Rafting

Explore Trips
Group whitewater rafting down the French Broad River

Experience the thrilling adventure of whitewater (white water) rafting or a calm float immersed in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. Our team of professional, experienced, and, dare we say, funny whitewater rafting guides will make sure you thoroughly enjoy a day on the French Broad River.

Available Rafting Trips


Whitewater rafting trip on the French Broad River with French Broad Outfittersdefault trip image with fba logo
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Half-Day Whitewater Rafting

65.00
3-4 Hours
Moderate
Group of rafters riding down the French Broad Riverdefault trip image with fba logo
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Full-Day Whitewater Rafting

96.00
5-6 Hours
Moderate
French Broad rafting trip hitting rapids on the river.default trip image with fba logo
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Half-Day Whitewater Rafting + Lunch

75.00
3-4 Hours
Moderate
Kids enjoying a calm water float trip on a ducky in the French Broad River.default trip image with fba logo
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Guided Calm Water

60.00
2-3 Hours
Easy
Boy getting ready to zipline with mountains in the backgrounddefault trip image with fba logo
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16.40
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Zip & Dip

Ziplining + Half-Day Rafting

147.60
1 Day
Moderate
Family on a whitewater rafting tripdefault trip image with fba logo
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17.40
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Dip & Zip (w/lunch)

Half-Day Rafting w/ Lunch + Ziplining

156.60
1 Day
Moderate
Family on a calm water rafting trip.default trip image with fba logo
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Self-Guided Calm Water

44.00
2-3 Hours
Easy
Pedal & Paddle - French Broad Adventuresdefault trip image with fba logo
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16.40
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Pedal & Paddle

Easy Riverside Off-Road E-Bike Tour + Half-Day Rafting

147.60
1 Day
Moderate
Groups of rafting floats headed down riverdefault trip image with fba logo
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15.90
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Chill & Thrill

Calm Water Rafting + Ziplining

143.10
1 day
Easy
Girl rapelling down from zipline platformdefault trip image with fba logo
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19.50
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Ridges & Rapids

Ziplining + Full-Day Rafting

175.50
5-6 Hours
Moderate
Zipper flying towards platformdefault trip image with fba logo
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14.30
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Float and Fly

Self-Guided Calm Water Rafting + Guided Ziplining

128.70
6-7 Hours
Easy
Woman at top of waterfall ready to repel down canyondefault trip image with fba logo
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20.60
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Whitewater & Waterfalls

Half-Day Rafting + Full-Day Canyoneering

185.40
2 Days
Moderate
Woman holding rope while canyoneeringdefault trip image with fba logo
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21.60
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Whitewater & Waterfalls Plus

Half-Day Rafting (w/ Lunch) + Full-Day Canyoneering

194.40
2 Days
Moderate
Group waving while raftingdefault trip image with fba logo
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23.70
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Whitewater & Waterfalls Expedition

Full-Day Rafting (w/ Lunch) + Full-Day Canyoneering

213.30
2 Days
Moderate

Asheville’s Closest Whitewater Experience is an Unforgettable French Broad Adventure

Our whitewater rafting trips are exciting but not overwhelming and provide a great introduction to whitewater while providing enough thrills for the experienced paddler. Trips begin and end just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Tour the heart of the scenic French Broad River valley on our half-day or full-day whitewater rafting trips that feature Class II to Class IV rapids.

Learn more about whitewater classifications.

Relax and Unwind On Calm Water Trips

French Broad Adventures offers guided and unguided calm water rafting trips that feature class I-II rapids. The calm water float trips take you on a slow, meandering, and pastoral section of the French Broad River. Calm water rafting is a great option for families with smaller children and those who simply want to be on the water and take in the scenery.

FAQs

Food Options

We do not offer full food options at our Outposts.

We only offer Lunch Options for on-the-river activities; Half-Day Whitewater + Lunch, and Full Day Whitewater adventures.

We highly encourage you to bring lunch and snacks in your vehicle to have before or in between adventures.

We do offer a small variety of drinks, chips, candy and Ice Cream, for purchase, at our Rafting Building and Zipline Tower.

For Bike Tours, please bring snacks and a water bottle.

What Are The Age Requirements?

Our minimum age limit for whitewater rafting is 8 years old.

How Many People Per Boat?

Our rafts allow for 6 guests plus 1 guide.

Will I Fall Out Of The Raft?

Possibly! There is a chance that you may fall out of the raft. But relax and enjoy the float. Your guide will get you back in the raft as quickly as possible. BUT, before you even begin your trip and touch the water, your Trip Leader will go through a safety talk on how to brace into the raft, and what to do if you should fall in the water.

What Should I Wear When 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 wet suits (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.

What Is A Duckie?

A duckie is an inflatable kayak made for one person. Prior experience is not required. If you would like to paddle a duckie, please request one when you make your reservation.

Is Whitewater Rafting Safe?

Like all adventure activities, whitewater rafting has inherent risk. Please keep in mind that French Broad Adventures has very experienced and professional staff. We will educate you on rafting procedures prior to your trip, and our guides will always have your safety in mind. However, French Broad Adventures does not assume liability for personal injuries. You will be asked to read and sign a waiver agreement prior to your trip. For everyone’s safety, we do not allow anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol to go on any of our trips. No refunds will be made.

Do Water Levels Impact Trip Distances?

The French Broad River is a free-flowing river and water levels fluctuate depending on rainfall. This is beyond our control. If the river is much lower or higher than normal this can potentially affect the quality and safety of your trip, so we will modify the trip distance or location as necessary. Check current water levels

Do I Need To Know How To Swim?

No. We have taken many children and adults down the French Broad River who do not know how to swim. Not only does French Broad Adventures provide top-notch safety equipment (life jacket and helmet), but our guides are all certified in CPR and first aid, and our Trip Leaders have advanced medical certifications as well as swift water rescue experience.

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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!

Lisa E.

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 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!!

Monika Stander

AMAZING TIME!!! This was truly one of the best adventure experiences I've had in a long time.

Justin A.

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!

Dawn