Welcome to the Nantahala Region
Home to the Nantahala River, the Nantahala Gorge and its surrounding areas, including the Great Smoky Mountains, are full of exciting whitewater. “The Gorge” is about an hour west of Asheville and only 2 1/2 hours from Atlanta. The area is home to many boaters and outdoor enthusiasts who have come here for a slower pace of life and all of the natural beauty and excitement that surrounds us.
The Nantahala River provides many people with exposure to the outdoors and Class II/III whitewater through its thriving rafting business. The river is also home to some world-class kayak instructors as well as down-river, slalom, and freestyle competitors (and a few Olympians). Above this popular stretch, the Upper Nantahala and the Cascades section provide more thrills when natural flows are good, and negotiated recreational releases from Duke Energy should be starting soon. Nearby Fontana Lake provides the perfect location to hone paddling and rolling skills and the Tuckaseegee River, which flows into Fontana Lake and through Bryson City, is a great Class II training ground–and a great spot to try SUPing.
There are ample opportunities for other outdoor activities in the region as well. Tsali boasts world-class mountain biking trails, just minutes from the Nantahala River. Hiking is plentiful as the Appalachian Trail crosses the river and is easily accessible for day hikes with some spectacular views. For thrill seekers, there are even zip line canopy tours here.
For boaters, the primary season here is in the summer, when the river is busy and things are in full swing. In the fall, things slow down and preparations for a cold, quiet winter start–and when creeking season starts! The region is centrally located near the Tellico, Cheoah, French Broad, Pigeon and Green Rivers, as well as many other creeks that may not run often, like Santeetlah, Snowbird, Big Creek, and Raven fork. In the spring, the pace picks up again as life returns again to the region and everyone gets ready for a busy and bustling summer season!
Stay tuned for more information on Hometown Throwdown events on the Nantahala in 2012 as well as other news and events in the area.
Nantahala River, North Carolina
The Nantahala Open has gained the reputation as a fun competition; open to all boaters no matter the experience or ability, consisting of categories for every skill level–and the prizes that go along with them!
Anyone and everyone is welcome to participate! The Event takes place at Nantahala Falls on the Nantahala River, ... Read More →
A Nantahala Fixture: "Crazy Pete"
Pete Lucic, aka “Crazy Pete,” is a long-time fixture around the Nantahala. A graphic designer and part-time NOC employee, Pete can usually be seen running the river, mountain biking, or taking photographs of his friends styling the Nanty Wave.
How did you get your nickname?
I suppose that came from the days when ... Read More →
Nantahala Area & Surrounding Rivers, North Carolina
The Boater Chick Festival (“BCF”) is a grass-roots, not-for-profit event that began in 2008 to give women in paddle sports the opportunity to canoe and kayak together, learn from one another, and gather in a friendly and supportive environment. The festival will be based at Nelson’s Hideaway in Topton, ... Read More →
