Rafting

Explore Trips
Group whitewater rafting down the French Broad River

Experience the exhilarating adventure of whitewater rafting or a peaceful float, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. Our team of professional, experienced, and entertaining whitewater rafting guides will ensure you have an unforgettable day on the French Broad River.

Available Rafting Trips


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16.40
/pp

Zip & Dip

Ziplining + Half-Day Rafting

147.60
1 Day
Moderate
Whitewater rafting trip on the French Broad River with French Broad Outfittersdefault trip image with fba logo
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/pp

Half-Day Whitewater Rafting

65.00
3-4 Hours
Moderate
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Full-Day Whitewater Rafting

96.00
5-6 Hours
Moderate
French Broad rafting trip hitting rapids on the river.default trip image with fba logo
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Half-Day Whitewater Rafting + Lunch

75.00
3-4 Hours
Moderate
Kids enjoying a calm water float trip on a ducky in the French Broad River.default trip image with fba logo
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/pp

Guided Calm Water

60.00
2-3 Hours
Easy
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Self-Guided Calm Water

44.00
2-3 Hours
Easy
Pedal & Paddle - French Broad Adventuresdefault trip image with fba logo
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16.40
/pp

Pedal & Paddle

Easy Riverside Off-Road E-Bike Tour + Half-Day Rafting

147.60
1 Day
Moderate
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17.40
/pp

Dip & Zip (w/lunch)

Half-Day Rafting w/ Lunch + Ziplining

156.60
1 Day
Moderate
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15.90
/pp

Chill & Thrill

Calm Water Rafting + Ziplining

143.10
1 day
Easy
Girl rapelling down from zipline platformdefault trip image with fba logo
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19.50
/pp

Ridges & Rapids

Ziplining + Full-Day Rafting

175.50
5-6 Hours
Moderate
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14.30
/pp

Float and Fly

Self-Guided Calm Water Rafting + Guided Ziplining

128.70
6-7 Hours
Easy
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20.60
/pp

Whitewater & Waterfalls

Half-Day Rafting + Full-Day Canyoneering

185.40
2 Days
Moderate
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21.60
/pp

Whitewater & Waterfalls Plus

Half-Day Rafting (w/ Lunch) + Full-Day Canyoneering

194.40
2 Days
Moderate
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23.70
/pp

Whitewater & Waterfalls Expedition

Full-Day Rafting (w/ Lunch) + Full-Day Canyoneering

213.30
2 Days
Moderate

Asheville’s Closest Whitewater Experience is an Unforgettable French Broad Adventure

Our whitewater rafting trips offer an exhilarating yet manageable adventure, perfect for beginners while still providing enough excitement for experienced paddlers. Starting and ending just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, these tours take you through the heart of the scenic French Broad River valley. Choose from half-day or full-day trips featuring Class II to Class IV rapids for an unforgettable experience.

Learn more about whitewater classifications.

Relax and Unwind On Calm Water Trips

French Broad Adventures provides both guided and self-guided rafting excursions on tranquil waters, showcasing gentle class I-II rapids. These serene float trips navigate leisurely through the picturesque, pastoral stretch of the French Broad River. Perfect for families with young children or anyone seeking a peaceful aquatic experience amidst stunning scenery.

FAQs

Food Options

We do not offer full food options at our Outposts.

We only offer Lunch Options for on-the-river activities; Half-Day Whitewater + Lunch, and Full Day Whitewater adventures.

We highly encourage you to bring lunch and snacks in your vehicle to have before or in between adventures.

We do offer a small variety of drinks, chips, candy and Ice Cream, for purchase, at our Rafting Building and Zipline Tower.

For Bike Tours, please bring snacks and a water bottle.

What Are The Age Requirements?

Our minimum age limit for whitewater rafting is 8 years old.

How Many People Per Boat?

Our rafts allow for 6 guests plus 1 guide.

Will I Fall Out Of The Raft?

Possibly! There is a chance that you may fall out of the raft. But relax and enjoy the float. Your guide will get you back in the raft as quickly as possible. BUT, before you even begin your trip and touch the water, your Trip Leader will go through a safety talk on how to brace into the raft, and what to do if you should fall in the water.

What Should I Wear When Rafting?

REQUIRED: shoes that won’t come off in the water (i.e. sandals with a strap on the back, water shoes, or old tennis shoes - no crocs or flip flops).

Spring and Fall – Layers, Layers, Layers!!! Complimentary wet suits (please wear swimsuits underneath) and splash gear (rain jackets and/or pants) are available for all guests as needed at no extra charge. We recommend that you wear wool or synthetic material (i.e. polyester, nylon, or dry-fit). We DO NOT RECOMMEND that you wear cotton (i.e. sweatshirts and sweatpants) or denim for your rafting trip. You may also want to wear wool or synthetic socks (i.e. SmartWool) with shoes during this time. Summer – Swimsuit with shorts and a t-shirt or tank top.

What Is A Duckie?

A duckie is an inflatable kayak made for one person. Prior experience is not required. If you would like to paddle a duckie, please request one when you make your reservation.

Is Whitewater Rafting Safe?

Like all adventure activities, whitewater rafting has inherent risk. Please keep in mind that French Broad Adventures has very experienced and professional staff. We will educate you on rafting procedures prior to your trip, and our guides will always have your safety in mind. However, French Broad Adventures does not assume liability for personal injuries. You will be asked to read and sign a waiver agreement prior to your trip. For everyone’s safety, we do not allow anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol to go on any of our trips. No refunds will be made.

Do Water Levels Impact Trip Distances?

The French Broad River is a free-flowing river and water levels fluctuate depending on rainfall. This is beyond our control. If the river is much lower or higher than normal this can potentially affect the quality and safety of your trip, so we will modify the trip distance or location as necessary. Check current water levels

Do I Need To Know How To Swim?

No. We have taken many children and adults down the French Broad River who do not know how to swim. Not only does French Broad Adventures provide top-notch safety equipment (life jacket and helmet), but our guides are all certified in CPR and first aid, and our Trip Leaders have advanced medical certifications as well as swift water rescue experience.

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Visited the french broad this summer, what a blast. Me, my boyfriend and our four grown boy went and we can’t stop talking about it. The company was very well ran, and made us feel safe at all times! The rafting and ziplines were awesome but it is the guide who really make this trip stand out above all the rest. Mitch,Justin and Jason aka "bacon" knew their history of the area and very very very funny!!! Have recommended this company to many friends who were heading that way for vacation! If your vacationing in the area or just passing threw, this is a must stop for your trip!!!! See you guys soon! Can’t wait to nite zipline and planning to visit on my honeymoon!!!! You guys rock!!!

Kimberly Racolta

We did the 9 mile rafting trip and it was awesome!! Our guide Cory is a pro! We loved all the rapids along the route! We enjoyed the stories and wildlife we saw (bald eagles and nest). It was our first whitewater trip and we were comfortable because the guides have fun with safety in mind. We will be back!! Thank you, Cory!

Amy Ball Coleman

If your group loves adventure you seriously need to go to French Broad Adventures! We did Ziplining in the morning (ask for Ariel and Becca), and then we went white water rafting (ask for Allie)! The guides were amazing and fun! Seriously super nice people! I can’t wait to visit again!

Maurisa Tremain

Comedy show plus white water rafting - what more can you ask for!?!? Richard was amazing as our guide. He knew the river like the back of his hand. He's funny, personable and most of all you could see that he cared about his client's having a great time. The hot lunch is a total bonus. Highly recommend!

Terri Hecker

The staff are exceptional. Participating in both the rafting and zip lining was an incredible experience. Great equipment, location, and views.

Jacklyn Rhodes