The Live Like Maria Freestyle Classic and the US Freestyle National Championships return to the Nantahala Gorge this fall! Hosted by the Nantahala Outdoor Center and the ACA USA Freestyle Organization, this exciting event will take place October 3–5. Our host, NOC offers an amazing competition feature as well as a campus with lodging and dinning all within walking distance of the hole.

Whether you're in it for fun or aiming for the title of National Champion, this event welcomes K1, C1, and OC1 paddlers—from first-time competitors to seasoned pros.

• Entry Fee: $40
• Proceeds support the event and the USA Freestyle Team

Additional details on logistics and lodging are available in the competition registration.

Join paddlers from across the country and showcase your skills in the Nantahala River Playhole—we can't wait to see you there!

Registration is simple - Registration closes on October the 1st. The event fee covers all classes, for example if you want to compete in both the K1 Senior and C1 Senior classes you can do that just by paying the single-entry fee of $40. When it comes to multiple classes you cannot enter two different age group classes - by way of example you are a Cadet then you enter the Cadet classes but you cannot enter both K1 Junior and K1 Cadet.

To compete you must have an active ACA Membership or purchase an event membership on the day of the event. If you do not have an ACA number a per event fee of $10 will be collected.

Schedule

Official heats and start times will be posted at the event during practice day which will be Friday October 3rd. The competition will take place on Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th.

• Friday October 3rd: Practice Day - river releases from 10am to 3pm (take the water about 2 hours to reach the feature)
• Saturday October 4th: Competition day with a target of starting the first class on or around 11:30 am. Some classes may also have finals on this day. River releases from 9 am to 5pm (takes water about 2 hours to reach the feature).
• Sunday October 5th: Finals Day: Wrap up the competition with an exciting day of finals. River releases from 10 am to 3 pm (takes water about 2 hours to reach the feature)

Classes:

• Men K1 Senior
• Women K1 Senior
• Men K1 Junior
• Women K1 Junior
• Men K1 Cadet
• Women K1 Cadet
• Men C1 Senior
• Women C1 Senior
• Men C1 Junior
• Women C1 Junior
• Open OC1

Lodging for Live Like Maria Classic & US Freestyle Nationals

Onsite Accommodations
Stay on our Nantahala River Campus close to adventure, dining, and shopping with our on-site lodging options. Click on the name of the Lodging type and it will bring you to NOC site to learn more or you can call the NOC but be sure to let them know you are part of this event; 828.785.5082.

• The Hemlocks by NOC– newly build private bungalows with king bedrooms, sitting area with gas fireplace, kitchenettes, washer-dryer, and spacious decks.
• Trailside Cabins– cozy cabins with full kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and spacious decks.
• Dogwood Lodge– king or double bunk rooms with shared kitchenette.
• Basecamp Bunkhouse– hostel style lodging for the minimalist with single or double bunk rooms for groups or shared lodging. Access to bathrooms, showers, and shared kitchen facilities.
• Camping– van camping spaces or platform tent camping onsite for individuals or groups and families.
• RV Parking– while NOC does not offer RV hookups or power, we do have limited space available for overnight RV parking. Guests are welcome to use our on-campus amenities, including restrooms and showers at Basecamp.

Book your stay in advance to enjoy the full NOC experience. Visit our accommodations webpage for availability.
Dining
Savor delicious meals with a view at our dining options:

• River’s End Restaurant – Enjoy riverside dining with fresh, hearty meals, including burgers, pizzas, and local trout.
• Big Wesser Riverside Pub – Relax with casual bites, local craft beer, and live music on select evenings.
• Slow Joes – Open seasonally, this adventure bus turned café offers specialty coffee drinks, freshly made donuts, breakfast burritos, and ice cream.
• General Store – Grab coffee, snacks, and convenience items during your visit.

Shopping
Explore the NOC Outfitter’s Store for high-quality outdoor gear, apparel, and souvenirs. Whether you need hiking essentials, paddling gear, or a unique keepsake, we have you covered.

Activities for Families

• Whitewater Rafting + Rentals: Experience whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, suitable for all skill levels. Grab a raft or ducky rental for a self-guided trip down this classic
  river, open through October 31st.
• Ziplining & Ropes Courses: Soar through the trees with breathtaking views of the Smokies or traverse a two-story ropes course and obstacles.
• Mountain Biking: Rent bikes or enjoy a guided biking trip along our onsite Flint Ridge Trail or enjoy local Tsali Trails just a short drive away.
• Paddling or Wilderness Courses: Learn something new or enhance your current skillset! NOC’s renowned Paddling School is located onsite for kayak, canoe and packrafting courses for all levels. SOLO Southeast provides training and certifications in wilderness medicine or outdoor skill building for enthusiasts.
• Hiking Trails: Discover scenic trails, including the Appalachian Trail, which crosses through NOC or drive to nearby Wesser Fire Tower or book a guided hike at Deep Creek.
• Riverside Relaxation: Enjoy a coffee or cold drink while watching paddlers navigate the river.

For more details, visit noc.com or stop by the Adventure Center. We hope you have a fantastic time at NOC!

Directions:

The Nantahala Outdoor Center is easily accessed from multiple metro areas.

Address: 13077 Hwy. 19 W, Bryson City, NC 28713

From Asheville, NC Take I-40 West towards Knoxville, TN. Take exit 27 onto US 74 West towards Waynesville. Stay on 74 West, the outpost is 50 miles down this road. 8 miles past Bryson City, the 4-lane will split into two, 2-lane roads. Stay on 74, the left lane. You will enter the Nantahala Gorge and after 4.3 miles you see the Nantahala River and NOC's Nantahala Outpost.

From Gatlinburg, TN Take 441 South through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and through Cherokee. Just past Cherokee, get on 74 West. After 15 miles, the road will split into two, 2-lane roads. Stay on 74 W, the left lane, and continue the 4.3 miles to the NOC Nantahala Outpost.

From East Atlanta Take I-85 North to I-985 North. At Gainesville, take 365 North to 441 North. Just past Dillsboro, NC, 441 merges with US 74. 8 miles past Bryson City, the 4-lane splits into two, 2-lane roads. Stay on 74, the left lane. Continue 4.3 miles and arrive at the NOC Nantahala Outpost.

From West Atlanta Take I-75 North to I-575 North. I-575 becomes State Hwy 5, and then Hwy 76. Stay on this road until Blue Ridge, GA where you turn left onto Hwy 60 towards Mineral Bluff, GA. In Mineral Bluff, turn right onto Hwy 60 Spur. Follow it into North Carolina to US 74 East, turning right towards Murphy and Andrews when the road ends. Stay on 74 East, NOC's Nantahala Outpost is 20 miles past Andrews. You will follow the Nantahala River for the last 8 miles.

From Chattanooga, TN Take I-75 North towards Cleveland, TN. Take the 1st Cleveland exit, the US 64 Bypass Exit. Go 6 miles and take the Ocoee Exit onto US 64 East towards Murphy, NC. In Murphy the road number changes to US 74. Stay on 74 East, NOC's Nantahala Outpost is 20 miles past Andrews. You will follow the Nantahala River for the last 8 miles.