Payson Kennedy, Aurelia Kennedy, and Horace Holden founded the Nantahala Outdoor Center in 1972. Once a small rafting outfit on one river, the NOC has since grown to operate on five southeastern rivers, with three retail locations, and two restaurants.

Follow along as Payson Kennedy recounts memorable and hilarious stories with staff and guests as the NOC grew into one of the best outdoor centers on earth. Payson still resides in the area, regularly chats with staff, and still gets after it in his whitewater canoe!