Nantahala Outpost Information

NOC's Home on the Nantahala River

Just downstream from Nantahala Falls lies NOC's Nantahala Adventure Resort, where it all began back in 1972. Our beautiful home is neatly tucked among steep, green mountains, at the intersection of the Nantahala River, the Appalachian Trail and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Here, you can stay and play, with on-site lodging options and a variety of outdoor activities at your doorstep. You'll also find changing rooms and hot showers, full-service restaurants, a pub and a fully-stocked Outfitter's Store for all your camping, clothing, souvenir and sundry needs.

Shuttle & Take-Out Info for Boaters

Visiting boaters are asked to take out at the beach directly in front of Slow Joe's Cafe. Paddle past the rafting traffic and take out just before the walking bridge. Thanks for your cooperation. NOC's Rentals shuttles depart the rafting center (at the takeout mentioned above) for the put-in every half hour. Saturdays in July and August, private boaters who have parked at the Wayah Road put-in can ride the shuttle FREE!

On-Site Facilities Include:

• changing and restrooms
• hot showers
• two tennis courts
• riverside picnic tables
• four restaurants: Slow Joe's Cafe, River's End, Relia's Garden and The Pourover pub
• three stores: Outfitter's Store, Wesser General Store and NOC Photo Finish
• a full-service bike shop

Activities at NOC Nantahala:

• guided rafting and raft rentals
• NOC's world-famous Paddling School
• hiking on the Appalachian Trail
• Alpine Tower climbing
• mountain biking on Flint Ridge Trail or at nearby Tsali Recreation Area
• kayaking on Fontana Lake
• fishing

NOC's Nantahala River Leaders

Cathy Kennedy Director of NOC Rafting Operations A member of our founder's family, Cathy Kennedy grew up on the Nantahala. Our guides sum it up best when they say, "Cathy has guided more Nantahala raft trips than anyone in the known universe!" She boasts the honor of being NOC's first female raft guide. Her two children, Andrew and Jennifer also grew up at NOC, so it's no surprise that Andrew is one of the world's top paddlers. When she's not on the back of a raft, Cathy can be found road biking all over the world.

Curt Roth Nantahala River Manager The management team on the Nantahala River has an extensive and long-running resume which includes a total of more than 100 years of paddling experience shared between past Olympians, kayak instructors and international whitewater guides. Curt Roth has been with NOC for over 10 years. He cut his teeth as a raft guide on the Chattooga River, and has enjoyed rafting and kayaking around the United States. This year, he looks forward to new challenges as River Manager at the Nantahala Outpost.