adventures

Our Most Popular
adventures

Your next adventure starts here with NCOA!
It’s time to Get Outside and Explore your world.

Based out of the Blue Ridge mountains in Western North Carolina, NCOA offers over 21 different trips including; tubing, rafting, whitewater kayak instruction, climbing, rappelling, waterfall rappelling, hiking, camping, youth programs, boy and girl scout programs, eco-hiking plus alpine climbing instruction during the winter months. Our diversity in trip offerings makes our family owned company the perfect choice for many families, couples, adventurers, and groups. 

We’d love to have you adventure with us at NCOA.

NORTH CAROLINA OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Your Next Adventure
Starts Here!

“Our goal is to offer a trip for any adventurer, whatever your interest or abilities are. We employ the industry’s most passionate, and competent certified guides, and we offer each guest a new feeling of excitement, confidence, and awareness” – Scott and Christy Thrift

outdoor activities

For those looking to explore Western North Carolina we have guided tours and classes for all abilities.

WATERSPORTS

From floats to whitewater rapids we have a water adventure to fit just what you’re looking for on the cleanest river in North Carolina.

Accomodations

We take full service to another level with our family owned, unique, accommodations for rent. Stay in our Root Cellar Tiny House or our one of a kind TeePee.

Call to contact us

(828) 260-4505

or send us a message

The experience of a lifetime

Group Adventures your way

family adventures

Family Adventure Tours

Get ready to make some family memories! Take your pick from an exciting range of outdoor escapades. We'll be your adventure concierge, whipping up the perfect vacation complete with thrilling tours and cozy lodgings!
learn more
Scout kayaking youth paddles Spider Lily kayaking tour

Scouting & Camps

Are you looking for a high adventure rush or a chill river jaunt, NCOA is the ultimate adventure hub. We offer a variety of adventurous activities and educational programs, including merit badge courses, that can be customized to your group's preferences.
learn more
camp adventure programs and tours

Schools and Universities

Let NCOA build a fun and educational day for your students. Select from high adventure courses, canyoneering, whitewater or choose a more laid-back adventure like Eco- Snorkeling, kayaking or tubing.
learn more
Top Rope Guide Course learn to belay climbing NC

Corporate Team Building

NC Outdoors packs a punch with their epic array of team-building activities. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a newbie, they've got an adventure perfectly tailored to your group's abilities.
learn more

EXPLORE. CHALLENGE. GROW WITH NCOA.

watch the full video
Testimonials

What our visitors say

We had a wonderful experience kayaking with NC Outdoor Adventures. We had to reschedule our trip due to rain, and the owners were very communicative and helpful. We have rented kayaked many times before in different states, and I can safely say that the customer service and general smoothness of our experience at NCOA was the best I have ever encountered.
via TripAdvisor
Laura Beth Hooper
Local Gude
I did a privately guided climbing trip and Ryan was great! I couldn’t have asked for a better trip. It was a beautiful day, we had the mountain to ourselves and I learned a lot from him. I was also interested in learning multi pitch and he gave me a little taste of that too, which was awesome. I would definitely recommend NCOA and I plan on doing more adventures with them in the future!
via TripAdvisor
Kelly E
Scott led us on a self rescue and an intro to trad course over the past couple weeks. Even after watching countless hours of videos and reading multiple books over the years, we still learned a lot from him. We feel more confident in placing and trusting gear and knowing we are able to self rescue if the need arises. We appreciate it Scott!
via TripAdvisor
Matt Geo
Spider lily kayak trip is delightful! You are at eye level with the lilies. Easy enough for kids/beginners, and guides look out for you every step of the way.
via TripAdvisor
Jennifer Shea
We had a canoe trip so great on Wednesday that we came back and did it again on Thursday! Easy to find and park, totally reasonable rates, and friendly people. The river is beautiful and a safe, easy float. You can tell Scott really cares about people, the river, and that everyone enjoys the experience. This was as smooth and attentive an operation as I’ve ever used - really a great group! (ps - we fished…the smallmouth fishing is great!)
via TripAdvisor
Greg Klein
Christy worked closely with me to customize a rock climbing trip to suit my family’s goals. She was flexible when weather delayed our initial plans!! And when the time finally came, she and Scott were both friendly, patient, and encouraging. They took care of it all! I recommend NCOA for adventure seeking families!
via TripAdvisor
Alyson Vaughan
Review on Trip Advisor
Review on Google
Recommend on Facebook
Accommodation Tiny house

AccommodationS

root cellar tiny house

Stay on an historic 1890’s tobacco farm in our fully renovated Root Cellar Tiny House. This house is perfect for 2-4 guests looking for a unique stay they won’t find anywhere else. 

ncoa tipi

latest news

Explore our Blog

scott and christy thrift
Categories Uncategorized October 25, 2022

Big Business Changes in 2023

collage buy 1 get 1 free
Categories Uncategorized November 25, 2021

Black Friday 2021

christmas card option collage
Categories Uncategorized November 23, 2020

Give a gift that highlights great mental health and bonding through ADVENTURE THERAPY!