Whitewater Rafting in Asheville, NC

by | Sep 6, 2011 | asheville, travel tips, white water rafting

The French Broad River is the closest outfitter for whitewater rafting near Asheville, North Carolina, just 22 miles northwest of Asheville near Marshall, NC.

You can select from a variety of white water and float trips on the beautiful and historic French Broad River. Just select a river trip to suit your group and schedule. You can do a half day of whitewater rafting, which is an average of 5 miles of class II-III rapids and amazing scenery. Whitewater rafting half-day morning trips usually include a fresh deli-style lunch. All-day white water rafting on the French Broad River gives you 8 miles to enjoy the rapids and mountain scenery of beautiful North Carolina along with a fresh deli-style lunch and a fun class IV rapid. The minimum age is 8. Families with young children can choose a more serene float, and the minimum age is 4.

When water levels permit, adventurers have the option of paddling inflatable kayaks or your own raft. In the calm pools between rapids, your guide will teach you about the natural and human history of this ancient river corridor. When you book your trip, your outfitter will provide all equipment necessary in connection with the river.

Before your trip, you must sign a waiver, and you can change clothes and do a check for anything you need: companions, cameras, shoes, river, sun cream, sunglasses, etc. You will attend a short talk about gear (helmets, PFDs, paddles, etc.), procedures, and the logistics of the journey on the river itself. When all questions have been answered and your equipment is checked to be a good fit, it’s time to load buses and head to your whitewater or calm water float trip on the beautiful French Broad River, home to some of the best North Carolina whitewater rafting near Asheville.

North Carolina is blessed with a long whitewater rafting season. Here in the southern Appalachians, rafting trips and float trips can be booked from mid-March to early November. And unlike other cold water rivers in western NC, the French Broad River is warmer and inviting. More than just another river trip, whitewater rafting on the North Carolina French Broad River near Asheville offers an excellent combination of White Water Rapids, serene pools, beautiful landscapes, history and wildlife.

You can book your Whitewater Rafting Trip for your visit to Asheville with Blue Heron Whitewater.

And don’t forget where to stay in Asheville— the Reynolds Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn!