1971
NOC founder, Payson Kennedy, plays a stunt double in the Academy Award winning film “Deliverance”. Whitewater rafting surges in...
1972
Nantahala Outdoor Center is founded by Payson & Aurelia Kennedy, and Horace Holden Sr. Whitewater rafting trips are offered on the...
1973
In March 1973, the first whitewater instructional clinic was conducted at Camp Chattahoochee near Roswell, Georgia and on the
1974
The Chattooga River earns its designation as a Wild and Scenic River by Congress, forever protecting it for future
1976
NOC launches its first Adventure Travel trip on the Usumacinta river in Guatemala and
1978
NOC opens its third whitewater operation at the Ocoee River in
1982
The French Broad River in North Carolina, and the Nolichucky River in Tennessee are added as the fourth and fifth whitewater outposts. That...
1983
Inflatable kayaks, or “duckies”, are introduced on the Nantahala as rental options. Slow Joe’s Cafe (now Big Wesser Riverside Pub)...