The Sweet Spot Competitors

The Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company. Over a half million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of over 80 different whitewater rafting and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at its flagship retail stores, or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as its four restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. A privately-held company, NOC is one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina and 23 Olympians and Olympic coaches have called NOC home. NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation's Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside Magazine, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE.

Since 1971, Wildwater has been running rivers in southeast. Our attention to detail has made us a leader in the outdoor adventure industry. Providing high quality experiences on our adventure rafting trips and zip lining is our number one priority. With locations on the Chattooga, Ocoee, Nantahala, and Pigeon Rivers along the Smoky Mountain area, we are sure you'll find an adventure that suits you. You may not recognize our state of the art equipment or know of our intense staff training programs, but you will recognize our commitment to Quality, Safety, and Service.

Mission Statement “We exist to provide trainings, environments, experiences, and resources that lead people especially youth in exploring the outdoors.” Outdoor Adventures is an ACA Kayak School, Raft and Kayak Outfitter, and Adventure Rafting Company. OA offers Kayak Instruction, White Water Rafting Trips, Family Adventure, Guide Training, ACA Instructor Courses, Trip Leader Certification, Youth Adventures, Outdoor Adventure Camps, Canoe Adventure Trips, Kayak Rentals, Bike Rentals, WMI Medical Certification, Leave No Trace Training, Private Instruction and Inflatable Kayak trips. Outdoor Adventure’s experience… our core staff has been guiding people on mountains, rivers and coastlines since 1976 and outfitting in the Northwest since 1985. Our vision continues… we exist to lead people on wild and scenic adventures that can change the way they see the World. The Difference is…. our 14 Core Staff Guides/Instructors spent more time outfitting, guiding and instructing than any other adventure company in the Northwest. Outdoor Adventure’s dedicated staff continue to bring incomparable passion and integrity to every adventure for over 25 years. We are a family, an experienced team of outdoor adventurers. We spend 365 days a years working together. Our 10 member Leadership Team has worked together season after season for the last 12 years, shaping the vision and direction of O.A. We support and enforce a no drug policy with our guides and instructors. All of our Core Staff receive yearly background checks. Outdoor Adventures continues to set the pace on outdoor safety. O.A. Core staff hold certifications in American Canoe Association, Rescue 3 International, ASHI, Wilderness Medical Institute, Leave No Trace, and the Wilderness Kayak Institute.