Riding Section 9: Asheville’s Beginner-Friendly Whitewater Rush
Class II–III thrills through Pisgah’s green gorge, just a shuttle ride from Asheville
The French Broad moves like an old storyteller—measured, wry, and suddenly animated when the tale demands it. On Section 9, the river narrows into a green-walled corridor, and the current wakes, nudging rafts into wave trains and around boulders worn round by time older than the Appalachians themselves. Your paddle blade bites, the bow tilts, and the river dares you forward. The first splash is a greeting, cool as spring. Pisgah National Forest leans over the gorge; kingfishers track your progress like blue bullets.
Trail Wisdom
Dress for immersion
Skip cotton and go with quick-dry synthetics or wool; you’ll stay warmer after splashes and during the shuttle ride back.
Secure your shades
Bring polarized sunglasses with a retainer strap so they don’t vanish on a wave hit.
Listen for commands
Your guide’s calls—“forward,” “back,” “hold on”—keep the boat lined up for clean runs through boulder gardens.
Hydrate before you paddle
Drink water ahead of time; you won’t want a bottle rolling around the raft mid-rapid.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Stackhouse take-out eddy rocks for a quick sun-warm relax when water levels allow
- •Quiet eddy just below S-Turn where kingfishers often perch
Wildlife
Great Blue Heron, River Otter
Conservation Note
Much of Section 9 runs along protected lands. Use river-safe sunscreen, avoid trampling shoreline vegetation, and pack out all microtrash to protect habitat.
The French Broad—one of North America’s oldest rivers—flows north through a corridor once used by Cherokee traders and later by drovers on the Buncombe Turnpike.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Higher flows, Cooler air and fewer crowds
Challenges: Cold water temps, Changeable weather
Expect punchier current and lively rapids after rain. Dress warm and bring a dry layer for the shuttle.
summer
Best for: Warm water swims, Family trips
Challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms, Busier river access
Long days and friendly flows make summer ideal. Start early to beat heat and crowds.
fall
Best for: Peak foliage views, Stable, technical lines
Challenges: Cool mornings, Lower flows exposing rocks
Crisp air, golden ridgelines, and more precise maneuvering through revealed rock gardens.
winter
Best for: Solitude, Experienced paddlers
Challenges: Very cold water, Limited outfitter operations
Trips may be limited; if you go, wear proper insulation and check availability well in advance.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-toe water shoes or old sneakersEssential
Required for traction on wet rocks and secure footing in the raft.
Quick-dry base layers (no cotton)Essential
Synthetics or wool keep you warm when the water is cold and the air changes fast.
Lightweight rain shell or splash top
Blocks wind on the shuttle and keeps spray off during rapid runs on cooler days.
Sunglasses with retainer strap
Polarized lenses cut glare for spotting features; a strap keeps them boat-side.
Common Questions
Do I need whitewater experience for Section 9?
No—this trip is beginner-friendly. Guides provide a safety talk and handle boat control while you paddle commands.
What class rapids are on this section?
Primarily class II–III, with occasional class IV features during high water from heavy rainfall.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes and quick-dry clothing are required. Avoid cotton; bring a dry layer for after the trip.
Can I bring my phone or camera?
Yes, if it’s waterproofed and secured, but consider leaving it behind—guides often capture photos at safe spots.
Is there an age minimum?
Yes, typically ages 8+ depending on water levels; check the day’s conditions when booking.
How long is the river portion?
About 5 miles on the water, with total trip time around 4 hours including shuttle and safety briefing.
What to Pack
Closed-toe water shoes for grip on wet rocks; Quick-dry layers to stay warm after splashes; Sunglasses with a strap to prevent losses in rapids; A warm dry top for the shuttle back on cool days.
Did You Know
The French Broad River is considered one of the oldest rivers in the world and uniquely flows north from North Carolina into Tennessee.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning departures to dodge summer thunderstorms; Leave cotton at home—synthetics stay warm when wet; Expect limited cell service in the gorge and plan meetups ahead; Pack a full change of clothes for post-raft comfort.
Local Flavor
Refuel riverside in Asheville’s River Arts District: hit 12 Bones Smokehouse for ribs and corn pudding, then walk the greenway to Wedge Brewing for a cold IPA. Craving tacos? White Duck Taco Shop sits right by the water. If you’re driving back through Marshall, Zuma Coffee is a mellow spot to recap rapid-by-rapid.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: AVL (Asheville Regional). Meeting point/Outpost: 521 Amboy Rd, Asheville; shuttle to Barnard River Park put-in (approx. 45 minutes). Drive time from downtown Asheville: ~10 minutes to the outpost. Cell service: Spotty to none in the gorge. Permits: Covered by outfitter; PFD/helmet provided. Minimum age: 8+ (conditions dependent).
Sustainability Note
This river corridor threads through sensitive forest and riparian zones—pack out all trash, use river-safe sunscreen, and avoid disturbing shoreline vegetation and nesting birds.
Continue Reading
Riding Section 9: Asheville’s Beginner-Friendly Whitewater Rush
Section 9 of the French Broad serves up a half-day of beginner-friendly whitewater: punchy class II–III rapids, swim breaks, and a forested gorge just north of Asheville. It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline and ease, with guides handling the lines and the river doing the rest.
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