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
Calm Water Rafting + Ziplining
Chill & Thrill
Calm Water Rafting + Canyoneering
Chill & Skill
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 TestimonialsHad 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!
If you're like me, you spend way too many hours reviewing reviews and comparing rafting companies....Let me help you, STOP! There is truly no reason to spend another minute doing research. This company is the real deal. The staff were all top-notch! and the trip down the river was a blast. Great lunch about halfway down the river. I strongly recommend the 9 mile run.
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.
The Best in NC! Knowledgeable of the river (more so than other rafting companies on the French Broad) safe, fun, and most of the guides have been there 5 yrs plus. They only hire 1-3 new guides a season. Other neighboring companies hire 30-40 untrained, college kids a season. I love TJ and Richard! However, there are other wonderful guides that I haven’t had the opportunity to raft with but was able to meet and talk with them. Real salt of the earth people!
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++++
The staff are exceptional. Participating in both the rafting and zip lining was an incredible experience. Great equipment, location, and views.
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