IF YOU GO Nantahala Outdoor Center. 13077 U.S. 19 W., Bryson City, North Carolina. Activities include whitewater rafting, mountain biking and zip lining. $32 and up.

On the Nantahala River near Bryson City, N.C., about one-third of Paddle Inn Rafting's customers take their custom single, double and triple duckies, said Ardis Thomas, who still guides at 75 and ...