History of NOC
1971
NOC founder, Payson Kennedy, plays a stunt double in the Academy Award winning film “Deliverance”. Whitewater rafting surges in popularity.
1972
Nantahala Outdoor Center is founded by Payson & Aurelia Kennedy, and Horace Holden Sr. Whitewater rafting trips are offered on the Nantahala and Chattooga Rivers.
1973
In March 1973, the first whitewater instructional clinic was conducted at Camp Chattahoochee near Roswell, Georgia and on the Nantahala.
1974
The Chattooga River earns its designation as a Wild and Scenic River by Congress, forever protecting it for future generations.
1978
NOC opens its third whitewater operation at the Ocoee River in Tennessee.
1982
The French Broad River in North Carolina, and the Nolichucky River in Tennessee are added as the fourth and fifth whitewater outposts.
That same year, NOC’s inaugural Guest Appreciation Festival (GAF) takes place, offering sales, paddling events, live music, and family activities.
1983
Inflatable kayaks, or “duckies”, are introduced on the Nantahala as rental options.
Slow Joe’s Cafe (now Big Wesser Riverside Pub) opens with outdoor and riverside dining.
1985
Basecamp, NOC’s hostel-style lodging, opens for AT hikers, families, and groups seeking an affordable home-base for adventure.
1990
Nantahala ’90, an international peace rally and competition, is held at NOC. The competitions are held on the Nantahala, Chattooga, and Nolichucky Rivers.
1994
The Outfitter’s Store and Bike Shop at NOC opens. The structures were designed by former NOC river guide, Chris Larsen.
2005
Founder Payson Kennedy is inducted into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame.
2009
The 18,000 square-foot flagship store, NOC Gatlinburg, opens at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, providing adventurers with gear, gifts, and guidance.
2013
NOC’s Mountaintop Zip Line Tour opens with 2 miles of zip lines, including a half-mile “Mega Zip” 350 feet above the forest floor.
2015
Chattahoochee River outposts in Atlanta, Georgia open, bringing outdoor adventure to the heart of a major metropolitan area.
2021
Evy Leibfarth, a Bryson City native and NOC sponsored athlete, competes in canoe and kayak slalom at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
2022
Adventure Travel launches with multi-sport and paddling trips across the Globe.
NOC celebrates 50 Years as Leaders in Outdoor Adventure.
2023
NOC’s renowned Paddling School celebrates 50 years of kayak and canoe instruction!
Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC has taught more paddlers than anyone else.
2024
NOC paddler, Evy Leibfarth brings home a bronze medal from the Paris Olympics in the Canoe Slalom. The Olympian grew up on the Nantahala River and practiced at NOC since she was a child.