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
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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 TestimonialsSuch an amazing experience! Marty was our tour guide for a family of 5, and we couldn’t have been happier! Thank you Marty for making this new adventure such an outstanding experience! (: For families looking for more info - we were provided safety jackets, helmets, and many safety talks. The majority of us had never gone white water rafting so we were a mix of nervousness and excitement! We did the half day, ~4 hour ride, and took on a mix of Class 2 and 3 rapids! Would highly recommend and we will be back!
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!!
Awesome experience! I've been rafting before and it was terrible in comparison to this. Super knowledgable guides that knew exactly what they were doing. I felt safe the entire time even going through some rough class 3 rapids. Beautiful views and facility the whole way including the lunch area! Even the bus rides were entertaining with the guide telling jokes the whole time. I've got nothing bad to say!! An amazing and fun experience even for kids!!
We went rafting this week with Auggie as our guide and it was one of the best adventures we’ve had!! The whole staff was awesome. They are knowledgeable with the river and so prepared for the delicious lunch on the shore. We can’t wait to get back!!
Our first white-water rafting experience as a family was fantastic! Jim was an excellent guide who made our journey down the French Broad one we will never forget. From squeezing our raft through the smallest opening to running us up on rocks only to spin away and on down the river. So fun! Our oldest daughter even did a little cliff jump halfway down the route. My husband is a Civil War buff and Jim shared his knowledge of local Civil War stories, and also some history of the river and surrounding area. Highly recommend this adventure!
Amazing trip & Great Guides! The best group of people we could have had to share with us the fun & pleasure that this trip offers. Beautiful views, a group of well-informed guides who know & love the river & the beautiful surrounding community...and funny, friendly personalities too! If you are in the area and you want to ride the French Broad, these are the guys to do it with!
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