Ledges Whitewater River Park (Asheville): When it comes to whitewater paddling, the Asheville area is known as one of the top destinations in the east. For local paddlers looking to hone their skills, the Ledges Whitewater Park has long been a fun destination for a short session on the...
French Broad River: One of the most popular new activities to hit the Asheville area is the sport of Standup Paddle Boarding-a cross between canoeing and surfing that first got its start in the ocean. Folks here in Asheville prefer to get their kicks on the French Broad River. The slow...
Paddle The Rocky Broad River: Western North Carolina’s Rocky Broad is a river that gets up and goes, making up in spirited decent for what it lacks in length. An awesome challenge for all levels of whitewater kayaking. The Rocky Broad River water is clean...
Nolichucky River – Class II, III, IV: Passing through remote wilderness, the Nolichucky combines the best of both for adventure and nature lovers. The free-flowing river runs strongest in the spring, traveling through a remote gorge on the full-day paddle. Challenge the Nolichucky’s...
Ready to kick back, relax and take in the scenic beauty of the mountains from the seat of your boat? If the answer is yes, then the Biltmore Estate section of the French Broad River Paddle Trail may be just what you’re after. When it comes to a relaxing summer adventure...
The tranquil and clear waters of Lake Julian with the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond make an excellent paddling location for those looking to get out for some flatwater exercise. The Asheville Rowing Club makes use of the lake and their members can frequently be seen gliding across the...
The Nolichucky River Gorge winds through steep-walled canyons and remotethickly-forested mountains. The Noli is one of the best whitewater rafting runs in the Southeast and is said to be one of the most technicalbigwater runs in the South, demanding the coordinated efforts of the...
The Pigeon River is home to some of the most beautiful and exciting whitewater rafting in western North Carolina. The river features a number of great Class III and Class IV rivers along both the Upper and Lower sections of the river. This 5-mile run offers a number of big water Class 3...
The Nantahala Gorge: Enjoyed by canoeists, kayakers and rafters alike, the Nantahala River is one of the most popular rivers in the U.S. Paddlers will enjoy 8 miles of Class II-III whitewater flowing through the Nantahala Gorge, an area revered by the Cherokee Indians. The word Nantahala...
This 6-mile loop uses old Forest Service roadbeds and does offer patchy views of the Asheville skyline and the Biltmore Estate along the way. Head out at the bottom of the parking lot, and head left to follow the river. You’ll pass through the gate into the Arboretum property...
When it comes to an adrenaline-packed outdoor adventure, North Carolina whitewater paddling is hard to beat. The top choices for North Carolina whitewater paddling include classic rivers like the Nantahala, the French Broad River, the Pigeon River and nearby rivers such as the Ocoee and...