French Broad River Family Fun: The French Broad River flows 219 miles starting in nearby Transylvania County northward through Asheville into Tennessee. Along the way the river provides some excellent recreational opportunities including whitewater rafting and more mellow floats and paddle trips in the area. The river is calm as it cuts around downtown Asheville, but it’s a torrent of whitewater further west near Hot Springs. For a relaxing day we recommend taking a slow and relaxing float down the river Asheville-style for a fun, family-friendly adventure. One the best access points is at the Bent Creek River Park just south of town, but a shorter float of about two hours starts at Hominy Creek Park and finishes at French Broad Outfitters. Hominy Creek Park has roadside parking near the French Broad River with several picnic tables and great river access for tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing available along the Wilma Dykeman Riverway. French Broad Outfitters also offers a new outpost with craft beer, outdoor games and picnic areas for relaxing by the river at their private beach area at Hominy Creek.
For detailed rafting information, check out our French Broad Rafting page.
Directions from Asheville: We recommend hooking up with French Broad Outfitters (828-505-7371) for tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and disc golf in Asheville and Blue Heron (888-426-7238) for a whitewater trip north of Asheville near Hot Springs (30 minute drive).
