Beat the heat and stay cool this summer at Nantahala Outdoor Center

WESSER, N.C., July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), named "#1 Vacation with a Splash" by Good Morning America, invites thrill seekers to beat the heat by cooling off in the Great Smoky Mountains. With temperatures in Atlanta, Charlotte, Greensboro, Columbia and Knoxville reaching over 100 degrees, NOC provides refreshing outdoor recreation alternatives. Find out about them by visiting http://nantahalaoutdoorcenter.blogspot.com!

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While Nantahala Outdoor Center is best known for whitewater rafting on seven exhilarating rivers, there is plenty more to be explored! Whether by kayak, canoe, stand-up-paddleboard or raft, the Nantahala River's famously cold temperatures are sure to keep guests cool and refreshed. Or, they can catch a breeze on NOC's new Zip Line Adventure Park. The series of high-altitude, high-exposure challenges includes a 600' zip line, additional zips, obstacles and fun climbing puzzles.

Also, NOC Paddling School instructors host free surfing sessions each and every summer Saturday at the company's Nantahala headquarters. Kayaks and stand-up-paddleboards are available for guest use in calm, flat eddys or on exciting river waves. Temperatures tend to drop 3-5 degrees for every 1,000' of elevation. If guests' goal is to stay cool, high-elevation hikes are offered at NOC Gatlinburg.

Enjoy tasty, sweet treats like the Famous Cool Jewel, NOC's signature dessert, at River's End Restaurant. Adult visitors can enjoy the weekly microbrewery tastings at NOC's riverside hangout The Pourover and relax after a day of playing in the summer sun. Cool drinks are on tap every night and the shady riverside atmosphere always provides an ideal place to chill out.

"NOC has a wide array of invigorating activities to help beat the heat this summer," said Sutton Bacon, President and CEO of Nantahala Outdoor Center. "While temperatures continue to rise, we invite you to take advantage of cold river temperatures and high-altitude adventures at Nantahala Outdoor Center's convenient locations!"

For more information on Nantahala Outdoor Center's events or to make reservations visit NOC.com or call 888.905.7238. Also, check out our new smoky mountains adventures site at http://smokymountains.noc.com. 

About Nantahala Outdoor Center
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is one of the nation's largest outdoor recreation companies. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different whitewater rafting and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC's world-renowned Paddling School, travel to foreign countries with NOC's Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at its three LEED-certified flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC's resort amenities such as its three restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. A privately-held company, NOC is one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina, and 22 Olympians including 2 Gold Medalists have called NOC home. NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the "Nation's Premiere Paddling School," "The Best Place to Learn" by Outside, and as "One of the Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic ADVENTURE.

Media Contact: Beth Carter Marketing Inspirations, 678-866-3572, [email protected]

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SOURCE Nantahala Outdoor Center