NOC Accolades
A Reputation of Excellence
Throughout the years, NOC has earned substantial praise and recognition for our unique philosophy, our variety of programs and for our expert and engaging staff. Here are some of the most recent accolades and superlatives we've received:
nationalgeographic.com, August 2010
Writer Doug Schnitzspahn calls NOC "the heart and soul of the South's whitewater scene" in his article, "Land Paddling at Nantahala Outdoor Center".
BusinessWeek, July 2010
Writer Alex Pasquariello calls NOC "a whitewater paradise," recommending the destination in his article, "Four Boating Vacations You Shouldn't Miss."
Named "One of the Top 25 Retailers" by Sporting Goods Business February 2010
Noted for innovation and streamlining of both online and brick and mortar retail operations. SGB calls these 25 businesses "the backbone of the industry."
Finalist for SNEWS/Backpacker magazine's "Retailer of the Year." February 2010
Of 250 nominated stores, NOC earned a place among 15 finalists for 2010.
National Geographic Adventure, November 2009
In its annual "Best New Trips" article for 2010, NGA selected NOC's Expedition to Bolivia as a "Difference Maker" adventure.
Travel Channel: Samantha Brown's Great Weekends 2009
Check out Samantha's successful ducky run through Nantahala Falls!
National Geographic Adventure, Aug/Sept 2009
NOC's Chattooga Overnighter is chosen as one of six "Great American River Trips" featuring Wild & Scenic rafting adventures, calling it "a dream come true for rafters."
The Scottish Sun, August 2009
In the article "Oh Carolina" writer Gordon Tait says "...the Center has three restaurants, including the River's End where I enjoyed a lovely meal in relaxed surroundings watching kayakers drift by."
The National, August 2009
Shoba Narayan, writer for the UAE's English-language newspaper, took her family rafting on three of NOC's whitewater rivers. She chose NOC "based on recommendations from friends."
Outside, July 2009
Rafting the Ocoee River with NOC was recommeded as a diversion from driving the Cherohala Skyway in the article "Roads Less Traveled" featuring 2009's best summer road trips.
Our State, June 2009
In her article about the rich history of NOC, writer Diane Silcox-Jarrett noted that "a wide variety of rafting options and a solid team of experience guides has helped the NOC build a reputation as the source for white-water rides."
The Wall Street Journal, June 2009
In the article "Kayaking Goes Over the Edge," NOC is listed as "one of the country's top paddling schools."
Knoxville News Sentinel, May 2009
NOC mentioned as a "premier whitewater outfitter" and one of two "major attractions" on the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in "Rangers say N.C. side of Smokies park is more remote, quiet".
Blue Ridge Outdoors, April 2009
NOC was named "The Best Place to Take A Zero (day)" along the southern half of the Appalachian Trail. BRO compiled a map of trail highlights for its Appalachian Trail Guide.
Outside, February 2009
NOC was listed as the "top school" for kayaking in Outside's 'Zero to Hero' feature article. In the 2008 article by the same title, NOC was chosen as the "Best Place to Learn Canoeing".
Paddler Magazine, July/August 2008
"As soon as you walk into the Paddler's Pub, the William Nealy decor makes it clear you're in a place where you can wake up in the morning, throw a dart at the map and pick a classic river to run—before work. Then run another after."
Atlanta Journal Constitution, July 2008
"The NOC, one of the most highly-regarded outfitters and paddling schools in the country, offers Family Adventure Getaways - packages that include lodging, some meals and two days on the water with guides and instructors who do all they can to make sure you end the trip grinning, not screaming..."
MSN Daily Access, June 2008
The only outfitter mentioned by name in the article "Rolling on the River" profiling rafting trips nationwide. Alongside a leading NOC rafting photograph the copy reads: "The Nantahala Outdoor Center, not far from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, is one of those rare destinations that offers easy access to the full gamut, from trickles to torrents"
Canoë Kayak (French), Issue 204
A seven page feature details NOC's Nantahala campus, which the magazine names both the "cradle" and the "center" of "American kayak culture."
Atlanta Sports and Fitness, June 2008
NOC profiled as "a great day or weekend trip for Atlantans looking for a quick but satisfying outdoor escape." The feature, "Rapid Fun" also notes that, "NOC's Paddling School has set the standard in paddling instruction for 35 years."
Competitor, June 2008
In "Super-Sized Cycling in the Southeast" the magazine notes, "For more than 35 years, the Nantahala Outdoor Center has maintained a reputation as a first-rate outfitter for just about whatever strikes your fancy..."
National Geographic Traveler Map, Driving Tours: Appalachia, April 2008
NOC highlighted as a "place to visit" on the Southern Highlands Trail, accompanied by a photo of a NOC guided trip running Nantahala Falls.
Outside, February 2008
NOC nabbed the honor of "Best Place to Learn Canoeing" in Outside's feature on how to go from an Adventure Zero to Hero. NOC was chosen for its instruction staff, comprised of whitewater champions and legends.
National Geographic Adventure, November 2007
NOC was listed among the "Best Outfitters on Earth" in the River & Sea Category. "Led by Olympic veteran Wayne Dickert, its paddling school is among the best," said NGA.
Charlotte Observer, September 2007
In a feature detailing Western North Carolina's best fall destinations Travel Editor John Bordsen writes "[NOC] has also become one of America's major adventure resorts."
Outdoor Business, August 2007
"Nantahala Outdoor Center is the Shangri-La of the whitewater world, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains."
New York Times, July 28, 2007
Executive Pursuits writer Harry Hurt III spent two days learning to kayak with the "Nation's Premier Paddling School". Be sure to check out the great video, shot by Erik Olsen.
Good Morning America, June 2006
NOC tops this summertime list as the "Number 1 Vacation with a Splash." The gorge goes Hollywood as Good Morning America broadcasts live with Kate Snow from Nanty Falls.
Men's Journal, October 2005
In its feature on the Best Gear Stores in America, NOC's Outfitter's Store takes the cake in the Whitewater Category, chosen for its "prime riverside location and expert staff."
Hooked on the Outdoors, August 2005
When it rated the Best of H2O in the Southeast, NOC received the honor of Best Guides-"The original southeastern whitewater outfitter and the gold standard in whitewater instruction."
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