Nantahala Gorge
Fun for all Ages and Activity Levels!
There are exciting activities for all ages and experience levels here in Nantahala Gorge. Active to easygoing adventures include: whitewater rafting and kayaking, zip lining, hiking, biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, jeep tours, gem mining, picnicking, waterfalls, and riverside trail walks. Watching paddlers play on the river is highlight for many visitors - from the freestyle wave at the Nantahala River takeout - site of the 2013 World Freestyle Championships - to the many picnic areas and pullouts along the scenic Nantahala Gorge. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad travels up the Nantahala Gorge from Bryson City, and rafting and train trip combo packages are an outstanding way to both experience and see the wonders of the Nantahala Gorge.
Nantahala Gorge - America's Favorite Whitewater Playground!
Nantahala Gorge, Fun for all Ages and Activity Levels! There are exciting activities for all ages and experience levels here in Nantahala…
What is a child's age and weight limit for Nantahala River rafting?
All participants must be at least 7 years old OR weigh at least 60 lbs. No prior experience necessary.
Is the Nantahala River and National Forest pet-friendly?
The Nantahala National Forest is a pet-friendly public area. Dogs are allowed to join their owners at the pet-friendly Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, however outfitters in the Nantahala Gorge do not permit pets on the shuttle or on their equipment including rafts
What does the word "Nantahala" mean?
"Nantahala" is a Cherokee word which means "Land of the Noonday Sun." The area fits its name because in a few spots, the sun's rays only reaches the floors of the Nantahala National Forest when it is directly overhead during the middle of the day.
Events in the Nantahala Gorge
Join us for Happy Hiker Day at the NOC Outfitter’s Store to celebrate our love for hiking! At the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River, we are proud to be a respite and guide for thru-hikers, day-hikers, and anyone who wants to get out on the trail! See…
The annual kick off to the adventure season and the Upper Nantahala / Cascades River Releases! Join us for high water, live music, demo boats and vendor paddle sports village, Artisan Market, and more!
This national-level slalom and kayak cross event on the Nantahala is a Southeastern classic. Everyone is invited to compete against the country’s top whitewater athletes, including Olympians. On Saturday, the slalom race will take place on the Nantahala Falls section of the…
Several times a year, Duke Energy creates more forceful water releases the upper section of the Nantahala River where kayakers like to paddle and bring onlookers to watch.
This 8 days course is the recognized industry standard for anyone working in a position of leadership in an outdoor setting or for individuals who take extended personal backcountry trips or expeditions. We will address environmental emergencies, survival skills, injuries…
Bridge your WFR into an Emergency Medical Responder certification with this 5-Day Course. Students holding a current WFR from SOLO or one of our reciprical agencies can attend this class to become an EMR, the entry-level emergency medicine certification. The class covers EMS…
Emergency Medical Technician Course is a fast-paced, 3-week course taught by our most senior instructors. For three weeks, students will learn about anatomy, patient assessment, life-saving medical interventions, and pre-hospital patient care. These topics are covered through…
This 5-Day course for healthcare professionals elevates your skills to the WEMT level for Emergency Medical Service professionals and to the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) level for all other Healthcare Professionals. In this course, participants focus on emergency care…
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More Things To Do
Hiking & Trails
With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest…
Waterfalls
Discover what it means to be ‘fall’-struck, we are surrounded by the…
Tubing
Ready to cool down? Grab a tube and enjoy a float through the Great Smoky Mountains…
Whitewater Rafting
Here in Bryson City, we’re fortunate to be conveniently located near four…
Biking
Mountain biking continues to grow in popularity, and Bryson City is no stranger to…
Motorcycling
Explore the open roads of Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains with views for…
Elk Viewing
Observe the elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on grasses and fords in…
Boating
Fontana Lake, the crown jewel of Bryson City, is your perfect under-the-radar…
Fishing
Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountain National Forests are some of the most…
Gem Mining
A perfect activity for all ages, our gem mining spots provide you with the best tools…
Horseback Riding
Whether traversing around Fontana Lake or exploring the trails of Deep Creek, channel…
Ziplining
Channel your inner Tarzan and explore the beauty of our national parks and forests by…
Kayaking, Canoeing, & SUP
Rent a craft, pack your own or take a guided tour and explore the serenity of Fontana…
Swimming
Get refreshed with a swim in the Smokies! This seasonal activity is just the cool…
Parks
Bryson City, NC, is known to have parks and outdoor spaces stretching as far as the…