Nantahala Outdoor Center Gatlinburg: Outdoor Gear & Smoky Mountain Adventure Planning

Nantahala Outdoor Center Gatlinburg is located at 1138 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The 18,000-square-foot outdoor store carries hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation gear along with local goods and gifts. But the location is more than a traditional retail store.

Inside, guests can cross a swinging rope bridge on the second floor, explore a kid-friendly bear cave, relax near a large fireplace, and try a 25-foot climbing wall.

The NOC team can also help visitors plan outdoor adventures in the Smokies, including hiking recommendations, scenic viewpoints, and guided outdoor opportunities. Guests can also inquire about NOC’s Pigeon River rafting trips at the Gatlinburg location.

Why Guests Love It

More than an outdoor gear store
The climbing wall, rope bridge, bear cave, and other features give families something to explore even when they are simply stopping in for gear or information.

Helpful for first-time Smoky Mountain visitors
If you’re unsure which trail, lookout, or outdoor activity is appropriate for your family, NOC staff can provide guidance based on your group’s experience and interests.

A useful pre-hike stop
Families can pick up outdoor essentials, check their equipment, and get local advice before heading into the national park.

Kid-friendly touches
The indoor climbing wall and bear cave give younger visitors something to explore while adults browse gear.

Convenient Gatlinburg location
Its location on the Parkway makes it easy to combine with a day in downtown Gatlinburg or a visit to the national park.

Insider Tips

• Think of NOC Gatlinburg as both an outdoor outfitter and adventure-planning stop, rather than simply a retail store.
• If you’re planning a hike, ask the staff about trails and viewpoints that match your group’s experience level.
• Families with children can check out the indoor climbing wall and kid-friendly bear cave while shopping.
• If you’re planning to go into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, use the stop to make sure you have appropriate footwear, layers, water-carrying equipment, and other essentials.
• Ask about NOC’s available adventure options before assuming every activity departs directly from the Gatlinburg location.
• Operating hours can change, particularly around holidays and seasonal schedules, so check ahead before making it part of a tightly timed itinerary.
• If your group is planning a Pigeon River rafting experience, ask about current trip availability and transportation details before leaving the store.

Stay Hello Sunshine Tip

For Sunshine Around the Bend guests, Nantahala Outdoor Center Gatlinburg can be a smart first stop before a day in the national park. Instead of guessing which trail or outdoor activity will work for your group, get local guidance and make sure everyone has what they need.

Then head back to the cabin after your mountain day and settle into the slower side of the trip: dinner in the gourmet kitchen, a soak in the hot tub, or an evening around the private fire table with the wooded mountains as your backdrop.