2025 schedule of classes and events is now up. Additional dates will be added as we continue to recover from Hurricane Helene. If you don’t see a desired class or event, check back or contact us for more information.

Classes and Events

Led by Experienced Instructors and Guides

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Outdoor Skills Training Classes & Events

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Classes & Events

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Kayaking Classes & Adventures

Choose from a diverse range of kayak classes and adventures that cater to all skill levels. These include flat water classes, whitewater training, instructor certifications, and overnight trips.

A man is riding a yellow kayak down a river.

Whitewater Canoeing Classes

Immerse yourself in the art of the single blade and choose from a diverse range of whitewater classes that cater to all skill levels beginner to advanced.

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Water Safety & Rescue Training

We offer a robust selection of water safety and rescue classes for a broad range of recreational users and professionals, from water safety for kids to instructor certification in swiftwater rescue.

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Wilderness Medicine: First Aid & CPR

Wilderness medicine training is invaluable for anyone who spends time in the outdoors. Choose from among our first aid and CPR courses and position yourself to confidently provide care when the need arises.

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Wilderness Survival & Navigation Training

Learn to survive and thrive in the wild by choosing among a variety of our wilderness skills classes suitable for all skill levels, including survival, map and compass, knot tying and more.

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Conservation & Leave No Trace Classes & Events

NOLI is committed to protecting our natural places and helping to educate others on ways they can be responsible environmental stewards.. Join us for one of our Leave No Trace classes, clean-ups or other conservation-related events.

A group of people standing next to each other in the woods.

Backpacking, Camping & Hiking Classes & Adventures

Choose from among a variety of backpacking, camping and hiking classes and events, including overnight backpacking trips, camp cook classes, hammock hanging classes, guided hikes and more.

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Special Events

Join us for occasional special events, including unique classes, free talks, mini-clinics and workshops.

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Custom Programs

Don’t see a class or date that works for you, or want to customize training for you or your group? Contact us and we will create an impactful and memorable experience tailored just for you.

REVIEWS

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Eric C.

Because of their great reputation, I drove 9.5 hours each way to come take a weekend class with NOLI, and I’m glad I did. I simply cannot overstate how impressed I am with the whole experience. From start to finish, NOLI’s process is professional, thoughtful and thorough, and the curriculum and teaching methods have been carefully developed through decades of experience. And it doesn’t hurt that the Nolichucky River is a spectacular setting in which to learn! Thank you for a great weekend, I will definitely be back.

Josh M.

AMAZING CLASS!!! My confidence alone in life skyrocketed from this class. The knowledge and experience from each of the instructors is unfathomable. 1000/10 recommend.

Jennifer J.

I cannot speak highly enough about this wonderful organization. They are 2 for 2 on wonderful instructional trips for me. I will be back soon! If you are thinking about trying them out....stop thinking and sign up. They ROCK!

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Why Choose Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute?

AT NOLI, we are 100% committed to ensuring you get the most of your outdoor training or adventure. Our team is not only great at what they do, bringing years of experience to their teaching and guiding, they also truly care about you as a person and want to make sure that you leave feeling that your goals were met, you were safe and that you thoroughly enjoyed the experience. And all of this in one of the country’s truly spectacular playgrounds.

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