Guided Canyoneering Expeditions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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. 
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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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.