Our half-day whitewater rafting trip explores 5 miles of Class II and III rapids on a beautiful stretch of the French Broad River. The trip lasts 3-4 hours (depending on the river level) and includes a stop for a snack and water or lemonade alongside the river.
Trip Details
Season
Age
Our minimum age limit for whitewater rafting is 8 years old.
Class Rapids
Duration Info
Required to Wear
Shoes that won’t come off in the water (i.e. sandals with a strap on the back, water shoes, or old tennis shoes).
Intensity
weight
Notes
We provide
Rafting
- Raft
- PFD
- Helmet
- Paddle
- Water
- Guide (for guided trips)
- Splash gear (if requested)
- Snacks or lunch may be provided based on trip booked
- Raft
- PFD
- Helmet
- Paddle
- Water
- Guide (for guided trips)
- Splash gear (if requested)
- Snacks or lunch may be provided based on trip booked
Please Bring
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 wetsuits (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.
We also highly recommend a strap for your glasses and sunglasses, sunscreen, and any prescribed medications that you may need while on the trip, such as an EpiPen or nitroglycerin tablets.
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 wetsuits (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.
We also highly recommend a strap for your glasses and sunglasses, sunscreen, and any prescribed medications that you may need while on the trip, such as an EpiPen or nitroglycerin tablets.
Do Not Bring
Participation Requirements
Rafting
Physical Fitness
Participants should feel comfortable sitting for an extended time in the boat and be able to paddle and assist in their own rescue if possible.
Health and 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 in whitewater rafting if you are pregnant or have significant musculoskeletal problems – please seek the advice of your physician before booking your trip.
- Calm water rafting trips are suitable for pregnant persons.
- You cannot participate if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that could impair you in any way.
If you may require any fast-acting medications such as an EpiPen, diabetic glucose, or an asthma inhaler please bring them on your trip and inform your Guides.
Waiver
- You participate at your own risk.
- All guests are required to sign a waiver.
Physical Fitness
Participants should feel comfortable sitting for an extended time in the boat and be able to paddle and assist in their own rescue if possible.
Health and 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 in whitewater rafting if you are pregnant or have significant musculoskeletal problems – please seek the advice of your physician before booking your trip.
- Calm water rafting trips are suitable for pregnant persons.
- You cannot participate if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that could impair you in any way.
If you may require any fast-acting medications such as an EpiPen, diabetic glucose, or an asthma inhaler please bring them on your trip and inform your Guides.
Waiver
- You participate at your own risk.
- All guests are required to sign a waiver.

Meeting Locations
Please refer to your confirmation email for your scheduled times and locations.
Save Money with a Package
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Ziplining + Self-Guided Calm Water Rafting
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We Offer Group Reservations
Bringing a group to Asheville? French Broad Adventures caters to groups of all sizes.
Group Reservations
Photos
What They Say
View More TestimonialsThis company is amazing!!! Not much else to say really because every review says that, but I wanted to write a review because JUSTIN was the best raft guide ever and made it so much fun!!! He made jokes and told us history, but most importantly we knew we were safe in his hands! Make sure you say YES when he asks 'do you want to try something exciting?' It was my first time so we did the 5 miles, but honestly I wish I did the 9 mile instead! And the lunch is a delicious HOT meal in a great location!
The guides are so knowledgeable, the area is rustic and the river has so much beauty. We were novice rafters and the 2 & 3 rapids were just the right level of exciting!! A great value for the length of the trip downriver too.
My family of 4 had an absolutely amazing time both rafting and ziplining for 2 days! Calvin was our river guide - full of knowledge and fun. Next time we are ready for the 9 mi. rafting trip! We had never ziplined before, Cara and Becca were awesome guides - a lot of fun and laughs - we were in great hands. Will be back, and will recommend French Broad Adventures to everyone!! Wish we could give more than 5 stars!
This was so much fun! The staff are all very helpful and friendly. Their main objective is to make sure the customers have fun, but they are all about safety first and foremost. The entire trip was loaded with history and information which made it more than just a fun excursion. Richard was our guide, and he did such an awesome job keeping all of us focused and working together. He is very good at what he does. We had a great time!
Had a fabulous time whitewater rafting with Calvin! He is super sweet and made the experience fun, with all of us feeling very safe with him as our guide. It was just the right amount of whitewater for us – nothing too crazy, but enough to be exciting. We will definitely go again!
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.










