Stand-Up Paddle Boarding – A Unique Way to Play on Water In the Smokies

Stand-Up paddleboarding (SUP), similar to canoeing, involves an oversized surf-style board and a long handled paddle, which you use to propel and steer through the water. Different boards types, shapes and sizes are used depending on the body of water you SUP. 

Here in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina we paddle board the Tuckasegee River in downtown Bryson City, and the placid water of Fontana Lake. A favorite spot – the finger lake area – is easy to access and there are no boats around to send wakes your way.

More fun activities on the water near Bryson City.

What to wear?

  •

    Nantahala Outdoor Center

    Address: 13077 Hwy 19 W
    Bryson City
    NC
    28713
    Email: rafting@noc.com

    Call: 828-488-6900
    Website

    Facebook
    Instagram
    TripAdvisor
    Yelp
    Phone Two: TF: 800-232-7238
    Phone Three: Fax: 828-488-0301

    Logo / Image:
    Nantahala Outdoor Center’s main campus is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River, just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts since 1972, NOC’s 500-acre adventure campus boasts plenty of excitement to keep your entire group happy and active, whether you spend the day or a week! Whitewater raft, zipline, mountain bike and hike, and explore Lake Fontana in a rental kayak or SUP. In between adventures, check out NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, onsite shopping, and spend the night in a cozy trailside cabin!
  •

    Bryson City Outdoors

    Contact Name: Brett Hackshaw or Ben King
    Address: 169 Main Street
    Bryson City
    NC
    28713
    Email: info@BrysonCityOutdoors.com

    Call: 828-342-6444
    Website

    Twitter
    Facebook
    Instagram

    Rent a paddleboard in downtown Bryson City on the river or nearby on Fontana Lake! Our paddleboards are very beginner friendly and our knowledgeable staff can help anyone stand up on a paddleboard. Guided tours also available. Great fun for the whole family, call today to book your trip!
  •

    Carolina Bound Adventures Paddle Boarding

    Contact Name: Mark Van Osdal
    Address: 35 Slope Street
    Bryson City
    NC
    28713
    Email: mark@carolinaboundadventures.com

    Call: 828-569-6699
    Website

    Twitter
    Facebook
    Instagram

    Are you booking adventures like Paddle Boarding plus multiple other Adventures while you’re here for vacation?  Save time making reservations and do it all at one website!  Our adventure planning and reservation concierge service consolidates your vacation research and planning in one place.  Visit our website, choose your desired adventures like Paddle Boarding and we’ll make the reservations plus set up your itinerary!
  •

    The Sunny Day Adventure Co. LLC

    Contact Name: Jason S. Swafford
    Address: 151 1/2 Sardis Rd.
    Asheville
    NC
    28806
    Email: sunnydayadventures@hotmail.com

    Call: 828-772-5890
    Website

    Facebook

    Other Address:

    Mailing: P.O. Box 2052, Enka, NC, 28728

    With services based on Fontana Lake and accessing all areas of the lake with its 32' pontoon boat, The Sunny Day Adventure Company guides standup paddle board and hiking tours to some of the most dynamic scenery Western North Carolina has to offer.

    • What to wear

    All rentals include board, paddle and approved life jacket. It’s advisable to be barefoot and to wear a bathing suit or shorts and tee shirt. Watches and loose jewelry should be left behind. And eyeglasses should be secured with a head strap. You should also bring towels and a change of dry clothes.

    Bryson City - Swain County
    Chamber of Commerce
    210 Main Street
    P.O. Box 509
    Bryson City, NC 28713

    Email

    Karen Proctor
    Executive Director

    828-488-3681

    877-472-1681

    Free Travel Guide to the Smokies — Includes the Official All Aboard for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

    Free Travel Guide
    View Guide Online
    Deals & Discounts
    Join the Chamber
    Press Room
    Web Accessibility Statement

    SHARE THIS PAGE

    FOLLOW US ON

    *

    Sign up for our monthly travel news