SMOKIN' IN THE SMOKIES:
NORTH CAROLINA'S NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER
The Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, North Carolina, has developed from a whitewater paddling mecca into a complete outdoor adventure destination. Located just outside the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the NOC has become well-known for its unsurpassed outdoor instruction and programs. With great mountain biking terrain and a brand new full-service bike shop, the NOC is now a major mountain biking destination.
The center was started as a family venture in the summer of 1972, when Horace Holden and Payson and Aurelia Kennedy of Atlanta opened a restaurant, a motel, and an outfitters store in the Nantahala Gorge. Their objective was to provide facilities, services, and instruction to help others enjoy the mountains, the Nantahala River, and other nearby rivers. They began by offering guided rafting trips on the Nantahala and the Chattooga, as well as whitewater canoe and kayak lessons.
Originally published in Mountain Bike Magazine
After many years of successful growth, the center now employs more than 300 people during the height of each season and the company is considered a national leader in the whitewater recreation industry. Many NOC staff members are highly ranked as national and international paddlers.
Though its paddling school and whitewater rafing expeditions continue to be the NOC's focus, its programs have expanded considerably over the years. They now boast an extensive adventure travel division, rock climbing and backpacking courses, fly-fishing workshops, a corporate team building program, retreat and meeting facilities for groups, a booming mail-order business, a variety of accommodations options (the cabins are great), three restaurants (Relia's Garden is sumptuous), and much more.
Mountain biking is now big business (and pleasure) at the NOC. Fat tire freaks will find plenty to keep them busy in the area and the folks at NOC can help make it happen.
Running from March through October, the one-day "Samplers" provide a good introduction to the options available. For 65 bucks, you get a 21-speed Specialized "Rockhopper," helmet (required), water bottle, bar bag or fanny pack, lunch, instruction, transportation, and a helpful guide.
The Tsali Recreation Area is one of the most popular destinations for NOC riders, with more than 50 miles of single track open to mountain bikers. Two of the best trails are the Left and Right Loops, while two new nearby options include Mouse Branch and Dave Thompson. The Right Loop has experienced some trail destruction, due to timber salvage stupidity.
The instruction weekends are also a good bet for all levels of riders. For $285, you get meals, lodging, and bike rental ($20 off for bringing your own bike).
NOC also features the Knobscorcher Mountain Bike Race Series, a juniors Mountain Bike Training Camp, multi-sport races, and a huge used equipment sale each fall. They also lead weekend to ten-day bike tours throughout the Southeast and Costa Rica.
Contact the Nantahala Outdoor Center at 13077 Hwy. 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713-9114, 704/488-6737.