Digital Press Kit

Nantahala Outdoor Center was founded in 1972 by Payson & Aurelia Kennedy, and Horace Holden Sr. The outfitter originated as a small motel and gas station along the Nantahala River in Bryson City, NC, and was the outgrowth of an idea that friends working together to pursue their outdoor passions could change lives. This foundation powered the success and growth of NOC to expand to offer over 120 adventure itineraries and multiple outposts and retail locations across four southeastern states.

As the Leaders in Outdoor Adventure, NOC has been a pioneer and advocate for the outdoors and has welcomed nearly 8 million guests at our outposts and on adventures across the southeast and abroad.

Digital Media Assets

Explore our digital assets, historical milestones, key facts, and assets in downloadable sections, including a gallery images.

Logos:

• NOC Brand Logos
• The Hemlocks By NOC Logos

Photos:

• Historical Photos
• Current Photos

Fun Facts:

• In 1971 Payson Kennedy played a stunt double in the award-winning film, Deliverance. One year later, NOC began rafting trips on the Chattooga River where the movie was filmed.
• NOC’s flagship outpost on the Nantahala River was established in 1972 and started offering rafting trips, lodging nights and meals at the Tote’n’Tarry Motel. The resort now offers 3 restaurants and food venues, cabins, bungalows, a lodge, hiker lodging and camping.
• Aurelia Kennedy was known as the first woman to run a canoe down Nantahala Falls.
• NOC hired the first female guides from the women’s 1972 Olympic team.
• Cathy Kennedy, Payson and Aurelia’s daughter started working at NOC when she was 16. It is the only place she has ever worked, and she still guides rafts down the river to this day.
• Evy Leibfarth, at age 17, became the youngest female to compete in the Olympics for slalom C1 race in 2021, in 2024 she won a Bronze Medal in the Olympics. She grew up in Bryson City and trained at NOC.
• 23 Olympians, including 2 Olympic Gold Medalists and 1 Bronze Medalist, have called NOC home.
• NOC is the largest outfitter in the Southeast, with six river outposts and three retail stores across four states.

Related links:

• Youtube Channel– videos of current and previous offerings, stories, and lifestyle content.
• NOC Blog– stories, events, and highlights over the years.
• Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok

Additional media assets and interviews will be available upon request.

Contact Media@noc.com