Archived Outdoors

NOC says thanks with weekend of fun

out NOCThe Guest Appreciation Festival at Nantahala Outdoor Center Sept. 26-28 will feature an array of activities and attractions for outdoors lovers around the region. The weekend will include a used gear marketplace where anyone with used outdoor gear can set up to sell and swap.

 

There will also be whitewater rafting, zip-lining, gear demos, paddling and competitions, as well as games, kids activities, crafters and live music. 

The GAF Bike Trials on Sept. 27 will be another highlight of the weekend, beginning 11:30 a.m. and open to all ages for a $20 entrance fee. Spectators will get to watch competitors in categories beginner through pro navigate natural and man-made obstacles in the bicycle agility course. 

There are also special whitewater releases on the upper Nantahala from the Duke Energy dam at Nantahala Lake, providing steep creek-boating opportunities for skilled paddlers. Shuttles will be offered to the upper Nantahala sections.

There will be a 300 cubic feet per second release 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27 on the upper Nantahala, a 425 cfs release 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28, and a 250 cfs release 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 28. Releases on the lower Nantahala are scheduled 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27, and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 28. 

A full schedule is online at www.noc.com/events/guest-appreciation-festival-gaf. 828.785.5082

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