BREVARD KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddle then Pints: A Two‑Hour French Broad Float Finishing at Ecusta Brewing in Brevard
A relaxed, two-hour paddle from Pisgah Forest Access to Penrose Access with shuttle service and a craft‑beer finish at Ecusta Brewing Company—this guide lays out the logistics and what to expect.
Paddle then Pints: A Two‑Hour French Broad Float Finishing at Ecusta Brewing in Brevard.
In Brevard, Headwaters Outfitters partners with Ecusta Brewing Company to offer a relaxed, two‑hour float on the scenic French Broad River. Guests meet at the brewery for a short shuttle to Pisgah Forest Access, paddle downstream to Penrose Access, then return to Ecusta by shuttle to enjoy craft beer and a social finish.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two‑hour float on the French Broad
This outing puts paddlers on a scenic stretch of the French Broad River for a relaxed, roughly two‑hour experience—easy paddling suited to a morning on the water.
Craft beer at Ecusta Brewing Company
The trip concludes at Ecusta Brewing, where guests return by shuttle to enjoy craft beer (available for purchase) as the social finish to the paddle.
Relaxed, social outing for casual paddlers
Designed as an easy, social outing, Paddle Then Pints is ideal for friends and paddlers seeking a casual morning on the water followed by a brewery visit.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
The flow is simple and social: gather at Ecusta Brewing for a morning meetup, take a short shuttle to Pisgah Forest Access, float the French Broad for the outing, then ride back to the brewery—returning around midday for beer and conversation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Meet at Ecusta Brewing at 9:30am; the overall experience runs about two hours with return to the brewery around 12:00pm.
Operator provides gear for the outing; bring personal items you want for a short paddle and any post‑paddle needs at the brewery.
A short shuttle (about 5–10 minutes) transports guests from Ecusta to Pisgah Forest Access and returns guests to the brewery after the paddle.
Reservations are required to join this Headwaters Outfitters outing in partnership with Ecusta Brewing Company.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the paddle portion of the trip?
The overall outing is a relaxed two‑hour experience from shuttle departure through the return to the brewery.
Where do we meet and when?
Guests meet at Ecusta Brewing at 9:30am for check‑in before a short shuttle to Pisgah Forest Access.
Is gear provided or do I need to bring my own kayak?
The operator provides gear for the outing.
Is beer included in the trip cost?
Craft beer is available at Ecusta Brewing for purchase; it is not presented as included with the paddle.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes—reservations are required for this outing.
How long is the shuttle between the brewery and the put‑in?
The shuttle from Ecusta to Pisgah Forest Access is a short ride—about 5–10 minutes—and a return shuttle brings guests back to the brewery, typically arriving around 12:00pm.