The Premier Southeast Out of doors Recreation Pageant

For anyone who loves paddling or just loves the great outdoors, mark your calendars! NoliFest is Southern Appalachia’s spring get-together for whitewater and onewheel enthusiasts. This year’s festival program includes onewheel racing, group rides, a Beat Nightfall Gorge kayak race, SUP racing, gear sale and swap, shuttles, live music and much more. NoliFest 2022 will be held April 22-24 at USA Raft Adventure Resort, the premier destination for outdoor adventure and recreation on the banks of the beautiful Nolichucky River.

Flowing through one of the deepest river canyons in the eastern United States, the Nolichucky is a short drive from anywhere in the southeastern United States. The rafting, kayaking and water sports activities here are epic, and this river attracts some of the best athletes in the world. At NoliFest you’ll have the time of your life paddling down one of the most adventurous and scenic rivers in the world.

Kayak and SUP

Register for the Beat NightFall Race after check-in on Friday, or settle into your luxury accommodation unit and prepare to watch the racers at the diner. On Saturday there are morning and afternoon shuttle options for an incredible Nolichucky Gorge adventure. Book a rafting tour for the whole family led by an experienced guide, or hop on the shuttle with your kayak for a group paddle tour like no other.

Also on Saturday morning, the first SUP race will start at the USA Raft Adventure Resort site and finish at the new Red Banks Outpost, about 1.8 miles downstream, where a shuttle will take you back to the rest of the fun. Later there will be bragging rights and an awards ceremony. To end your day on the water, don’t miss the SUP jousting event, which is as fun as it sounds.

unicycle

Whether you’re an experienced driver or brand new to Onewheels, you’ll enjoy the action as you watch or drive the best personal electric vehicle on the market. On Saturday night, make your way to the volleyball court to see some of the best Onewheelers compete for first place. NoliFest also features scheduled group rides, a trick clinic, and demos for various models like the XR+, Pint, and Pint X. If you’re interested in getting your own Onewheel, be sure to check out the festival’s gear swap and sale, which others also do equipment of the outdoor industry will be presented. USA Raft prides itself on being the nation’s premier Onewheel dealer and home of one of the first organized Onewheel races.

music, food, drink and exercise

At NoliFest there is white water all day and sweet tunes into the night. Friday at USA Raft’s Take Out Bar & Grill, My New Favorites and Dreads for Brains are on the main stage all night, and Saturday night enjoy the music of Brushfire Stankgrass.

The Take Out Bar & Grill serves cold beers all weekend. Almost everything on the riverfront outdoor bar’s extensive beer menu comes from craft breweries, which are within an hour or two’s drive of USA Raft. For dinner, choose an option like a pulled pork sandwich, gourmet hot dog, or even vegan options.

You can also enjoy campfires, hammocks and seating around the fire, all on the banks of the beautiful Nolichucky River. With hot food in one hand, a cold drink in the other, toes in the sand and music filling the air, this is the perfect setting to end your day.

For breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, the food trucks will be Mimi’s Food Truck, Mountain Surf Coffee and Maybe Today offering hot drinks and delicious food. To get your body going and beat the rust of the night away, morning Tai Chi and yoga classes are held on both mornings. Just don’t be surprised if these classes take place on a stand-up paddleboard in the pond, because that’s the USA Raft method.

Sponsors and Vendors

NoliFest 2022 sponsors are Blue Ridge Outdoors, Liquidlogic Kayaks, Pyranha Kayaks and Smokey Mountain Hempire. NoliFest will include other leaders from the whitewater and outdoor community who will be based directly on site with plenty of gear and equipment. Be sure to stop by their tents, say hello and check out some of the best outdoor companies out there.

Festival passes and accommodation

Call 1-(800)-USA-RAFT today to secure your lodging and festival passes. There is an option to stay overnight or just purchase festival passes. This event sells out every year. If you’re a lover of outdoor recreation in the Southeast, you won’t want to miss it. To learn more about USA Raft Adventure Resort, visit www.usaraft.com.