Santa Returns to NOC Gatlinburg

Mark your calendars! Santa Claus returns to NOC Gatlinburg this December; children everywhere should seize this opportunity for some face time before the big day. Mr. Claus will be in town and available for photo opportunities on the following dates from 3pm to 5pm: November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21.

NOC Gatlinburg has emerged as one of Santa's preferred meeting locations over the past few years. He admires the the old-fashioned sleigh and the magnificent Christmas tree provided by NOC, and in return he dons his special Dickensian-style uniform for the occasion. Check out this photo from last year's visit and start making your lists!

Santa Claus and his sleigh at NOC Gatlinburg. A perfect holiday photo opportunity!

Four Reasons To Spend Thanksgiving in the Mountains

We always have so much to be thankful for at NOC, and this November there are even more reasons to give thanks. Here's why NOC is a great place to be this November and over the Thanksgiving holiday:

1. Water all month long! Unlike in years past, the Nantahala will continue to have water releases through the month of November, making Thanksgiving an ideal time to go paddling. We're still offering rafting trips too, but we have to be flexible to catch the release times, which are only finalized three days ahead of time. If you want to add rafting to your November plans, give our reservations office a call (800.232.7238), and we'll work out the details with you. Boaters, plan your own trip using  Duke Energy's release schedule.

2. Fall offers new views for zip lining. As the leaves start disappearing from the trees, the Mountaintop Zip Line Tour takes on a whole new look. From any one of our ten zip lines you will be able to see for miles. Visit our website to book your tour.

Click here for a full-color photo album of zipping fun!

3. Relax and take in the cool mountain air. Kick back with your feet up by a fire and eat some s’mores! What better way to enjoy the holiday than under the stars by a fire in the mountains? For lodging recommendations, check out these options near our Nantahala campus.

4. Get all your outdoor gear for less! Coming to the mountains, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the Black Friday bargains. Catch NOC's Pre-Holiday Sale throughout November, and stop into any of our retail locations for major Black Friday and holiday promotions. On Black Friday shoppers will save as much as 50% off boats and paddling accessories at the Outfitter's Store, so it's certainly worth a trip to the mountains if you're shopping for a paddler.