French Broad River, North Carolina
| Price |
 What's this? |
| Class of Rapids |
II-III, IV |
| Trip Miles |
Section IX: 8 miles |
| Trip Duration |
1 day |
| Season |
March-November |
| Raft Type |
Paddle Raft, Oar Raft, Inflatable Kayak |
| River Sections |
Section IX: Barnard to Hot Springs |
| Nearby Towns |
Asheville (NC) |
| Driving Times |
Asheville (NC): 0.5 hour; Knoxville (TN): 1.5 hours |
| Recommended For |
Beginner, Families, Accessibility, Tubing & Duckies, Fall |
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Full steam ahead down the French Broad River near Asheville, North Carolina
(courtesy, North Carolina Tourism)
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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.
* Trip price reflects the average cost per day for a guided rafting adventure on a given river (
= $50-$100/day;
= $100-$250/day;
= $250 or more/day) and accounts for half-day, full-day, or multiday rafting excursions. Lodging, dining, and transportation costs (airfare, car rental/shuttle, equipment rentals, etc.) have not been factored into account. Please note that the trip price classification is intended to be an approximate guideline, as the range of prices on a given river can vary based on amenities, services, and customized add-ons offered through individual outfitters.
