Packages & Deals Events Store Request a Brochure Locations Plan Your Adventure Destinations Lodging & Dining Before You Go About NOC Wishlist 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. 1974 The Chattooga River earns its designation as a Wild and Scenic River by Congress, forever protecting it for future generations. 1976 NOC launches its first Adventure Travel trip on the Usumacinta river in Guatemala and Mexico. 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. 1989 The non-profit Nantahala Racing Club (NRC) is organized under sponsorship of NOC with a mission to engage youth and families in whitewater activities. 1990 Nantahala ’90, an international peace rally and competition, is held at NOC. The competitions are held on the Nantahala, Chattooga, and Nolichucky Rivers. 1992 NOC paddlers Joe Jacobi and Scott Strausbaugh win Gold Medals in C2 during the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. 1994 The Outfitter’s Store and Bike Shop at NOC opens. The structures were designed by former NOC river guide, Chris Larsen. 1995 The Alpine Tower is constructed as a place for team-building activities on a specialized challenge course. 1996 The Whitewater Slalom event for the 1996 Olympic Games is held at the Ocoee River. Four NRC members make the Olympic team. The iconic Founder’s Bridge and a renovated River’s End Restaurant open. 1999 Pigeon River rafting operations launch outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This marks the sixth location where NOC conducts rafting trips. 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. 2012 Another NOC retail location opens in Asheville’s Grove Park Inn Resort. The leading trade association of the outdoor recreation industry, OIA, honors NOC with the Outdoor Inspiration Award. 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. 2016 NOC guides its 5 millionth guest on a whitewater rafting trip down the Nantahala River. 2021 Evy Leibfarth, a Bryson City native and NOC sponsored athlete, competes in canoe and kayak slalom at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. 2022 International Adventures launch with multi-sport trips in destinations such as British Columbia, Patagonia, Zambezi River Basin, and Southern Iceland. Stay current on all NOC Specials & News NAME EMAIL Sign Up ABOUT Our Story Master Guides Our Accolades Our Partners Newsroom Corporate & Community Involvement CareersNow Hiring EXPLORE Activities Courses Lodging Dining Gear & Retail Packages & Deals Events Locations RESOURCES Contact Us Purchase Trip Photos Online Blog FAQs Covid-19 Response Live Webcam OUR PARTNERS Booking Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Copyright © 2021 Nantahala Outdoor Center Website by 829