Welcome to the Western North Carolina Region
Western North Carolina (abbreviated “WNC” by local paddlers) stretches from the Piedmont to the Tennessee state line, including Asheville and the Nantahala area. WNC contains very few “urban” areas, with Asheville being the area’s largest city and commercial hub and is home to the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Nantahala National Forest, the Pisgah National Forest…making it an outdoor lover’s paradise.
In addition to world-class hiking and mountain biking, the region boasts some of the premier Southeast whitewater runs. Popular runs like the Nantahala River, French Broad River, Cheoah River, and Green River are close by and many elite creek runs are within a short drive, including the Nantahala Cascades, Snowbird, Santeetlah, West Prong, among others. The paddling options range in difficulty levels and remoteness, providing something for every paddler.
In 2013, WNC will earn its place on the world map when the Nantahala River hosts the ICF World Freestyle Championship. World Kayak will be hosting Hometown Throwdown events on the Nantahala so WK competitors will get to compete on a world-class feature! Stay tuned for other events in the area.
It was a happy Cinco de Mayo at the Nantahala Wave! Saturday morning at the river began with rain, but the clouds soon parted and made way for sunshine and a beautiful afternoon for some playboating. The first Nantahala Hometown Throwdown of 2012 could not have been a better day filled with nice weather, big ... Read More →
The FINAL HTDD event at the Nantahala will be the innaugural Hometown Throwdown Southeast Championship! World Kayak began as a grassroots effort to share the sport of whitewater kayaking with the public. Starting with only 32 events 6 years ago, it has now grown into a 150+ event program while still remaining in touch with ... Read More →
If you are a paddler in the Southeast, you have probably seen Juliet around a river instructing or setting shuttle, recognizable in her signature white sunglasses and flipflops. As co-owner of Endless River Adventures on the Nantahala River, she has gained a reputation as an excellent instructor and international kayak guide. Juliet has done so ... Read More →
