The Global Meaningful Travel Map

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Immersive river and mountain adventures that pair recreation with education, conservation, and community connection through hands-on outdoor experiences.

Note: The Map points to the original store location, near the Great Smokey Mountains on the Nantahala River right on the Appalachian Trail. They also have a retail facility at 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804.

OUR EXPERIENCES

NOC offers immersive outdoor adventures, courses, and wilderness programs rooted in rivers, mountains, and community. Travelers experience our organization through guided whitewater rafting, zip lining, paddling and wilderness courses, on-site lodging, and riverside dining—all designed to connect people to the outdoors while supporting river conservation and education, and our local economy and communities. Every visit blends recreation with purpose, encouraging travelers to engage more deeply with the landscapes and communities they explore.

ABOUT US

Nantahala Outdoor Center is a leading outdoor adventure destination offering rafting, paddling, zip lining, outdoor education, lodging, dining, and events. For over 50 years, we’ve connected people to rivers and mountains while fostering respect for the outdoors, strong communities, and lifelong adventure.

IMPACT

At Nantahala Outdoor Center, our greatest impact is building awareness and connection to the outdoors—especially rivers and waterways—through direct, hands-on experiences. Each year, thousands of guests engage with these landscapes via rafting, paddling, zip lining, and wilderness programs that highlight the history of the land, river ecology, and the cultural significance of waterways in the region.

Our business model supports local employment, guide training, and workforce development while reinvesting in river stewardship, access, and conservation partnerships. Our guides are trained to be skilled leaders on the river while also sharing knowledge about the landscape, river systems, and history of the places we operate. Through guided adventures, guests learn how waterways shape ecosystems, communities, and recreation. By pairing outdoor experiences with practical education and local context, we build appreciation for natural resources, support regional economies, and encourage lasting connections to rivers and wild places.

DETAILS

To learn more, contact: kristin.kastelic@noc.com

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
Minimum: 12
Maximum: 120

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
Yes

Do you have group rates?
Yes

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
Yes

What languages do you offer your services in?
English

When are you open?
We offer rafting and adventures from March–October, though this varies by river. Our adventure resort offers lodging, dining, and shopping year-round.

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
NOC has been making improvements to our Bryson City resort with ramps, ADA bathrooms, and accessible meeting spaces. We have worked with Adventure Amputee Camp and other organizations and individuals with special needs. With advanced notice, accommodations can often be made. We do not currently have wheelchair-accessible transportation for adventures.