NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) in the Nantahala Gorge is a 500-acre playground for outdoor lovers. Located about 75 miles from Asheville (an easy trip mostly on a four-lane highway), it is a beautiful area tucked along the Appalachian Trail. Warren and I discovered the area many years ago and had stayed in the area before. I don’t think we took the kids rafting when they were younger, so last May, when I knew all three adult kids would be home – we made plans for a fun adventure together.

Our trip was in May, so the water was still very cold, but not as crowded as the summer! We arrived early and took the first rafting trip of the day! We lucked out and were in the boat with the lead raft guide, which meant we were the first raft down the river! It was awesome, we just had views of the river the whole way while all the other rafts trailed behind us. Our feet were freezing, but we were smiling, laughing and enjoying ourselves the whole time. We are a family of five and the boats hold 6 passengers, so that’s why you see an extra person in our boat. She and Anna-Kate braved the front and got the most splashes. The shimmering Nantahala River offers whitewater rafting through rapids that are mild but exciting. Nantahala rafting features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.

We finished our adventure just in time for lunch. Kick back and savor the moment at NOC’s riverside restaurants. We all enjoyed eating at the River’s End restaurant with views of the river. And afterwards we went to the NOC Outfitter’s Store. Here you can shop outdoor gear, last-minute essentials, and NOC-branded souvenirs to remember your adventure by. This was a wonderful day trip, but we wished we had made it into a weekend trip, as there is so much more to do in the area. We will definitely be back. In addition to rafting and kayaking on the Nantahala River, you can fly on zip lines, play on the treetops, bike, and hike. We took the scenic way home , through the Blue Ridge Parkway!

Mom’s recommendation: Plan memory making trips even when your kids are older! Bring warmer clothes to change into after rafting down the river.

Travel Tip: Plan to go on a weekday if possible and take the first ‘float down the river’ of the day! Wear water-shoes and wool socks. I just had on sandals so my feet were frozen. For more information – https://noc.com/nantahala-river