NOC's 40th Anniversary Celebration
June 9, 2012

We're Over the Hill!

Did you grow old with us? Did you grow up with us? Have you stayed young with us? Please join us to celebrate NOC's 40 years this June 9th. We're planning an evening of music, movies, and maybe even a teary-eyed speech or two down by the river. We would be honored to have the opportunity to thank you for a great 40 years!

Come out in the afternoon and test your mettle with the first annual Nantahala River Raft Race, or meet us at 5:00pm at the event tent near the Founder's Bridge for the start of the evening's festivities. Stay late and enjoy live music, kid's activities and craft beer from local Nantahala Brewery. Plus, don't miss special screenings of  Kent Ford's "Call of the River," featuring in-depth interviews with the sport's pioneers, as well as lovely vintage footage - much of it from this area!

Schedule of Events

Event Details

A.T. MEGA-Transect Chestnut Project: NOC is proud to welcome A.T. MEGA-Transect Chestnut Project volunteers, who will be meeting at Slow Joe's Cafe on Saturday morning to begin a day of training to learn to identify the endangered American Chestnut in order to collect data along portions of the Appalachian Trail. The data will help scientists estimate the population densities of American Chestnut in the variety of conditions that exist along the trail, and document populations of trees that produce flowers. Interested? Email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up!

NOC Surf School: Curious about kayaking? Let NOC instructors gently introduce you to the idea of surfing a wave. Free for enthusiasts and passer-by, we guarantee that the feel of surfing will get you hooked!

Nantahala Kid's Club: Come by and meet Nantahala Kid's Club athletes as the youth division of the Nantahala Racing Club, a local non-profit organization dedicated to developing elite whitewater athletes, hosts kid's activities and games on Saturday afternoon, followed by a Mini Raft Race. NKC is focussed on getting kids excited about getting out on the water and making friends with other like-minded youth.

Balsam Mountain Trust: The mission of the Balsam Mountain Trust is the stewardship of the natural and cultural resources on Balsam Mountain Preserve and the Blue Ridge Mountain region. Join Michael from BMT as he introduces us to his venomous and non-venomous no-legged friends. A big hit with kids and adults alike, these local reptiles are sure to leave you with snakes on the mind.

Nantahala River Raft Race: Calling all families, friends, raft guides and river rats - The innaugural Nantahala River Raft Race will decide who really is the fastest on the Nantahala. Teams of four will paddle from Ferebee Park to the Nantahala Bridge Gates, a distance of about 5 miles, negotiate several raft-sized slalom gates through Nantahala Falls, and perform feets of raft-guide acrobatics. Everyone is invited to join the fun!

Speaches, cake and awards: Beginning at 5:30pm, join us at the Event Tent near Slow Joe's Cafe to celebrate a great 40 years on the water. Enjoy words from NOC's founders, awards for our Most Valuable Guests and the winners of the innaugural Nantahala River Raft Race and, best of all, a bite of cake!

Call of the River: From vintage footage to in-depth interviews with the sport's eclectic pioneers, this must-see documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at what inspires kayak and canoe paddlers to answer the call of the river.

Lodging and Accommodations

On-site NOC lodging is available. Visit our Lodging page for information on our Cabins, Nantahala Inn and Hostel.

No camping on NOC property is available for this event, however, many local campsite rentals, cabins, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are available just a short walk (or drive) from NOC's Wesser Campus. A few local options include:

• AT Shelters: Rufus Morgan Shelter (0.8 mile South of NOC), Sassafras Gap Shelter ( 6.9 miles North of NOC)
• Camping: Lost Mine Campground, Nantahala Wesser Campground, Tsali Recreation Area
• Hotels: Bryson City Microtel, Bryson City Sleep Inn
• Cabin Rentals: Watershed Cabins

Please visit our Area Accommodations page for a full listing of local lodging and camping options.