August 10, 2014 Marjorie Thomas , National Park Service, 678-538-1243 Charles Conner , Nantahala Outdoor Center, 828-423-0158

Atlanta, Ga.: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and the National Park Service (NPS) have announced that NOC will open two riverside adventure centers within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) in Atlanta, Georgia. The NPS awarded NOC a 10-year exclusive contract for operations within the CRNRA, which currently receives over 3 million recreational visitors per year. The facilities will open in the spring of 2015.

NOC's Chattahoochee River outposts will offer guided river trips, paddling instruction, paddlesports and specialty retail, guided fishing tours, food and beverage operations, shuttle services, special events, and a wide variety of watercraft rentals including kayaks, canoes, rafts, inner-tubes, and stand-up paddleboards. The new operations will create approximately 60 new jobs.

The company's two facilities at Powers Island and Johnson Ferry will sit on eight riverside acres located between Atlanta's Buckhead and East Cobb neighborhoods and less than two miles from the site of the new $700 million Atlanta Braves stadium. They enable NOC to offer both fishing and float trips on the 3.5-mile Johnson Ferry to Powers Island flatwater section and whitewater trips on the popular 3-mile Class II Powers Island to Paces Mill "Metro Chattahoochee" section.

Sutton Bacon, CEO of the Nantahala Outdoor Center, commented, "We have an exciting and important vision for the Chattahoochee. NOC is thrilled to partner with the National Park Service to introduce new, urban audiences to the physical, emotional, and social benefits of human-powered outdoor recreation. With the upcoming NPS Centennial, there is no better time or place than Atlanta to promote the outdoors and the continued relevancy of our public lands."

Says Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Superintendent Bill Cox, "NOC is a highly-respected company, bringing professionalism and innovation to spark interest in outdoor adventure to the metro-Atlanta area. Having NOC as our exclusive outfitter will increase park revenues, enhance visitors' experiences when renting watercraft, and more safely streamline watercraft operations conducted in the park. We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to working together to provide quality recreational opportunities on the Chattahoochee River."

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Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, travel abroad with NOC’s adventure ravel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at its LEED-certified retail stores or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as its riverside restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. NOC is one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina, and 22 Olympians including two Olympic Gold Medalists have called NOC home. NOC has been recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation's Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE.

www.nps.gov

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.