Does every summer seem like it’s hotter than the last? Tired of scorching city sidewalks and overcrowded beaches? Why not try a vacation that offers a true change of pace? Enter the “coolcation,” a funny word for one of the fastest-growing travel trends.
Coolcation: vacations to avoid extreme summer heat. Visitors seek cooler destinations where fresh air and outdoor adventure replace sweltering temperatures and long lines.
If you’re looking for the perfect coolcation destination, Western North Carolina checks every box, and French Broad Adventures puts you right in the middle of it all.
Why French Broad Adventures Is the Ultimate Coolcation Destination
Instead of battling heat and crowds, visitors here forgo traffic noise for rushing water and mountain views. And at the center of it all flows the French Broad River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, and your invitation to adventure.
Cool Off with French Broad Adventures
French Broad Adventures allows visitors to experience the mountains from many unique perspectives: on the water, in the trees, and deep inside Pisgah National Forest.
Whitewater Rafting: Nature’s Air Conditioning
Whitewater rafting delivers instant relief from summer heat. Splashing rapids and shaded river corridors create a naturally cooler environment even on warm days.
Guided rafting trips welcome everyone from first-timers to thrill seekers, combining scenic relaxation with Class II–IV excitement. Want a more laid-back experience or have young children? Unwind with our guided calm water rafting trip.
Ziplining Through the Forest Canopy
Up in the treetops, temperatures drop. Fly through shaded hardwood forests where cool mountain air replaces summer humidity.
French Broad Adventures' zipline canopy tour is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the incredible biodiversity of Western North Carolina.
Canyoneering & Waterfall Adventures
Want peak coolcation energy? Try canyoneering!
Rappel beside waterfalls, scramble through mountain streams—hopping from boulder to boulder—and explore hidden corners of Pisgah National Forest that most visitors never see. If natural waterslides and unforgettable scenery are your “vibe,” then you’ll love canyoneering.
Escape the City (Without Giving Up Culture and Great Food)
One of the best parts of a Western North Carolina coolcation is balance.
You can spend the morning rafting and the evening exploring Asheville, only 30 minutes away from our Marshall outpost. One of America’s most beloved mountain towns, known for outdoor adventure, art, food, and craft breweries, Asheville is a must-visit destination. Visitors often combine outdoor activities with experiences such as driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, touring the Biltmore Estate, or visiting the River Arts District.
Nearby Hot Springs, NC, is another perfect coolcation stop. Have lunch and relax in pristine mineral hot springs in this charming Appalachian Trail town.
Who Is a Coolcation Perfect For?
Coolcations appeal to:
- Families escaping the summer heat. (and parents who want to get their kids off screens!)
- Couples looking for active outdoor experiences.
- Groups wanting mutual adventure instead of crowded attractions.
- Remote workers craving fresh air and inspiration.
- Anyone ready to get outside.
Instead of returning home exhausted, coolcation travelers often leave feeling recharged.
The Coolest Way to Experience Summer
Whether you raft, zipline, e-bike, or rappel waterfalls, French Broad Adventures ensures you’re experiencing Western North Carolina the way it was meant to be experienced: immersed in nature and refreshed by the mountains.
Plan Your Western North Carolina Coolcation
This summer, skip the overheated destinations and see why more travelers are heeding the call of the mountains.
Your coolcation starts here! Plan your adventure.
Come for the cooler temperatures and leave refreshed.
