what your group enjoys most.
- Friday: Settle in and start shopping. Begin at the market and check your biggest shopping priorities first. Then browse local art and talk with the people behind each piece. Stay for dinner by the river and music on the festival schedule.
- Saturday: Get outside and come back for more. Plan a morning rafting trip, then return for lunch and another market visit. You could also choose a zip line adventure for a different Gorge view. If you’re doing both, check trip times before booking your day. Reserve adventures ahead of time, and check each activity’s age and participation requirements. Leave some open time for music, browsing, and catching up with friends.
- Sunday: Take one more look. Enjoy breakfast (donut bus?) then make a final market lap while sellers are still set up. Sunday hours may vary, so check the schedule. Ask sellers about closing times. Leave time for a walk or hike before heading home.
What should I bring?
Pack for a day outside, with room for whatever you find at the market.
• Cash and a card
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Layers and a rain jacket
• A reusable water bottle
• A shopping list and budget
• Straps and your transport setup if you’re boat shopping
• A leash, waste bags, and water if bringing your dog
How can I help care for the Nantahala Gorge?
Reusing gear is one way to care for the places where we play. You can carry that same care through your festival visit. Bring a reusable bottle, pick up your trash, and use the waste bins. If bins are full, pack your trash out. Stay on marked paths and use designated river access points. Park only in marked spaces, and follow staff directions throughout the weekend. Those small choices help us care for the Gorge and each other.
Join us for your first GAF! Come with a shopping plan and time to enjoy the river community. You might leave with a boat, handmade art, or plans for your next adventure. We look forward to sharing a fall weekend with you.
