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Rafting

Self-Guided Calm Water

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Family on a calm water rafting trip.

Enjoy a self-guided float trip in a raft or in one of our inflatable kayaks (duckies). We provide transportation to and from the river, only a few short minutes from our Hot Springs outpost. This trip is a great introduction to river rafting with easy Class I-II rapids. It is on a beautiful and serene section of the French Broad River. This trip is a great choice for those who want to explore the scenic beauty of Western North Carolina and are up for paddling without a guide.

Trip Details

49.99
/pp
2-4 Hours
Easy
4
Min Age

Season

Memorial Day – Labor Day

Age

Allowed - $/person

Class Rapids

I-II

Duration Info

Length varies on weather and river conditions.

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

This calm water trip offers an easy and pleasurable float that is appropriate for all skill levels and particularly suited to beginners.

weight

Notes

Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome

We provide



Rafting

For Whitewater Trips:
  • Raft gear
  • PFD
  • Helmet
  • Paddle
  • Raft
  • Guide
  • Splash gear (if requested)
  • Beverages (water, lemonade)
  • Snacks (nutrition bars, crackers)
For Calm Water Trips:
  • Raft (minimum 4 people required)
  • Single Duckie
  • Splash gear (if needed)
For Whitewater Trips:
  • Raft gear
  • PFD
  • Helmet
  • Paddle
  • Raft
  • Guide
  • Splash gear (if requested)
  • Beverages (water, lemonade)
  • Snacks (nutrition bars, crackers)
For Calm Water Trips:
  • Raft (minimum 4 people required)
  • Single Duckie
  • Splash gear (if needed)

Please Bring

Rafting

Do Not Bring

  • Animals to the outpost, no exceptions.
  • Valuables or anything else that you would mind having lost, wet, or broken.

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.

You'll be given some brief instruction on paddling and navigating the small Class I rapids that you'll encounter on Section 10 of the French Broad River. Then we'll transport you and your equipment to the start of the 4-mile calm water section. A few hours later, transportation will be waiting for your return to our Hot Springs outpost where you started. The self-guided calm water trip allows you to explore beautiful scenery and if you keep your eyes peeled, you might catch sight of a Great Blue Heron, an Osprey, or an Eagle.

Meeting Locations

Please refer to your confirmation email for your scheduled times and locations.

 - 
315 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743
 - 
12 Good Adventures Ln, Marshall, NC 28753

NOTE: Trips only leave from the Hot Springs Outpost between Memorial Day and Labor Day.


Memorial Day - Labor Day: meet at the Hot Springs Outpost
Labor Day - November: meet at the Marshall Outpost

Save Money with a Package

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25.00
/pp

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224.98
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18.90
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170.08
1 Day
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We Offer Group Reservations

Bringing a group to Asheville? French Broad Adventures caters to groups of all sizes.

Group Reservations

We did the 9 mile rafting trip and it was awesome!! Our guide Cory is a pro! We loved all the rapids along the route! We enjoyed the stories and wildlife we saw (bald eagles and nest). It was our first whitewater trip and we were comfortable because the guides have fun with safety in mind. We will be back!! Thank you, Cory!

Amy Ball Coleman

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!

Matthew Golden

If your group loves adventure you seriously need to go to French Broad Adventures! We did Ziplining in the morning (ask for Ariel and Becca), and then we went white water rafting (ask for Allie)! The guides were amazing and fun! Seriously super nice people! I can’t wait to visit again!

Maurisa Tremain

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!

Kara Headrick Beard

There are five of us and the kids are tough critics. We had a great time throughout. The views were amazing and it was just the right mix of stimulation and peace.

Steven D.

This was our families second adventure with French Broad. 2 years ago we did the 5 mile white water rafting, and last month we did the 9 mile. (they wanted more adventure!) I cannot say enough about how friendly, knowledgeable and professional the staff/guides are. The lunch they prepare for you on the 9 mile ride is fantastic! Of course nature takes care of the majestic views. Love that they allow you to get out and swim and even jump off cliffs! For the second time in 2 years everything went as planned. Not one hiccup!! AAAA++++

Lisa Smith Kennedy