The Nantahala Outdoor Center in Gatlinburg, TN

The Nantahala Outdoor Center, one of the outdoor retail industry’s leading companies specializing in whitewater rafting in 7 of the south’s best rivers.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center, one of the outdoor retail industry’s leading companies, has made a name for itself in Gatlinburg, TN over the past two years as THE go-to place for outdoor adventure, shopping, and guidance in the Smokies. Headquartered in Bryson City, NC, the Nantahala has a history dating back almost 40 years. They are recognized as a leader in the whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing industry.

The Great Outpost in Gatlinburg is located in a beautifully renovated 18,000 square foot building that originally housed the Open Hearth Restaurant. The Nantahala Outdoor Center began renovation on the 30-year-old stone building in 2009 with improvements taking place on the inside and outside of the building. Crews even used recycled materials for many of the building’s renovations during construction. In keeping with good environmental practices, the Great Outpost has been registered for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for its green building practices.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Great Outpost carries a diverse selection of name-brand outdoor gear and apparel, including items for biking, camping, climbing, fishing, hiking, paddling, and snow sports. There are also interactive stations for children, including a rope climbing station and an adventure cave located inside the building.

In all, the NOC provides for whitewater rafting guidance on 7 southern rivers, paddling instruction, shopping for apparel as well as souvenirs, a river rescue and wilderness medicine leadership institute, customizable group adventure trips, additional guided activities including biking and fly fishing, bike rentals, lodging, and numerous festivals and events surrounding the seasons.

Over the years, their facility has been recognized by numerous national and world organizations including The New York Times and National Geographic. That said, the staff at NOC continues to strive to serve the people who seek to lead a fuller, more adventurous life.

Known primarily for their expertise in whitewater rafting, paddling, etc, the Nantahala Guides has nearly 40 years of experience leading adventure trips down the Chattooga River, Cheoah River, French Broad River, Nantahala River, Nolichucky River, Ocoee River, and Pigeon River.

For the entire month of October, celebrate NOCtoberfest with a month-long series of events geared to embrace the variety of the season. At Rivers End Restaurant in Bryson City, stop by and enjoy some of the finest in German fare as well as an adult beverage selection including Spaten Octoberfest, Gaffel, Franziskaner, and hot mulled wine. Other NOCtober events will include The Great Pumpkin Pursuit, face painting, a costume contest, live music, and the Fall River Cleanup Community Service Project. So, visit the store in Gatlinburg, then hop on over for some fall fun in Bryson City this weekend.

The NOC facility is located at light No. 10 in Gatlinburg, right at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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