NOC Festivals & Events 2013

2013 will be NOC's biggest year yet for special events.

Here at NOC, we believe that the outdoors are a great place to bring your family, your friends, even your date. So, to account for a variety of tastes, and to make sure everyone has a great time, we're preparing a great assortment of events for 2013.

We are expanding our series of fun and sometimes quirky races and special events- adding to old favorites like NOC's Duck n Run and the Canoe Club Challenge - to offer more paddling, running and biking events and festivals. Of course, what we're most excited about in 2013 is the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships, coming to the Nantahala Gorge this September 2-8th. As top freestyle paddlers from around the world compete on the new 2013 Wave, spectators will be able to enjoy raft races, arts and crafts, live music, and Appalachian Heritage Festival.

All events take place at NOC's Nantahala Resort, unless otherwise specified. Visit this page often, as details continue to evolve throughout the year. Call 888.905.7238 for more info. Print a 2013 NOC Special Events Calendar!

NOC Events are Sponsored By:

	NRC Glacier Breaker February 23, 2013 The first race of the season for slalom and wildwater in the USA. Beginners and intermediate paddlers welcome - slalom takes place at the beloved Nantahala Bridge Gates!
	Bank of America US Open March 23-24, 2013 Top paddlers compete in this whitewater American Classic, including both slalom and wildwater races. Don't miss this chance to watch elite paddling on the Nantahala!
	AT Founder's Bridge Festival April 4-6, 2013 NOC celebrates the Appalachian Trail with trail magic, live music, gear repair and phenology training with the Appalachian Trail Concervancy.
	Smoky Mountain Relay April 19-20, 2013 Join NOC as we support an epic running adventure! Teams of 12 runners race 205 miles from North Mills River, NC to finish at NOC - an accomplishment to celebrate.
	2013 USACK Freestyle Team Trials April 26-28, 2013 Top freestyle athletes from across the country duke it out for their chance to represent the USA at the Freestyle World Championships. Open class available for beginners!
	NOC's Spring Fling April 26-28, 2013 Join NOC as we kick off spring with live music, gear specials and demos, contests, family activities and of course the premier freestyle event in the USA.
	NOC's Summer Music Series May to September, 2013 What better way to end a day in the mountains than relaxing riverside at NOC's Pourover Pub, enjoying good friends, a cold drink and great tunes by favorite regional bands.
	NRC Youth Regional Team Qualifier May 12, 2013 The Nantahala Racing Club is hosting a Youth Regional Team Qualifier at the Nantahala Bridge Gates slalom course. All paddlers 18 and under are welcome! Details coming soon!
	NOC's Duck n Run Will Return in 2014 The 4th annual Duck n' Run is sure to be even more fun than the last. Come join us for this seriously silly biathlon on the Nantahala River and along NOC's Flint Ridge Trail.
	Nantahala Bike Trials Invitational June 1, 2013 Bike Trials are a dynamic, agility-based biking competition. This spring, top athletes from across the region will be facing off in the Nantahala Gorge.
	World Kayak Hometown Throwdown June 1, July 21, 2013 Enjoy a day of camaraderie, whitewater, and good old-fashioned fun at this free, beginner-friendly freestyle event hosted by World Kayak.
	SUP in the Smokies Coming in 2014! NOC hosts the first annual SUP race on beautiful Lake Fontana. Choose from 5K, 10K, and 20K races. Kids race FREE! Event registration includes free whitewater SUP demos.
	NOC's Canoe Club Challenge #1 June 15, 2013 Welcome paddlers of all stripes! Social, beginner-friendly races encourage you to meet friends, get your heart rate up, and improve your kayaking to boot.
	ACA Open Canoe DR Nationals June 16-19, 2013 NOC welcomes Open Canoe athletes and enthusiasts from around the country to once again vie for the title of National Champion on this classic southeastern river.
	NOC's Sizzling 4th of July July 4-6, 2013 When summer gets HOT, make a splash in the Nanty! Celebrate 4th of July with live music and specials at NOC's Adventure Center and Outfitter's Store.
	NOC's Canoe Club Challenge #2 July 20, 2013 Welcome paddlers of all stripes! Social, beginner-friendly races encourage you to meet friends, get your heart rate up, and improve your kayaking to boot.
	Alzar School's Camp Cup Challenge July 15-16, 2013 Local and national summer camps make new friends and compete on the Nantahala in freestyle, slalom, and downriver.
	NRC SE Youth Championships July 28, 2013 The Nantahala Racing Club hosts this Southeastern Youth Slalom Championships on the Nantahala Bridge Gates. More info coming soon!
	NOC's Canoe Club Challenge #3 August 17, 2013 Welcome paddlers of all stripes! Social, beginner-friendly races encourage you to meet friends, get your heart rate up, and improve your kayaking to boot.
	World Kayak Pro-Am August 24, 2013 Paddlers! Come out to the Nantahala for a unique opportunity to have fun with your friends, compete with the pros and help raise money for First Descents.
	2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships September 2-8, 2013 Freestyle kayaking's gala event combines world-class paddling, an Appalachian heritage festival, family activities, live music and more.
	Guest Appreciation Festival September 27-29, 2013 Don't miss the granddaddy of all gear sales. Inviting outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes to catch up, catch a few eddies, and score sweet deals on new and used gear.
	NOCtoberfest October 5-26, 2013 This October, NOC celebrates with family activities, gear sales, authentic beer garden at Slow Joe's Café, an Autumn Live Music Series and the Great Pumpkin Pursuit.
	Flint Ridge Fall 5-Miler October 26, 2013 Enjoy lovely views and a deep burn in your legs as you climb the legendary switchbacks leading to the top of the trail. A fun race for both beginners and experienced runners.