Classic Family Rafting in Western North Carolina
North Carolina's shimmering Nantahala River offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC's 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC's four retail stores including NOC's flagship Outfitter's Store, eat at NOC's two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
Nantahala Adventure Pass with Guided Rafting
Bryson City, NC
Duration: 5 - 8 Hours
Availability: Memorial Day - Labor Day
Activities: Guided Rafting, Zip Line, Flatwater Rentals, Mountain Biking
Price: $79.99 and up
Age: 7+
Intensity: Beginner
The Nantahala Adventure pass is hands-down the best value for a day filled with fun. Combine fully guided rafting with 3 other activities for… Learn More
Nantahala River Rafting: Fully-Guided
Bryson City, NC
Distance: 8 Miles
Duration: 3 Hours
Price: $49.99 - $54.99
Age: 7+ years or 60+ pounds
Intensity: Beginner
Review Score:
The best introduction to whitewater rafting on the Southeast’s quintessential mountain river. A must-do experience. Learn More
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Mountaintop Zip Line Tour
Bryson City, NC
Duration: 3-4 Hours
Price: $99.99-$119.99
Weight Range:100-250 Pounds
Review Score:
North Carolina’s premium zip line tour. Experience 2 miles of zip lines including the breath-taking 1/2-mile Mega-Zip. Learn More
Nantahala Adventure Pass with Raft or Duck Rentals
Bryson City, NC
Duration: 5 - 8 Hours
Availability: Memorial Day - Labor Day
Activities: Raft or Duck Rental, Zip Line, Flatwater Rentals, Mountain Biking
Price: $59.99 and up
Age: 7+
Intensity: Intermediate
Captain your own raft or inflatable kayak and enjoy 4 of NOC's most popular activities including the Zip Line Adventure Park, mountain biking… Learn More
Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals
Bryson City, NC
Distance: 8 Miles
Duration: 3 Hours
Price: $29.99 and up
Age: 7+ years or 60+ pounds
Intensity: Intermediate
Review Score:
Guide your own raft. NOC supplies the boat, paddles, gear, shuttle and basic instruction. Previous experience recommended. Learn More
River-to-Ridge: Rafting and Zip Line Package
Bryson City, NC
Duration: 6-7 Hours
Price: Starting at $129.99
Weight Range:100-250 pounds
Review Score:
Enjoy a Nantahala River whitewater rafting trip and a Mountaintop Zip Line Tour back-to-back. A full day of outdoor fun! Learn More
Nantahala River Rafting: Guided Duck Trip
Bryson City, NC
Distance: 8 Miles
Duration: 3 Hours
Price: $59.99-$64.99
Age: 9+ Years
Intensity: Intermediate
Review Score:
For a bigger challenge on the Nantahala, captain an inflatable kayak or "ducky” with the support of a trained NOC guide. Learn More
Zip Line Adventure Park
Bryson City, NC
Duration: 2 Hours
Price: $49.99
Weight Range:60-250 Pounds
Take on 16 different aerial obstacles and fly down the 550’ Wesser Zip in this 2-hour multi-stage challenge course. Learn More
Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour
Bryson City, NC
Duration: 4.5 Hours
Price: $189.99
Weight Range:100-250 Pounds
Soar under the stars on NOC’s most exclusive adventure. After a riverside dinner, zip through the night sky with the bright moon above! Learn More
Rapid Transit: Whitewater Rafting and Scenic Train Excursion
Bryson City, NC
Distance: 8 Miles
Duration: 6.5 Hours
Price: $99.99-$119.99 (includes lunch)
Age: 7+ year or
Weight Range:60+ Pounds
Intensity: Beginner
This guest favorite combines a scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train excursion with a Nantahala River rafting trip. Learn More
Guided Fontana Lake Tour
Bryson City, NC
Duration: 3-4 Hours
Price: $39.99 - $54.99
Age: 4+ Years
Paddle your own boat on Lake Fontana with instructional and interpretive assistance from an NOC expert guide. Learn More
Fontana Lake Kayak, Canoe & SUP Rentals
Bryson City, NC
Duration: 2 Hours
Price: $29.99 per person
Age: 4+ Years for Kayak & Canoe, 8+ Years for SUP
Lake Fontana Kayak and SUP rentals enable you to explore the lake at your own pace. Find waterfalls, see wildlife and improve your paddling. Learn More
Mountain Biking
Bryson City, NC
Price: $39.99-$59.99
Rent a mountain bike and hit the trails. Ride at the nearby Tsali trail system or at NOC’s on-premise Flint Ridge Trail. Learn More
Great Smoky Mountain & Nantahala Train Trips
Bryson City, NC
Duration: 4+ Hours
Price: Starting at $51.00
Starting Location: Bryson City, NC
Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The popular passenger train offers multiple scenic trips, including a Nantahala Gorge Excursion. Learn More
Guided Waterfall Hike
Bryson City, NC
Duration: 2 hours
Price: Call for Group Pricing
Discover the 40' waterfall hidden on NOC's campus! Your guide will explain the history of Nantahala Gorge and point out native flora and… Learn More
Adventure Mud Race
Bryson City, NC
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: Call for Pricing
Age: 8+
Crawl, run and jump through obstacles to help your team win the Adventure Race. There is no shortage of mud and smiles at the finish line! Learn More
