Treehouse-Hollow-and-Cabin-Rentals-Logo
A woman is flying through the air on a zip line.

Nantahala Outdoor Center: A Retreat For Adventure Chasers

Adrenaline junkies, nature lovers, peace seekers, and everyone in between are invited to experience one of Bryson City’s top attractions. Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) caters to a variety of interests, showcasing the best of the South Atlantic landscapes through a range of activities. Whether soaring through the air on a zipline course or paddling the lakes of North Carolina, Nantahala Outdoor Center offers the perfect outdoor escape. 


Water Pursuits

The lakes and rivers of North Carolina certainly make a splash, as over a million guests visit Nantahala Outdoor Center every year. Read on to discover which lakes are recommended based on specific activities.


Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Test the waters on an excursion along Fontana Lake or Chattahoochee River. Guests are given multiple options, including introductory kayaking courses, guided tours, and rentals for a self-led float down the river.

A family is paddling a kayak down a river.

Group Kayaking


  • The Nantahala River is a great setting for a group outing. NOC provides inflatable rafts and ducky rentals in single or tandem for kayakers to navigate the river at their own pace.
  • This trip will last roughly 3 to 4 hours and totals about $40.00 per person.


Solo/Duo Excursions


  • Bring a friend or ride solo as you coast the waters of Fontana Lake.
  • For $35.00, rentals and reservations are available for a 2-hour excursion on the lake.
  • Dogs are welcome to accompany the group provided that they follow NOC guidelines.

Beginner Courses


  • Visitors who feel like a fish out of water can participate in Nantahala Outdoor Center’s beginner courses to learn the ropes of kayaking.
  • Participants of this program must be at least 8 years of age, and children under the age of 17 require the supervision of a participating adult.


Advanced Lessons



  • Experienced kayakers hoping to refine their expertise can sign up for a multi-day course designed to improve the skills of intermediate kayakers.
  • Depending on if the 2-day or 4-day lessons are selected, the cost for this program adds up to around $475.00.

Whitewater Rafting

Rafting makes for a great activity to engage the whole family, and what better place to do so than the Nantahala River? Visitors as young as 7 years old are invited to experience the fully guided rafting trip offered by Nantahala Outdoor Center.


For $60.00 per person, Nantahala Outdoor Center makes it possible for families to float down the river together on an out-and-back course. In other words, participants of this rafting excursion paddle right back to where they started.


Fun On Land

Stretch your legs and hit the trails to catch the best views of Nantahala National Forest. Beyond its lakes and rivers, the destination offers a variety of on-the-ground activities to maximize the outdoor experience.


Make the most of your North Carolina getaway by challenging yourself to these pursuits


A group of people are rowing a raft down a river.

Mountain Biking


Mountain biking is one of the best ways to get a breath of fresh air in a natural setting during your stay in Franklin, NC. In preparation for your venture, get a closer look at the trails that keep visitors coming back again and again for an unmatched cycling adventure. Such trails include the following:

Panther Top


  • Panther Top is an out-and-back path that extends roughly 2.2 miles.
  • The trail is ranked moderately difficult and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to complete.
  • July through May is said to be the best time to experience Panther Top.



Tsali Mouse Branch Loop and Mouse Overlook


  • For bikers hoping to ride for a longer period of time, the Tsali Mouse Branch takes an average of 3 hours to complete.
  • The trail stretches a total of 8.2 miles.
Two men are fishing in a boat on a lake.

Central and Burnt Tree Loop


  • This trail is particularly popular among mountain bikers.
  • Views of the lake and forest encompass visitors as they cross 4.2 miles of wooded lakeside landscapes. 


Tsali Right Loop


  • This trail is best experienced between March and October.
  • Elevations vary, taking cyclists through smooth downhill areas on a well-marked dirt road.
  • The path winds approximately 10.5 miles and is ranked moderately challenging.



Learn more about bike rentals, shuttle services, and bike racks at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Please also bear in mind that many of these mountain biking trails can be hiked, and NOC is in close proximity to the Appalachian Trail.

Zip Lining

Take your Nantahala experience a little further and glide through the air on one of Nantahala Outdoor Center’s zip-lining courses.


Mountaintop Zip Line Tour

  • Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Mountaintop Zip Line Tour offers an unparalleled flight through North Carolina’s mountains. Prices total around $134.00 per person.
  • Visit between March and November for ideal weather conditions and peak scenery.


Zip Line Adventure Park

  • Zip Line Adventure Park caters to both children and adults, offering a unique 550-foot-long dual aerial zipline course with 16 different obstacles.
  • Reaching 40 feet above the ground, the park has two levels to explore.
  • NOC guides are actively available throughout the course to assist when necessary.
A woman is flying through the air on a zip line in the jungle.

Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour


The Moonlight Mountaintop tour kicks the intensity up a notch by taking place at night.

With the starry sky as the backdrop, this zipline course offers an experience like no other.

For the safety of every participant, guests are covered head to toe with glow sticks so the aerial guides can keep track of each zipliner.

Packages

If you’re hoping to experience more than one of these previously mentioned activities, Nantahala Outdoor Center has got you covered with these packages.


  • Raft and Ropes - Rafting and Adventure Park Package
  • Great Smokies Deluxe Multi-Sport Adventure
  • River to Ridge - Rafting and Ziplining Package
  • Pedal and Paddle - Guided Rafting and Mountain Biking Package
  • Deepcreek Guided Hike and Raft Adventure Package


A man in a blue shirt is jumping between two trees

Stay at Treehouse Hollow and Cabin Rentals

Book your reservation at Treehouse Hollow and Cabin Rentals to partner with a prime South Atlantic outdoor adventure at Nantahala Outdoor Center. We’re excited to be your home base for exploring the thrilling adventures of this attraction and look forward to welcoming you to your stay.

Share by: