French Broad Adventures

Rafting, Ziplines, Canyoneering, Climbing Adventures near Asheville, NC

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Guided Canyoneering Expeditions

Rappel down a waterfall and experience natural rock water slides well off the beaten path. Adventure awaits in the Blue Ridge Mountains – just outside of Asheville, NC

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Questions? Give us a call at 828-649-0486

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Conquer the Canyon

You don’t need to be an experienced outdoorsperson to rappel down an ancient waterfall or dive into a deep mountain river. Our team of expert canyoneering guides will show you the ropes (literally) so you can confidently explore some of Western North Carolina’s most beautiful and exciting land formations.

Trip Details

Price

$130/person; “Tag Along” is $50/person

Duration

Length varies. Plan for 4-6 hours.

Time

March – October; Reservations required.

Group Size

2-person minimum

Difficulty

Moderate; Must be comfortable with heights.

Age

At least 12 years of age. Under 18 must be actively accompanied by parent or guardian.

Height & Weight

There is no weight min or max. Participants must fit a climbing harness with a waist measurement between 18-45″ and a leg measurement between 10-28″.

We Provide

Bottle of water

Small backpack

All safety equipment

Please Bring

Any medication that you may need immediate access to while on the trip (e.g., asthma inhaler, epipen or diabetic glucose).

Change of clothes, and towel to leave in the van.

For taking photos, a small waterproof/shockproof camera or disposable camera is best.

A “brown-bag” style lunch (i.e. a sandwich or wrap) and/or your favorite energy bar (i.e. Clif, Lara, or Rx bar) or trail mix.

Do Not Bring

Valuables or anything else that you would mind having lost, wet, or broken.

Your cell phone is unlikely to work. We recommend not bringing it on the actual trip.

Hiking poles

What to Wear

Wear layered, loose, comfortable clothing that is not bulky. See FAQ below for more details.

Socks

Weather

Rain or shine

Check Availability

Meet at the R.A.d. Outpost

The check-in for French Broad Adventures canyoneering trips is at our River Arts District (RAD Outpost) located 191 Lyman St #320, Asheville, NC 28801.

What is Canyoneering?

Canyoneering, also known as canyoning, is an adventure sport that combines multiple outdoor adventures–including hiking, boulder-hopping, and waterfall rappelling–to traverse down a canyon. Think of it as nature’s obstacle course.

Asheville NC Canyoneering Trip featuring waterfall rapelling down canyon.

Canyoneering FAQs

When Is French Broad Adventures Open For Canyoneering?

Canyoneering trips are available from March through October, with a minimum of two people. If you don’t see availability online just give us a call.

Should I Reserve Ahead Of Time?

Because this is a guided trip, we strongly encourage making a reservation so we can have the appropriate staffing for the day. If you are planning to come between early June and mid-August we recommend making your reservation early because our peak season trips fill up quickly.

Where Do We Meet?

You will be meeting your Canyoneering Guides at our new outpost in the River Arts District of Asheville (191 Lyman St, Unit 320), 30 minutes prior to your trip time. The Riverview Station building is a red brick building that has multiple studios and shops. Our office is on the far left side (as you look at it from Lyman St.) of the building, next to Art Garden. There is a small courtyard, and a large metal, green stairwell up to our front door.

What Canyon Will We Go To?

Safety is something we take very seriously, and we support the Forest Service Waterfall Safety Initiative. In an effort to dissuade unsafe copycat behavior from the general public, we do not publicly disclose the location of the canyons and waterfalls we use. We now have multiple canyon locations to choose from, and we are VERY excited about this. For any given canyoneering trip day we will monitor weather, check river gauges, and factor in other accessibility issues – and then pick the “best trip of the day” for your canyoneering adventure.

If you have been canyoneering with us already and want to check out something new, just ask! We’ll see if we can get you to a different spot.

Is Canyoneering Safe?

While any outdoor activity has inherent risk, at French Broad Adventures our top priority is always reducing and mitigating any risks. Our company has been a leading outdoor adventure provider for over 40 years now, and we bring that collective experience to canyoneering. 

In addition to their varied backgrounds in climbing, rigging, and rope access technology, all of our guides have extensive training based on the ACA (American Canyoneering Association) curriculum. Also, your Guides have advanced training in first aid, so you can rest (play!) easy knowing you will always have a Guide on your trip with a minimum of a WFR (Wilderness First Responder) Certification. 

Please don’t forget – you are responsible for your own safety too. Listen carefully to safety briefings and always follow your Guide’s instructions – because a safe trip is a fun trip!

What About Medical or Health Conditions?

Because you will be in a wilderness setting where access to definitive care takes longer than normal and cell service is minimal, we do not recommend that folks participate if they have an existing medical condition that could require urgent care. If you need any fast-acting medications such as an EpiPen, diabetic glucose, or an asthma inhaler it is imperative that you bring them along on your trip.

Do I Need To Be In Good Physical Shape To Canyoneer?

Yes. Time in the canyon averages between 3-4 hours depending on the size of your group and the canyon location. You will be outdoors on steep, boulder-strewn, and potentially slick terrain (what fun would a waterfall be without water?). A good indicator that you are physically fit enough for canyoneering is that you can comfortably walk 3 miles on semi-steep and/or uneven trails carrying a light pack, comfortably hike on uphill and downhill slopes, can climb or descend 5 flights of stairs, and can climb a ladder with ease.

Do I Need To Have Previous Canyoneering Or Rappelling Experience?

Not necessarily, but familiarity with climbing, ropes, or rappelling (even if it was at a camp, climbing gym, or challenge course) may help you feel more comfortable with the activity.

First-timers with a sense of adventure are always welcome, and of course, your Guides will give you a demonstration and safety briefing prior to the start of your canyoneering trip and will assist you throughout the day if you have any questions.

Are Your Trips Suitable For Families?

Yes. Being outdoors is always a great family activity! We do, however, ask that all canyoneering participants be at least 12 years of age. If you have younger family members that want to participate, we recommend our climbing wall, ziplining, whitewater rafting, or calm water trips. However, if you have children that are not quite 12 yet (8-10) ask about our canyoneering “tag-along” option (see the “tag-along FAQ for more details).

What Should I Wear?

We recommend that you wear loose, comfortable clothing that is not bulky (because you will be wearing a harness). Multiple, thinner layers are preferable, as weather conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. You will have some opportunities to add or subtract layers if needed, so plan to carry them with you in your pack (we will provide you with a small backpack). You may also wish to bring a light rain shell, especially if there is rain in the forecast. We don’t require pants, but if you choose to wear shorts we recommend they be a longer style so they don’t get bunched up in your harness. 
‍
Try to avoid wearing cotton or denim as these fabrics do not breathe or dry well; choose wool or synthetic materials (such as polyester, dry-fit or wicking materials) instead.

Bring socks, and just let us know what size shoe you wear when you get there. The only shoes you’ll ever want to wear canyoneering are Astral brand, based right here in Asheville. We are so convinced these are the best shoes for this type of outdoor activity, we are going to provide them for you!

Can I Wear Glasses Or A Hat?

If you need prescription glasses or contact lenses, please wear them. Sunglasses are also a nice item on a sunny day. We do suggest that you have a strap for your glasses though, as they can fall off and get lost easily. You are also welcome to wear a hat for sun protection, just make sure it is low-profile enough to fit under a helmet. Light knit hats and baseball caps are usually fine, but things like bulky winter caps and wide-brimmed sun hats/visors can be a little difficult to fit under your helmet comfortably.

Is Tipping My Guide Or Other Staff Appropriate?

Our Guides are providing a professional service to you, your family, or your group. Guides depend on tips as part of their income. A good rule of thumb is to tip your Guide as you would a server in a restaurant, 15-20% of the trip, but of course, any tipping is always at your own discretion. Gratuity is deeply appreciated.

Will I Get Wet? 

Yes, so dress accordingly and bring a towel and change of clothes for after your trip. We will be rappelling through, or adjacent to, waterfalls, so you will spend time in the “spray zone”. Additionally, you may be wading through pools in the creek and may also have the option to swim, slide and jump in, so expect to be wet.

Are Trips Cancelled When It Rains?

Yes, so dress accordingly and bring a towel and change of clothes for after your trip. We will be rappelling through, or adjacent to, waterfalls, so you will spend time in the “spray zone”. Additionally, you may be wading through pools in the creek and may also have the option to swim, slide and jump in, so expect to be wet.

I Can’t Swim. Can I Go Canyoneering?

Though swimming is not required on the trip, canyons on the East Coast are often blessed with more water than their desert Southwest counterparts. Therefore we do not suggest that those with an intense fear or aversion to swimming go on a canyoneering trip.

Being able to rappel down canyons with waterfalls is part of what makes this trip so spectacular. It is possible that the that there will be opportunities to swim and slide down wet rocks and generally play around in the creek.

I Am Terrified Of Heights. Should I Go Canyoneering?

Put simply, no. A healthy respect for heights is welcome, and we can work with someone who is working on “getting more comfortable” at height, but if you have an intense fear of heights this is not the trip for you.

Everyone In My Group Wants To Go, But I’m Afraid Of Heights. Can I Tag Along?

We understand that canyoneering isn’t for everyone. If you have (at least two) family members or friends that are booking a trip with us, please feel free to ask if there is room on the trip for you. For a discounted price, you can come with us and skip the rappelling. This will give you a great opportunity to be the “designated picture taker” for your group – an important job indeed. You’ll still need to meet the basic physical requirements of the trip (minus the physical qualifications like harness fit) because you will be hiking trails with us, boulder-hopping, and maybe even swimming in the river if you want! And you’ll essentially be getting a guided trip to one of the area’s best waterfalls. How awesome is that? 

Adults are welcome, any children under the age of 14 that are “tagging along” will need to be accompanied by an adult though. Please call our office for more details and to check availability.

Cancellation Policy

Deposits are refundable with a call to our office with a minimum three day (72 hours) notice. Any cancellations under three days to trip time will result in forfeit of trip cost. Trips booked under three days in advance are not eligible for refunds. French Broad Rafting whitewater rafting trips go rain or shine, 7 days a week, March through October. If you need to reschedule your trip within three days to trip time, a $50 rescheduling fee will apply. Contact us with any questions about Cancellations.

Participation requirements

Canyoneering is an adventure sport that takes place in the great outdoors. You are getting to go off the beaten path where most tourists, and even locals, will never go. As such, access to cellular service and modern communication is limited – but won’t it be great to get a break from a ringing phone?!

Additionally, access to definitive medical care is delayed when you are in the backcountry, so it is important that you be honest with yourself about your physical abilities and medical conditions. Here are the Participant Requirements we have set forth to reduce the risk to you and the rest of your canyoneering group on the day of your trip:

Physical Fitness

A good indicator that you are physically fit enough for canyoneering is that you can comfortably walk 3 miles unassisted on a trail carrying a light pack, comfortably hike on uphill and downhill slopes, can climb or descend 5 flights of stairs, and can climb a ladder with ease.

Comfort with Heights

Participants must be comfortable at height. Rappelling or ropes experience is not required, but it is helpful. First-timers with a sense of adventure are always welcome.

Existing Medical Conditions

You cannot participate if you have an existing medical condition that could require urgent care (such as major heart problems or seizure disorders) or if you have a condition that could jeopardize your or another participant’s safety. We also do not recommend that you participate if you are pregnant or have significant musculoskeletal problems – please seek the advice of your physician before booking your trip. If you need any fast-acting medications such as an EpiPen, diabetic glucose, or an asthma inhaler it is imperative that you bring them along on your trip and inform your Guides.

Alcohol/Drug Use

You cannot participate if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that could impair you in any way.

Photos

  • canyoneering woman
  • rapelling down canyon
  • rapelling down waterfall
  • man rapelling down waterfall
  • woman sliding down waterfall

What they say

“Had a fantastic trip canyoneering with guides Evan and Hannah. Great company and informative about the area and the activities. Started with rappelling the 160ft waterfall which was great and finished with the awesome rock water slides. Excellent day out!”

Robert S.

“Well organized, on time, safety on the adventurers was the main priority, every step of the activities was full filled as explained And expected. Amazing professional, caring and friendly staff. We loved Richards jokes at the white water rafting! Korey and Allie Took us canyoneering, and made sure we enjoyed every single minute of it! We’ll definitely do the zip line on our next trip to Asheville! I highly recommend this amazing crew!!”

BOJANZA Z

“This was such an awesome experience! The guides were so knowledgeable & patient with our group and made it a day to remember! I would highly recommend Canyoneering if you’ve never done it before.”

TSORVILLO07

French Broad Adventures

828-649-0486

12 Good Adventures Lane

Marshall, NC 28753

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French Broad Adventures: serving Asheville, NC and Western North Carolina

French Broad Adventures is permitted by the U.S. Forest Service and is a member of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Madison County Chamber of Commerce, McDowell County Chamber of Commerce, and the Hot Springs Tourism Authority.

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