NoliFest 2022 Recap

The full on NoliFest was back in action this spring after a 2 year hiatus. The festival is a celebration hosted by USA Raft Adventure Resort for the Nolichucky River and the people who love to play in/by it. We were blessed with beautiful sunny warm weather and a nice medium river flow this year (1,400-1,500 CFS) to welcome everyone back together in a place we love.

There were many fun things to do during the event weekend. Many different paddlers, Onewheel riders & festival goers came from near and far to enjoy rivers runs, races, concerts, vendor market and good food.

The Jackson Action Wagon was in the vendor market to showcase all the latest models from Jackson Kayak and provide free demos on Friday & Saturday. Orion Coolers also supported the event with an Orion Core 55 cooler donation to the silent auction to support continued conservation efforts on the Nolichucky.

The 5th annual Beat Nightfall BoaterX was held on Friday evening of the festival too. We had a record # of 49 paddlers show up for the 8 mile enduro style downriver race through the gorge. Full race results and report coming soon…

It was great to be back on the river with everyone again! This year’s festival was a homecoming for our tribe of river lovers. Good times, good times!! 🙂

Photos by Cheryl Killman and Elliott Lavery