French Broad River Rafting

Full steam ahead down the French Broad River near Asheville, North Carolina (courtesy, North Carolina Tourism)

State: North Carolina
Price: $
River Rapid Class: II-III, IV
Trip in Miles: Section IX: 8 miles
Trip Duration: 1 day
Season: March-November
Raft Types: Paddle Raft, Oar Raft, Inflatable Kayak
River Sections: Section IX: Barnard to Hot Springs
Nearby Towns: Asheville (NC)
Gateway City: Asheville (NC)
Driving Times: Asheville (NC): 0.5 hour; Knoxville (TN): 1.5 hours

The French Broad ventures through the Pisgah National Forest. The favorite section for most people is the run between Barnard and Hot Springs, which makes an eventful trip through a series of wooded gorges. This river alternates between quiet pools and challenging rapids, so you have time to catch your breath between whitewater runs. This is a good river for intermediate paddlers to improve their skills. Spring and summer flows are generally dependable, while abbreviated half-day trips and guided inflatable-kayak tours are available during lower summer water flows.