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
Season
Age
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
Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome
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
- 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.
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
View All Packages
Half-Day Rafting (w/ Lunch) + Canyoneering
Whitewater & Waterfalls Plus
Half-Day Rafting + Ziplining
Zip & Dip
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 TestimonialsThe 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.
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.
My family and I went this past Sunday, for water rafting and because we felt the kindness and fun of the team, and how much they cared about us we signed up for zip lining in the afternoon. They are amazing, make it fun and without realizing it you are doing things you never thought you’d ever do! their confidence radiates to you and you become this adventurer! love them, and would definitely come back!! MORE THAN FIVE STARS IF I COULD!!
Everyone who knows me would’ve never believed how much of an adventurer I became with French broad adventures! The team is knowledgeable and because they’re calm and fun they bring that side of you out! I would’ve never thought about water rafting and jumping into the river but I did, and I would’ve not traded it for the world! It is an experience that I will forever cherish and given me confidence that I am thankful for! THANK YOUUUUUU!! More than five stars if I could! Thank you Robert (water rafting) and Sam and Thomas (zip lining) an experience of a lifetime!
AMAZING TIME!!! This was truly one of the best adventure experiences I've had in a long time.
This was my 5th time rafting in North Carolina (first time with this specific rafting service, though), and I can say that our guide, Jim, was the best one I've had so far. Jim displayed an amazing level of skill and knowledge of white water. He was also very personable, and shared his knowledge of the region's history and biology. Jim was super positive and encouraging to everyone in the boat. I suspect the other guides are very professional as well. Seems to be a great rafting company overall.
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