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For thousands of outdoor enthusiasts, recreation translates into mountain air, lush forest, crisp water and a trip to the renowned Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). This remarkable outdoor adventure center is a special place. NOC’s Julie Thorner described it best when she so eloquently said, “it offers a window into the simple satisfaction of experiencing our natural world.”
NOC is located in the midst of the forested Southeastern Appalachian Mountains. Rivers and trails offer outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities including easy paddling on lake tours for anyone age four and older, mountain biking on roads and trails, fly-fishing in Appalachia’s creeks and rafting on picturesque rivers of varying challenges.
The staff is as diverse and accomplished as the mountains that surround them. Highly trained teachers, guides and experiential education leaders in their fields, staff members go out of their way to be accessible and inclusive to all visitors regardless of skill level. Indeed, the NOC nationally recognized paddling school is led by Olympian paddler Wayne Dickert.
Charlotte’s own Whitewater Center has been relying on the NOC to consult with and assist in the planning of the park. Thorner explains.
“We have been fortunate to have been the primary advisor to help the Whitewater Center’s executives understand rafting operations, kayak storage and the paddle sports business in general,” she said. “We have been key in helping them understand how to run a great recreation business and guide training.”
Two people act as primary advisors for the Whitewater Center, Scott Shipley and Bob Hathcock. As the largest outfitter in the Southeast, they and the NOC are recognized leaders in outdoor recreation.
“The Whitewater Center in Charlotte is opening up rafting for a whole new region. It’s pretty exciting because I see a lot of opportunity for rafting in the southeast and the Whitewater Rafting Center,” said Thorner.
Rafting is a sport that almost anyone can enjoy depending on their skill level. Challenging rivers are intense and kayakers have to be really good for those
excursions. Although Thorner suggests rafters should be in good shape before river rafting, she also says visitors do not have
to be “uber athletes” to enjoy the outdoor activities at NOC.
“Rafting is for everyone with gentle rivers like the Lower Pigeon to our most demanding and strenuous new river, the Cheoah,” said Thorner. “With hiking, biking, and our adventure challenge courses, you can choose your level of activity.” NOC paddling programs allow for moderate activity for several hours at a time. Of course visitors should disclose any medical conditions to guides when signing up for any physical activities.
“Outdoor recreation is rejuvenating, inspiring, and just plain fun, while beginners are introduced to incredible sports like mountain biking and kayaking and learn basic skills in proven instructional programs, and experts get the chance to refine their outdoor sport abilities and skills with some of the best instructors and guides in the world,” she said. “Rafting, the most popular activity at NOC, let’s you see the outdoors from the unique perspective of being on a river. Fresh air, exercise, and special times with friends and family members benefit all of us.”
Several hundred thousand guests enjoy NOC’s outdoor programs each year. They raft on seven rivers and visit the NOC Adventure Center on the banks of the Nantahala river.
“NOC is more than a great place to play with your friends and family,” said Thorner. “Participating in our outdoor activities has inspired and transformed guests and staff alike since NOC began in 1972 – we call it ‘Center Magic’ and it’s an amazing thing to experience.”
For more information on the Nantahala Outdoor Center, contact Vice President of Marketing, Julie Thorner at 406.599.1715.
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