High-Water Mark: The game-changing Nantahala Outdoor Center turns 50

This year, the Nantahala Outdoor Center celebrates its 50th anniversary—marking a major milestone in the creation of the Southern Appalachian outdoor lifestyle.

The business has garnered decades of accolades as a top outdoor destination, and not just for whitewater fun, but also for state-of-the-art training in everything from water safety and rescue to competitive paddling. The NOC’s list of Olympic medalists (two with gold medals), world champions, and other world-class competitors is long and growing. And that includes 89-year-old Payson Kennedy, NOC’s founder, whose passion for his sport helped draft the entire baby boom generation in his wake, earning him a spot in the International Whitewater Hall of Fame.