–This press release was provided by Nantahala Outdoor Center–
Bryson City, N.C.— Head to NOC for a weekend family adventure or for the opportunity to compete in the exciting sport of whitewater paddling. There’s something for guests of all ages and skill levels to enjoy this spring at Nantahala Outdoor Center. The event line-up features all activities occurring April through May, 2015.
AT Founder’s Bridge Festival: April 3-4
Thru-hikers and casual adventurers gather to celebrate the 2,181+ mile-long Appalachian Trail, which passes directly through NOC’s main campus. Join us for hiker-themed games, movies, lectures, prizes and live music by Somebody’s Child. Also explore the vendor fair where representatives from top brands including Keen, Osprey and Mountain Hardwear will be on site to help thru-hikers and guests resolve gear troubles at a free repair area.
Nantahala Hilly Half Marathon & 5K: April 4
Presented by Run Bum Tours, this challenging trail race in the Nantahala Gorge takes participants along the river and by waterfalls with stunning views of the Smokies. A great race for new and veteran runners alike, the course starts at the Nantahala River, then ventures downstream to Townhouse Falls and up a steep ascent to Flint Ridge Trailhead. Register online at runbumtours.com or on site at the NOC Outfitter’s Store between 7:30 – 8:30 am the morning of the race.
Smoky Mountain Relay: April 17-18
Participants of this epic overnight relay traverse 212.5 miles along trails and country roads from Brevard, NC, to NOC’s main campus. Hailed as the most challenging race in the Southeast, runners enjoy stunning views from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Mountains to Sea trail. Teams of 6 or 12 can register and view the course map at smokymountainrelay.com.
NOC Spring Fling: April 24-26
Celebrate spring in the Smokies with a free, family-friendly event in the Nantahala Gorge. Weekend activities include NOC’s World Kayak Hometown Throwdown on the 25th, an opportunity for paddlers of all ages and levels to show off their tricks and meet other boaters. Festivities also include a vendor fair, gear demos, live music, kids’ surf and the chance to race a pro. Scheduled releases of the class IV/V Cheoah, Cascades and upper sections of the Nantahala River make this one of the best weekends of the season.
Nantahala Racing Club Slalom Series: April 25-26
Fun and supportive, the NRC Slalom Series offers a great introduction to whitewater racing. The course is set to be beginner friendly with organizers offering helpful racing tips. NRC members have the opportunity to walk the course with a coach. To learn more and register, visit nantahalaracingclub.com. This is the perfect event for spectators and families interested in introducing children to a new and exciting outdoor sport.
Nantahala Racing Club Family Whitewater Weekend: May 23-24
Families and youth paddlers gather for a weekend of flat and whitewater activities, games and camaraderie. Participants are encouraged to challenge themselves to develop and use new skills in a fun, supportive environment and try their hand at all three competitive whitewater disciplines: slalom, freestyle and downriver. On Saturday afternoon, all are invited to race in a 1K or 5K Adventure Dash hosted by NOC, where runners will negotiate challenging obstacles on a dash to the finish line. If needed, children may borrow whitewater equipment by emailing [email protected].
Round out your visit with a rafting or zip line trip, and stay tuned for NOC’s summer event line-up to be released in May. For the complete event schedule, more information on each listing and a great selection of event photos visit noc.com/events.
#####
About Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)–Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, travel abroad with NOC’s Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at its LEED-certified flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as its three restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. A privately-held company, NOC is one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina and 22 Olympians including two Olympic Gold Medalists 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, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure.
