The French Broad River running through the center of Asheville has its headwaters high in the North Carolina mountains and flows 200+ miles to feed the Tennessee River and eventually the mighty Mississippi. It is allegedly one of the oldest rivers in the world, even older than our mountains. The most common Cherokee name for the river was Tah-kee-os-tee, meaning racing waters. The English called it the Broad River in its 1766 map of Indian Nations, but with the French occupying most of the territory in the 1700s, it became generally known as the French Broad.
The river provides a wide range of fun-filled opportunities to enjoy its offerings. Its waters range from rapids perfect for whitewater rafting and kayaking to flat smooth water perfect for paddle boarding, tubing, and float trips. There are a plethora of parks and access points for fishing, bird watching, picnics and hiking, etc. Visitors have easy access to outfitters and river event providers that quickly put you on the river for French Broad memories to take home with you. Here is just a sample:
French Broad River Outfitters: Located near downtown Asheville offering paddle board, kayak, canoe or tube rental and shuttles for a river adventure. Also, rent camping gear and book trips down the river.
Asheville Outdoor Center: Offers equipment (kayak, canoe, tube, or paddleboard), shuttles, and expert guidance at this one-stop shop. You’ll end your trip at their riverside campus. Grab a beer at their taproom afterward!
Biltmore’s Outdoor Adventure Center: Biltmore offers peaceful float trips down the gentle section of French Broad River through the Estate. Paddle with your guide in a raft or get in a single or tandem kayak for a self-guided trip. All trips depart from Antler Hill Village inside the Estate, so admission tickets are required. Trips offered April-October.
Southern Appalachian Anglers: Take a guided fly fishing or bass fishing trip near Asheville. Enjoy the Appalachian Mountains by boating and/or wading in North Carolina’s stream-fed lakes and rivers. Beginners are welcome for this relaxing day on the water! Southern Appalachian Anglers will supply all equipment and plenty of expertise.
New Belgium Brewery: Tour the amazing brewery and sample beers while watching the action on the river. Walk or bike the new riverside greenway!
NOC’s French Broad Rafting: Take a whitewater rafting trip, half-day of five miles with Class II-III rapids or a full-day trip with eight miles that adds the river-wide Frankl Bill Class IV rapids named after the 1923 canoer who lost his canoe to the eddying currents. It’s family-friendly with no experience required. All trips are guided through a very scenic section through the Pisgah National Forest. Learn a little history and see wildlife. It’s only 30-minute drive from Asheville.
Village of Hot Springs: Travelers have journeyed to the natural mineral hot springs about 36 miles north of Asheville since the late 1700s. Before that, the Cherokee Indians revered its magical, healing carbonated waters. Today, you can soak in the same water, naturally heated underground along a volcanic fault line to a perfect 98-102 degrees. Book an hour or two in a private tub by the French Broad River and watch your stress and fatigue melt away.
French Broad River Park: Keep it simple with a visit to the River Park at 508 Riverview Drive in Asheville with, open green space, old trees, picnic gazebos, greenway access, scenic river overlooks, plus small playground, restrooms, and parking. There is also an off-leash dog park.