June in Western North Carolina is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy summer in the mountains. The days are warm, the nights are cool, and there is endless fun to be had. Just a short drive from Sanctuary Village, at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River, you can find the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). This 500-acre nature campus offers activities to keep the entire family entertained for days on end!
Nantahala River
Many adventures await visitors along the Nantahala River, especially at the NOC. Guided white water rafting tours are available for various skill levels, making it a perfect activity for families or for those looking for a white water adrenaline rush. Folks who wish to venture down the river on their own can also rent an inflatable kayak suitable for one.
Lake Fontana
The NOC offers both kayak and SUP (stand up paddle board) rentals so that visitors can explore beautiful Lake Fontana. A variety of wildlife inhabit the lake, and they are especially active during the summer months. They include birds of prey, river otters, turtles, and of course fish. Adventurers on the lake might also come across waterfalls where rivers and tributaries flow into Lake Nantahala.
Treetop Adventures
For those who prefer to be in the air rather than on the water, NOC has some fantastic treetop activities for all ages. They offer a guided zip line tour over the Nantahala River Gorge, with views you have to experience to believe. There’s also the Zip Line Adventure Park, where participants must navigate around various aerial obstacles. And for family members as young as 3 years old, the Treetop Adventure Nets is a fully-netted aerial playground that is sure to delight the youngsters.
Dining
Everyone needs fuel for a good adventure, and the dining options at NOC provide plenty of it! River’s End Restaurant offers seating along the river, with excellent views of the activity below from every table. From salads to burgers, vegetarian plates to a hearty ribeye steak, they have something for everyone. And a short walk across the bridge to the other side of the river leads straight to the open air seating at Big Wesser Riverside Pub, where guests can enjoy a sandwich, a drink, and live music weekly.
Sanctuary Village brings you within a short distance of so many adventures and activities, the sort that other folks have to go on vacation to experience. To learn more about living a life that could be mistaken for a vacation every day, email us at ContactUs@SanctuaryVillage.com
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