Memorial Day Weekend at NOC

Head for the hills this Memorial Day Weekend and the Nantahala Outfoor Center to kick off the summer season with a real SPLASH!  Enjoy the excitement of a whitewater adventure on on rapids from class II to V. A variety of trips and locations are offered including two different trips on the pristine French Broad river complete with a picnic lunch.

If you're looking for a multi-adventure package, try the "Ropes and Rafts" combining a fast run down the gorgeous Nantahala River, a riverside lunch and the 40 foot high Zip Line Adventure Park. The day ends with a race down the dual 550' Wesser Zips.

Experienced rafters love the challenges of Section IV of the Chattooga River including the Seven-Foot Falls, Raven’s Chute Rapid and the famous Five Falls, where five Class IV-V rapids unfold in only a 1/3 of a river mile.

Get a list of more NOC whitewater Memorial Day adventures HERE.

In addition to whitewater fun NOC offers paddling, hiking a section of the Apalachian Trail, mountain biking,  riverside dining, train rides, a shop for all your adventure gear and more.

Special Memorial Day Weekend activities:

May 24, 4:30 PM:  Merrell Adventure Dash, open to all ages. Navigate a series of obstacles and choose form a 5K Dash or 1 K Fun Rum along the river. $20 entry fee. Register online or at the event.

May 23,24 at 6PM: Live Concert Series featuring Paul Constantine on Friday and Blue and the Barn Cats on Saturday. NOC's concert Series continues all summer and is held at at Big Wesser BBQ + Brew, an open-air venue west of Asheville.

May 24: Big Wesser BBQ + Brew   Memorial Beer Tasting with Railhouse Brewery.

May 24-25:   NRC Family Whitewater Weekend  For ages 8 and up. A variety of events and competitions are included, register online and get complete details.

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)  offers white water river rafting trips, kayak and canoe instruction and mountain biking. NOC is a a complete outdoor destination with  restaurants and a pub, a fully-stocked Outfitter's Store, the Wesser General Store and Fly Shop and the Nantahala Welcome Center.The Nantahala River  location is  13077 Hwy. 19 W in Bryson City, NC.

Whitewater Kayak Tournament on the Nantahala

September 7-9   ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup   Called the X-Games for whitewater, this event offers spins, flips, turns and tricks of freestyle snowboarders, surfers and skaters with freestyle kayaking! The ICF World Cup is held every two years, and the final event of this series for 2012 will be held on the Nantahala River near Bryson City. 

More than 100 competitiors from 17 countries a scheduled to compete.  Classes include:
Junior Mens (K1Mjr) - 15-18
Junior Womens (K1Wjr) - 15-18
C1 - Individual canoe, closed deck
OC1 - Individual open canoe
Mens K1 (K1M)- Individual kayak
Womens K1 (K1W) - Individual kayak
Men's Squirt Boating (SqM)
Women's Squirt Boating (SqW)

The World Cup is sanctioned by the International Canoe Federation (ICF), the governing body of Olympic paddlesports. Get a link for more details or information about rafting on the Nantahala on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

NC Halloween Event: NOCberfest - at the Nantahala Outdoor Center Nantahala Campus

October 28-30   NOCberfest   A Halloween celebration at NOC's (Nantahala Outdoor Center)  Nantahala campus.  This big fall weekend includes live music, Bavarian-themed menus, the famous pumpkin pursuit and special sales at NOC.

Join dozens of other costumed rafters in the pursuit of 200 numbered pumpkins into the NantahalaRiver for the Great Pumpkin Pursuit. Compete to collect as many pumpkins as possible for entries into a drawing for prizes, including a $500 gift card to NOC's Outfitter's Store.

For non-paddlers there is a pumpkin decorating contest and a costume contest following the event. NOC will provide the supplies for the pumpkin decorating contest.

Beer and Brats by the River includes food and beer specials at River's End Restaurant. Traditional German cuisine and fall beer specials will be served all weekend long. For the sake of festivity, River's End is offering 20% off any pizza for costumed patrons.

Get details about the NOCerfest and other Bryson City events, lodging and visitor information HERE

Nantahala River Whitwater Rafting Enthusiasts Party

September 23-25     Guest Appreciation Festival   at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)  This is considered the grandaddy of all rafting and outdoor gear sales along with  the party that brings together outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes to share friendships and rafting adventures. There's a packed entertainment schedule featuring live music and even storytelling, paddling club events, the gear swap and paddling video shows. If you love the Nantahala River, whitewater rafting, kayaking and the great ourtdoors,  this is THE place to be!

Need lodging in the Bryson City NC area?
Check out these great cabins and mountain Inns  near the Nantahala River:

Mountain Vista Smokies Cabin - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 6. Beautiful mountain view, fireplace, deck with charcoal grill, hammock, media center. $100-$120 night, $650 week. Get availability and details

Cozy mountain view cottage - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 9. Rustic feel with modern amenities. Covered porch and deck with great mountain views and gas grill. Stone fireplace and fully equipped. $105 - $160 night, $735 - $935 week.         details and availability


Mountaintop cabin with great views - 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 6. Hot tub, loft with pool table, HDTV, fireplace, massive window to enjoy the great view, Internet, Pet Friendly. $150 - $190 night, &900 - $1140 week.
                                       Find availability and details



Make memories in this pet-friendly cabin - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Hot tub, fireplace, community playground. Close to white water rafting and Nantahala river activities.           Check rates and availability


Sleep Inn Bryson City - guest rooms include coffee makers, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards , WIFI and cable television with free HBO. Complimentary continental breakfast, seasonal outdoor pool, coffee and tea. Great location in the heart of Smoky Mountains Attractions.
                                   Get current rates and dates


Hemlock Inn Bed and Breakfast - 22 guest rooms and 3 cabins. Complimentary full family-style breakfast. Rustic mountain lodge with wonderful mountain views. Dinner optional. Gift shop, wedding facilities.
                                     Get rates and availability

Hot Springs Hosts the 14th Annual French Broad River Festival

April 29 - May 1  The 14th Annual French Broad River festival   takes place where the French Broad River meets the Appalachian Trail at the Hot Springs Campground & Spa, just 35 minutes north of Asheville. Musical acts include Great American Taxi, Snake Oil Medicine Show, Sol Driven Train, James Justin and Co., WSNB and more.

Festival activities include River clean-up, kids' village, Asheville hoops, Paddle with the Pros, 7th Annual French Broad River Mountain Bike Race  and 14th Annual French Broad River Raft Race.

The popular festival is a benefit for American Whitewater, The Mountain Area Child & Family Center and Hot Springs Community Learning Center.

Kayaking competition in Bryson CIty

April 15 - 17 NOC Dagger/Freestyle Shootout & Demo Days The Southeast's biggest freestyle kayaking competition, held at the site of the 2013 ICF Freestyle World Championships and the best preseason gear sale to boot.  This year the event is part of the national USAFK Points Series

The weekend events include NOC's perennial spring festival, Demo Days, where 60+ boats will be available for free test-paddling on the Nantahala. Manufacturer representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the year's hottest gear, and bargains will be available for paddlers looking to upgrade.

Pre-season Group Specials for Rafting and Caving

USA RAFT, Mountain Adventure Guides -  Reserve your group by April 15th for Big Savings! Take an additional 5% off regular group rates for trips booked before April 15th, 2011.. Offer not good for Saturdays or holidays. Deposits required with booking: $5 per person for 1/2 day trips, camping and Crockett Cabin. $10 per person for full day trips. Remaining balance and final headcount are due 30 days prior to trip date.

Get details about Groups

Multi-trip Discounts: 

Book 2 or more trips and save! Mix and match to create a complete multi-day adventure!

Choose 2 activities & receive a 10% discount.

Choose 3 or more activities & receive a 15% discount.

Not good with any other offer or discount.

Get details about Packages

Book Online and Save!  Book Online and save $3 per person! Promo Code is ONLINE.

• It's safe and secure.
• View trip details, times and availability for specific dates.
• Available 24/7!
• Upon booking reservations online, you will quickly receive a detailed email confirmation

Online Reservations
USA RAFT offers the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville and Boone North Carolina. Enjoy whitewater rafting adventures on the French Broad, Nantahala, Watauga and Nolichucky Rivers. "Mild to Wild" Whitewater Rafting with half and full day guided trips. USA Raft provides everything you will need for your rafting trip - just bring a change of clothes and be ready to have fun and get wet! Also offered: Caving, Rock Climbing, Summer Teen Adventure Camps and riverside group lodging.

USA Raft Holiday Gift Certificates and 2011 Adventures

USA Raft - Closest Whitewater Rafting to Asheville, NC.  As we prepare for the holidays, we wanted to stop and thank you for an amazing year. Our most important customer is you! We hope you will join USA Raft & Mountain Adventure Guides again next year for meaningful outdoor fun and adventure. Visit our Facebook page for the latest happenings, where you can also post comments and pictures of your trip!

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Save 10% on Holiday Gift Certificates Gift certificates make great stocking stuffers! Save 10% on your gift purchases before 12/24/2010. Hurry - special offer! No other discounts apply. Call 1-866-USA-Raft and we will be happy to assist you.

New Rafts for Next Season We've ordered 16 new "Splash" class rafts. They are truly the best high performance, self bailing rafts available. In fact, they have been featured in the World Championship Races on the Gauley River. They're 100% hand made in West Virginia by our friends at Custom Inflatables.

MAG Summer Adventure Camp 2011 Summer schedules posted for 12 & 18 day camps for ages 12-17. Explore a cave, climb a mountain, raft a wild river, cook a delicious dinner over a camp-fire and then sleep under the stars! Activities are age appropriate and include comprehensive instruction. No experience is necessary and MAG provides all major gear. More

Icebreaker Weekend April 2-3 Join our annual spring staff get together and kick off on the Nolichucky River, as we "break the ice." We will post rafting/caving with lodging package details on Facebook and our website soon after the holidays. Check it out!

Raft Guide School Be a river guide! Learn the basics of guiding a raft, including water reading skills, hydrology, raft maneuvers, paddle techniques, scouting and river rescue. We have seasonal summer job opportunities, both on and off the river, and for our summer adventure camp! More

Remember September Rafting Special

Book any September or October weekday guided rafting or caving trip by Friday, September 10th and save 10% on everyone in your group! 10% PER PERSON! Call TODAY to reserve the available trip and time you want!  Offer good for existing guided trips only and may not be combined with any other offer or reduced price.

USA RAFT - MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE GUIDES offers the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville and Boone North Carolina. Join us for whitewater rafting adventures on the French Broad, Nantahala, Watauga and Nolichucky Rivers. "Mild to Wild" Whitewater Rafting with half and full day guided trips. USA Raft provides everything you will need for your rafting trip - just bring a change of clothes and be ready to have fun and get wet! We also offer: Caving, Rock Climbing, Summer Teen Adventure Camps and riverside group lodging. Specials and Adventure Packages available for rafting and caving - groups and families welcome!

Need help choosing the best rafting trip for your family or group?

USA Raft - Mountain Adventure Guides. Our professional and knowledgeable reservations staff is here to help! By answering a few simple questions we can help you determine which of our rafting trips will best suit your needs.
Nantahala River: Class 2-3
Bryson City, NC. This is the most popular whitewater rafting trip in NC and an ideal family rafting trip! Three different options for rafting on the Nantahala River; fully guided, self guided, raft and ducky rentals. Ages 7+ or 60 pounds.
French Broad River: Class 2-3, 4
Marshall, NC. Closest whitewater rafting to Asheville, NC (30 min). It offers wide, open channels, beautiful mountain vistas and fun, splashy rapids for perfect family rafting fun! Ages 8+.
Watauga River: Class 1-2, 3
Elizabethton, TN. A scenic rafting trip near the Boone, NC area. This trip is on fast moving, pristine water with gentle rapids that includes class 3, ANACONDA! Ages 4+.
Nolichucky River Gorge: Class 3-4
Erwin, TN. With 9 miles and over 25 class 2-4 rapids, the Nolichucky River Gorge offers a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure, through the deepest canyon in the east. A highlight of the trip is QUARTER MILE RAPID with three class 4 drops. The Nolichucky is only 45 mins. from Asheville and 1.5+ hours from the Boone, NC area. Ages 12+.
Lower Nolichucky River: Class 1-2, 3. Erwin, TN. Scenic rafting trip, near Asheville, NC. A relaxed family outing with time to swim, a chance to see Blue Herons and spectacular rock formations along the way! Ages 4+.

Mountain Cabin near Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala

STONEWOOD CABIN  Bryson City North Carolina. Stonewood Cabin is filled with character, convenience and charm. Equally suitable for couples, family or friends. PET FRIENDLY & kid friendly. Great location nestled on the side of a mountain only 2 miles to the Nantahala River and close to area attractions. 2BD 2BA + sleeping loft - for up to 8 people. $100-$150 nightt, $700-$875 week

USA Raft offers Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala

USA Raft - Mountain Adventure Guides. We are excited to offer our guests the same value and quality rafting trips on the Nantahala River that we have been offering on other rivers for years! The Nantahala River is the most popular whitewater rafting trip in the southeast and an ideal family adventure.

We have several Nantahala River trip options to suit your needs. We offer fully guided, self guided, raft rentals and inflatable kayaks, which allow you to choose the trip style and watercraft that most appeals to you!
Our Nantahala River Outpost offers picnic areas, a pavilion, volleyball court, retail store, hot showers, changing rooms and plenty of room to park. If you are looking for comfortable, easy and economical camping, then our tents on platforms are just the thing! Open field camping is also available.

Rafting, Caving and Lodging - all for $79.95 - $99.95!

USA RAFT - MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE GUIDES  Rafting and Caving Special Packages:
Package Special #1: Full day Nolichucky River Gorge with lunch on the river & 1/2 day Worley's Cave and 1 night lodging in Crockett Cabin, Ages 12+. $99.95 per person + tax.

Package Special #2: 1/2 day Lower Nolichucky River & 1/2 day Worley's Cave with 1 night lodging in Crockett Cabin. Ages 8+. $79.95 per person + tax.

USA Raft offers the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville and Boone North Carolina. Join us for whitewater rafting adventures on the French Broad, Nantahala, Watauga and Nolichucky Rivers. "Mild to Wild" Whitewater Rafting with half and full day guided trips. USA Raft provides everything you will need for your rafting trip - just bring a change of clothes and be ready to have fun and get wet!

Make a Family Memory with Adventure Packages

USA RAFT - MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE GUIDES    45 Minutes from Asheville North Carolina.  Value-packed Adventure Packages for groups and families:
Special #1: Full day Nolichucky River Gorge with lunch on the river & 1/2 day Worley's Cave and 1 night lodging in Crockett Cabin, Ages 12+. $99.95 per person + tax. No other discounts apply. 4+ people to book. Limited availability. Reservations are required. 1-866-USA-Raft.

Special #2: 1/2 day Lower Nolichucky River & 1/2 day Worley's Cave with 1 night lodging in Crockett Cabin. Ages 8+. $79.95 per person + tax. No other discounts apply. 4+ people to book. Limited availability. Reservations are required. 1-866-USA-Raft.

Save BIG on Early Rafting Reservations

Now until March 15, Mountain Adventure Guides. Incredibly low pre-season rates are available now and are good for any date all season long! Rafting season is March 1st through November 1st. Unlike most outfitters, we do not charge more on weekends or holidays. Simply choose a date to "lock-in" our low pre-season rates. You can then make changes up to 30 days before your trip without penalty. The required deposit at the time of making your reservation is only $5 for Half Day Trips and $10 for Full Day Trips!  To take advantage of this deposit program, just call 1-866-USA-Raft to make your reservation.  http://www.mtnadventureguides.com/