Nantahala Outdoor Center

Deede Gram

Boats and busses coming and going, the outdoor center is an active place for nature enthusiasts who are seasoned as well as wanting a first-time group trip on the river. There are several buildings used for different purposes and one labeled as a paddling school. There are places to get food and supplies as you are getting on or off the river. You can find good access & parking if you just want to get down to the river to put your feet in and watch the river and boaters (bring a folding chair?) There is a kayak training course and we were able to see some training work going on which was fun. The center was established over 50 years ago. Personal and family memories are made here and you will leave feeling a kinship with the river and forest.

Stacey Clark

We had such a fantastic time! From orientation with Mac to the whole experience with our guide Alex, it was top notch from start to finish. We would highly recommend using them for your white water rafting adventure!

Christina Grace

This place is special in all the right ways! And this is where I did my first whitewater rafting. The staff and facilities are top notch. And we had the best time on the river which is just perfect for first-timers. Our only concern was the rapid at the very end, but we survived quite well! We grabbed a bite to eat afterwards and it was fun to watch the other rafters and kayakers.

Heath Honeycutt

We took a church group to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and had a great time! We had many of our seniors and several of our kids go on the trip. Everyone had a great time and is looking forward to going again! The guides were great and took wonderful care of us. The do a great job of preparing you for the trip and they give you everything you need! I have been on a rafting trip on the Ocoee River in the past, and would not recommend that trip for seniors or kids. But you should feel safe taking any range of ages to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Give them a chance and I'm sure you will not regret it! Just FYI, the water is cold! Enjoy!