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Bryson City, North Carolina, is more than just a postcard-perfect mountain town— it’s where professional kayaker Evy Leibfarth learned to paddle and found her footing as a competitor and person. “To me, Bryson City is just where it all started — kind of where I found myself,” Leibfarth says.
On her home turf, the Nantahala River, Leibfarth’s days are simple yet stacked: lunch at River’s End before the river release, and then training sessions on the river’s slalom gates, or paddling other sections of the Nantahala.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rlekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R15ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeThe variety is part of the magic — from beginner-friendly floats to Class IV cascades, the section of the river near Bryson City has it all.“The Nantahala River is a great place to progress as a paddler,” Leibfarth says. “There’s something for everyone.”
Paddling Western NC With an OlympianWhen she’s not on the water, Leibfarth enjoys all the perks of life in a small North Carolina mountain town. Just a few blocks long but packed with restaurants, shops, and plenty of character, downtown Bryson City is the ultimate base camp for adventure.
“Bryson City is all about the outdoors,” she says. “We have beautiful mountains, so many hiking trails, pretty waterfalls, and, of course, river access. Growing up in Western North Carolina with all this access instilled a love of being outdoors in me from a young age.”
Tucked into the lush folds of the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is a charming mountain town that serves as a gateway to outdoor adventure — especially for those seeking thrills on the Nantahala River. The legendary Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is a hub for whitewater rafting and kayaking, but visitors can also immerse themselves in ziplining, hiking, and other outdoor activities in the scenic Smoky Mountains.
The experience is both exhilarating and deeply refreshing. With its blend of small-town hospitality and world-class outdoor access, Bryson City and the Nantahala area offer an unforgettable escape into the heart of Western North Carolina wilderness.
