TRAVEL GUIDE TO BRYSON CITY AND THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
THINGS TO DO IN THE SMOKIES
A Choice of Whitewater Or Flat Water Kayaking
Western North Carolina is home to hundreds of miles of whitewater rivers and mountain lakes making it a favorite destination for kayakers.
For whitewater enthusiasts the variety of rivers-- from Class I to Class V, offers great options for kayak instruction for all skill levels. Here you will find individual adventure seekers, families learning to kayak together and Olympic-bound athletes all training and enjoying the rivers of our area.
For outdoor enthusiasts seeking verdant scenery and glimpses of wildlife, the flat water trails through the mountain lakes of western North Carolina offer all that and more. The rivers and lakes and the availability of quality kayak instruction are what has given Swain County the title of "the Whitewater Capital."
The book "101 Best Outdoor Towns" named Bryson City the nation's third best whitewater paddling town. "If you can't find something exciting to do in Bryson City, you're not breathing," it says.
Paddler Magazine named Bryson City one of the "best paddling towns" in the US. Along with the multiple spots for great paddling, they focus on Tsali mountain bike trails, area adventure races and canoe camping on Fontana Lake.
More fun activities on the water near Bryson City.
Kayaking Outfitters in Nantahala and Fontana Area
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Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 Hwy 19 W
Bryson City, NC 28713
Rated "One of the Best Outfitter's on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure, NOC has been the leader in the rafting industry since 1972. NOC offers family friendly adventures rafting and paddling the Nantahala River, as well as riverside dining, lodging, shopping, mountain bike rentals, lake kayaking, wilderness medicine training and our world famous Paddling School. There's something for everyone so come see for yourself why NOC is a legend in the outdoors! Endless River Adventures
14157 Hwy 19 W
Bryson City, NC 28713
Fontana Guide Service - Kayaking
3336 Balltown Rd.
Bryson City, NC 28713
Let us show you the Great Smoky Mountains from the water. Half and full day trips available, or customize your own. Choose a fishing or touring trip with our professional guides. River & lake trips offered from our Jackson kayaks & paddle boards year round. A quiet & relaxing way to enjoy sunsets, waterfalls, Fall colors, & wildlife. Double seated kayaks available. We provide everything & accommodate any age or skill level. HD photos & videos of your trip available upon request. PaddleFish Basecamp
59 Depot Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
Reservations are required. For trip times, rates, and to purchase tickets call (828) 488-8797 or book online 24/7 at www.paddlefishbasecamp.com .
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Up to 300 paddlers from forty to fifty countries and spectators in thethousands will flock to the Nantahala Gorge September 2-8, 2013 for the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships. The Gorge was selected by the International Canoe Federation, the sanctioning body for all world championship and Olympic canoe and kayak events.
On April 26-28, we will also host the US Team Trials for the Worlds. It'll be a fun festival with the competition, family activities, music & more.
The newly created Championship Wave feature on the Nantahala River is attracting kayakers and spectators alike. Stop by the River for a look at the wave feature in action. And for kayakers, it's a free park and play area.
More information is available on the website FreestyleKayaking2013.com; and on the Nantahala Gorge 2013 Facebook page.
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Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce
& Visitor Center
210 Main Street
P.O. Box 509
Bryson City, NC 28713
Karen Proctor Wilmot
Executive Director
800-867-9246 toll-free
828-488-3681 local
828-488-6858 fax