Trips
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Rafting

Self-Guided Calm Water

You Save
/person!
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

44.00
/pp
2-3 Hours
Easy
4
+
Min. Age

Season

Memorial Day – Labor Day

Age

TAg-alongs

Allowed - $/person

Class Rapids

I-II

Duration Info

Length varies on weather/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

If you forget these items we have many of them for sale in our store.

  • Shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Strap for glasses
  • Towel
  • Change of dry clothing (for after the trip)

If you forget these items we have many of them for sale in our store.

  • Shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Strap for glasses
  • Towel
  • Change of dry clothing (for after the trip)

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. For all other dates, trips will leave from the Marshall Outpost.

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

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We Offer Group Reservations

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

Group Reservations

Spend the day yesterday with our group zip lining and rafting in the afternoon. Was a highlight of our trip up to Asheville. The guides, Thomas, Lee, and Shawn were fantastic. Definitely recommend and will book again the next time there.

Jack Stout

These guys are the Best! Don't fall for the imposters. We had an awesome time, and the rapids were excellent. That being said, the guide is the most important element of the trip, and Caylor made sure we went through the rapids safely and smoothly. White water rafting can be dangerous. Be sure you have an experienced guide.

M Jones

Ahhhmazing!! Everyone was so courteous and skilled. Sean was a hilarious guide to and from the rafting area. Divans was our river guide and not only did he show us a fantastic time but he was funny and a great showman. No one in our raft had ever been before and we all had a blast. Can’t wait to return on our next time in the area to do the 9 mile trip.

Jessica Scott Madsen

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.

Karen

Visited the french broad this summer, what a blast. Me, my boyfriend and our four grown boy went and we can’t stop talking about it. The company was very well ran, and made us feel safe at all times! The rafting and ziplines were awesome but it is the guide who really make this trip stand out above all the rest. Mitch,Justin and Jason aka "bacon" knew their history of the area and very very very funny!!! Have recommended this company to many friends who were heading that way for vacation! If your vacationing in the area or just passing threw, this is a must stop for your trip!!!! See you guys soon! Can’t wait to nite zipline and planning to visit on my honeymoon!!!! You guys rock!!!

Kimberly Racolta

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!

Penne Hout