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.

NOLICHUCKY OUTDOOR LEARNING INSTITUTE

Single-Day and Multi-Day Kayak Adventures for All Skill Levels

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A Comprehensive Outdoor School You Can Trust

Located on the banks of the beautiful Nolichucky River in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, NOLI is the region's leading comprehensive outdoor school offering courses and instruction for all ability levels in a variety of disciplines including kayak, canoe, water safety and rescue, wilderness medicine, survival, navigation, camping, backpacking, conservation and more. We also offer special events such as team building, adventure camps and custom programs tailored to you and your group. There's something for everyone at the Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute!

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Nature's Symphony

Explore. Learn. Thrive.

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Stunning Locations

Our outpost location along the beautiful Nolichucky River and class locations in and adjacent to the mountains and rivers of the Appalachian Highlands provide a truly stunning backdrop to learn and immerse yourself in the outdoors.

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Extensive Curriculum

NOLI's diverse range of outdoor education programs is unrivaled in the region, providing students with a wide variety of unique and rewarding educational experiences.



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Decades of Expertise

NOLI's instructors are highly qualified and experienced professionals, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. You won’t find a more capable and caring group committed to helping you achieve your goals.

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Adventure is Calling!

Northeast Tennessee and the Appalachian Highlands are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of opportunities for adventure and training. From the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the clear rivers and streams of Cherokee National Forest, there is something for everyone.

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Classes & Events

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Kayaking Classes and Adventures

Whitewater and flatwater, beginner to advanced instruction plus overnight trips

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Whitewater Canoeing Classes

Private and group lessons for all abilities on the Nolichucky and French Broad

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Water Safety & Rescue Classes

Certified water safety and rescue training, including swiftwater and flatwater rescue

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Wilderness Medicine First Aid and CPR Classes

Basic First & CPR plus Wilderness First Aid courses

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Wilderness Survival & Navigation Training

One to two-day survival and wilderness skills courses plus map and compass

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Conservation & Leave No Trace Classes and Events

Leave No Trace Training and events for individuals, groups and trainers

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Backpacking, Camping & Hiking

Learn new skills while exploring the Appalachian Highlands

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Special Events and Workshops

See any special events and unique workshops currently offered by NOLI

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Custom Group & Individual Programs

Tailor your own custom training just for your group

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Why Choose Us

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Learning Experience

Develop skills in a professional, supportive learning environment

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Connect to Nature

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature

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Feel Empowered

Come away feeling confident and empowered

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Have Fun

We believe people learn best when they have fun

REVIEWS

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Blue Ridge Outdoors

The campus feels like a cross between a summer vacation and a commando school: there's real teaching going on all around me, and everyone seems to be loving it.

Andrea G.

NOLI’s variety of class offerings never ceases to amaze me! I’ve taken whitewater kayaking and swiftwater classes with NOLI before and am now so excited to see some art classes thrown in the mix. The intro to pottery class was fantastic! The class size ensured each student got individual instruction and assistance from the instructor. Kerry did a wonderful job explaining the basic techniques and showed us how we could build our skills to make more complex pieces. Not to mention the quaint, river setting made for such a peaceful atmosphere!

Joy H.

Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute is an incredible and vital asset to our region. We are blessed to have this treasure-trove of classes, events and skilled instructors in our midst. The Novice Class is invaluable to the newer kayaker. Moves were explained and demonstrated in and out of the water - at a pace appropriate for each student. River reading tips were given (and very much appreciated). Time on the river was very helpful, informative and a blast!

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