Drift South: A Lazy-Day Float on Asheville’s French Broad
Settle into a three-hour float where the French Broad does the steering—shuttles, backrest tubes, and an easygoing current included.
By late morning in South Asheville, the French Broad River is already stretching awake, slipping past sycamores with the kind of confidence only an ancient river can muster. Your shuttle rolls to a stop at the put-in, and the scene is pure summer: deluxe tubes stacked like candy-colored halos, sunlight skipping off the current, the hum of cicadas riding shotgun. A guide hands you a tube with a backrest, a cup holder, and a simple promise—clip in, settle low, and let the river do the driving.
Trail Wisdom
Start Early for Space
Arrive for the first shuttle to beat crowding and summer thunderstorms; you’ll also have the most padding before the 6:30 p.m. gate closure.
Wear Real River Shoes
Closed-toe water shoes protect against slick rocks and submerged branches better than flip-flops.
Leash Your Essentials
Use straps for sunglasses and a small dry bag with a carabiner for keys and phone so nothing drifts downstream without you.
Mind the Weather Window
If you hear thunder, pull to the bank and wait it out; storms often pass quickly in the mountains.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Hominy Creek River Park for a quiet riverside picnic before or after your float
- •Bent Creek River Park for easy access to the water and quick nature breaks
Wildlife
Great blue heron, River turtles
Conservation Note
Pack out all trash, skip glass, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect aquatic life. Support local river stewardship efforts through MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper.
The French Broad River corridor powered early mills and carried drovers along the Buncombe Turnpike in the 1800s; today, revitalization is visible throughout Asheville’s River Arts District.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Cool temps, Quieter floats
Challenges: Cold water, Variable flow after rain
Expect brisk water and fewer people. A light layer and closed-toe shoes make the experience comfortable if flows are moderate.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Long days
Challenges: Crowds on weekends, Afternoon thunderstorms
Peak tubing season with mellow flows and plenty of sun. Reserve ahead and aim for morning shuttles to avoid lines and heat.
fall
Best for: Foliage views, Crisp air
Challenges: Shorter days, Cooler water
A scenic, quieter window with colorful banks and less traffic. Dress warmer and plan earlier start times.
winter
Best for: Solitude nearby trails, Clear air
Challenges: Cold water, Limited or no tubing operations
Most outfitters do not run tubing in winter; consider sightseeing or hiking and return when temperatures rise.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-Toe Water ShoesEssential
Protects feet on rocky or uneven riverbeds and grips slick surfaces at put-in and takeout.
UPF Sun Shirt and Reef-Safe SunscreenEssential
Keeps you from roasting under midday sun while minimizing chemical impact on the river.
Small Dry Bag (5L)Essential
Keeps keys, phone, and a wallet dry and secures easily to the tube.
Floating Sunglass Strap
Prevents your shades from ending up as river treasure during a swim or riffle.
Common Questions
How long is the tubing trip?
Plan for about 2.5–3.5 hours on the water depending on flow; shuttles run every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes. At least one adult (18+) must be in your group. Life jackets are provided and required for ages 13 and under.
What happens if it rains or storms?
Trips run rain or shine. If you hear thunder or see lightning, pull to the riverbank and wait until it passes before continuing.
Can I bring drinks?
Yes—pack reusable, non-glass containers and secure them in your tube’s cup holder. Check current policies at check-in.
Can tubes be linked together?
Yes. Tubes have connectors so you can hook up with friends and family to float as a group.
Where do we park and finish?
Park and check in at 1648 Brevard Road; your car will be waiting for you at the end of the float at the designated takeout.
What to Pack
Closed-toe water shoes for traction on rocky riverbeds; UPF sun shirt and reef-safe sunscreen for all-day sun protection; 5L dry bag to secure keys and phone; Refillable water bottle that fits a cup holder to stay hydrated on hot days.
Did You Know
The French Broad River is among the oldest rivers in the world and uniquely flows north through Asheville toward Tennessee.
Quick Travel Tips
Reserve morning shuttles for fewer crowds and cooler temps; Arrive 20 minutes early to park and check in smoothly; Leave valuables at home or lock them in a dry bag; Watch for pop-up summer storms and plan extra time before the 6:30 p.m. gate closure.
Local Flavor
Post-float, grab a riverside pint at New Belgium Brewing or head to Sierra Nevada in nearby Mills River for wood-fired bites and a sprawling beer garden. Craving comfort food? Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack on Brevard Road hits the spot. If you have time, cruise the River Arts District for studios, murals, and coffee.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Asheville Regional (AVL), ~15 minutes. Meeting point: 1648 Brevard Road, Asheville. Drive time from Downtown Asheville: ~15–20 minutes. Cell service: Fair at put-in/takeout, spotty on the river. Permits: None required; at least one adult (18+) must be in each group.
Sustainability Note
The French Broad is a hard-won conservation success story—keep it clean by packing out all trash, avoiding glass and Styrofoam, and using mineral or reef-safe sunscreen to reduce chemical runoff.
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