When you’re visiting the Smokies, you have to stop by the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) to learn more about their amazing white water rafting trips! With more than 40 years of providing families with adventures on the river, you won’t find a better company to raft with. Here are 4 perks of white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains with NOC:
1. They Offer Trips for Everyone
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride down the river or wanting to brave the rapids, NOC offers trips that will accommodate all your needs and wants! It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert or a rookie, there will be a trip for you. If you’re bringing the whole family, check out the Nantahala River Rafting Trip. Anyone at least 7 years old can participate in this fun, family-friendly adventure that is perfect for any skill level. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, try the Upper Pigeon Gorge Trip, where you’ll experience stunning scenery and thrilling rapids!
2. You’ll Have a Trained Guide with You
If you’re a little hesitant about climbing aboard one of the rafts, don’t worry! NOC provides trained, expert guides that will lead you safely down the river. You don’t have to stress about having to face the rapids alone when you have a knowledgeable guide with you at all times. These guides provide skilled instruction, knowledge and fun for your whole group! By the end of your adventure you’ll feel like a pro thanks to the help of your rafting guide!
3. They are a World-Renowned Company
We know that NOC has the best white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains, but don’t take our word for it. NOC has been recognized as “One of the Best Outfitter on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure! Since 1972, NOC has been considered one of the Leaders in Outdoor Adventure, and has been creating treasured memories for families and rafting enthusiasts from all around the world. White water rafting is a must-do experience for anyone visiting the Southeast, so make sure you’re rafting with NOC on your next trip.
4. You Have the Option of Half or Full-Day Trips
You may think that you’ll have to commit a full day of your vacation to the river if you decide to come rafting, but this isn’t necessarily true. You only have to spend all day rafting if you want, but with NOC you also have the option of a half-day adventure! If you want to have enough time to check out other Smoky Mountains activities after rafting, try the French Broad Rafting Half-Day Trip. You can spend 3 to 5 hours traveling down the French Broad and taking in the Pisgah Forest views, in addition to being provided lunch! On the other hand, you may choose to spend all day rafting. If this is your preference, we recommend the Ocoee River Rafting Full-Day Combo that also includes lunch, as well as Olympic caliber rapids.
If you’re looking for more places to go rafting in the Smoky Mountains, try Smoky Mountain Outdoors! SMO Rafting offers a variety of trips on the Pigeon River. Learn more here.
Where to Stay
If you want to stay close to the NOC, check out our Gatlinburg lodge. Located only a few minutes from NOC, our lodge is the perfect place to stay when you want to be close to all the Smokies have to offer. Besides our location, we have tons of other great amenities including, an awesome indoor and outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast and free guest parking.
Now that you know about the perks of white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains with NOC, you can start planning which trip you want to take. Check out all of our rooms so you can stay close to your next rafting adventure. We look forward to seeing you!
