Experience the thrilling adventure of whitewater (white water) rafting or a calm float immersed in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. Our team of professional, experienced, and, dare we say, funny whitewater rafting guides will make sure you thoroughly enjoy a day on the French Broad River.
Pedal & Paddle
Easy Riverside Off-Road E-Bike Tour + Half-Day Rafting
Half-Day Whitewater Rafting
Full-Day Whitewater Rafting
Half-Day Whitewater Rafting + Lunch
Guided Calm Water
Self-Guided Calm Water
Zip & Dip
Ziplining + Half-Day Rafting
Dip & Zip (w/lunch)
Half-Day Rafting w/ Lunch + Ziplining
Chill & Thrill
Calm Water Rafting + Ziplining
Ridges & Rapids
Ziplining + Full-Day Rafting
Float and Fly
Self-Guided Calm Water Rafting + Guided Ziplining
Whitewater & Waterfalls
Half-Day Rafting + Full-Day Canyoneering
Whitewater & Waterfalls Plus
Half-Day Rafting (w/ Lunch) + Full-Day Canyoneering
Whitewater & Waterfalls Expedition
Full-Day Rafting (w/ Lunch) + Full-Day Canyoneering
Asheville’s Closest Whitewater Experience is an Unforgettable French Broad Adventure
Our whitewater rafting trips are exciting but not overwhelming and provide a great introduction to whitewater while providing enough thrills for the experienced paddler. Trips begin and end just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Tour the heart of the scenic French Broad River valley on our half-day or full-day whitewater rafting trips that feature Class II to Class IV rapids.
Learn more about whitewater classifications.
Relax and Unwind On Calm Water Trips
French Broad Adventures offers guided and unguided calm water rafting trips that feature class I-II rapids. The calm water float trips take you on a slow, meandering, and pastoral section of the French Broad River. Calm water rafting is a great option for families with smaller children and those who simply want to be on the water and take in the 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 at our Rafting Building and Zipline Tower.
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 6-7 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.
What They Say
View More TestimonialsSpend the day yesterday with our group zip lining and rafting in the afternoon. Was a highlight of our trip up to Asheville. The guides, Thomas, Lee, and Shawn were fantastic. Definitely recommend and will book again the next time there.
My boyfriend got sick the morning of our zip lining/rafting trip, and the staff let us reschedule for the next day with no charge. Everyone was so friendly and helpful!!! Our guides were wonderful as well. Thomas and D were great guides on our zip lining trip and were so knowledgeable and hilarious. Augustine was an amazing rafting guide as well. He was so personable and clearly has a passion for what he does. Rafting was my favorite part of the day, and the scenery was beautiful. I highly recommend this family-owned company over any other in the area!!!!! This was all around a great experience!!!
We went on the short trip that included lunch for a very reasonable price. This was our first trip and it was amazing. The scenery was beautiful, and our guide was informative, professional, and a lot of fun! We learned a lot about the landmarks and homes you see along the river. We look forward to bringing our children next year. I would highly recommend this company to my family and friends.
Amazing trip & Great Guides! The best group of people we could have had to share with us the fun & pleasure that this trip offers. Beautiful views, a group of well-informed guides who know & love the river & the beautiful surrounding community...and funny, friendly personalities too! If you are in the area and you want to ride the French Broad, these are the guys to do it with!
What a great time! A little bit of tranquil relaxing mixed with exhilarating excitement. Our guide Christian was awesome! Definitely recommend this to anyone visiting the area. Thanks for a great day guys!
