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Drift down the French Broad River with Asheville Adventure Company’s tubing trips—a laid-back, sun-soaked way to enjoy Asheville's vibrant riverfront and cool summer breeze.
Drift down the French Broad River with Asheville Adventure Company’s tubing trips—a laid-back, sun-soaked way to enjoy Asheville's vibrant riverfront and cool summer breeze.
Book with Asheville Adventure Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Asheville Adventure Company · Asheville, NC
Asheville Tubing Adventures by Asheville Adventure Company delivers a refreshing way to connect with nature on the historic French Broad River, right in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina. This trip departs from their scenic Asheville Outpost, offering an easily accessible launch point that’s perfectly timed for summer relaxation and social outings. Beginning here, you’ll drift downstream past Carrier Park, a local hotspot known for its green space and community gatherings, then slip by the River Arts District—a vibrant stretch where converted warehouses now pulse with studios, galleries, and creative energy.
The French Broad River is one of the oldest rivers in the world, its slow bends and sandstone-lined banks providing a smooth, relaxing float rather than a whitewater challenge. The river’s calm flow makes tubing approachable for all skill levels, and the vibe is decidedly laid-back: participants sit comfortably in oversized tubes equipped with cup holders, perfect for sipping your favorite beverage as you glide along. On warm summer days, the sunlight filters through the leaves, casting flickering patterns on the water’s surface and creating a tranquil backdrop for catching up with friends or family.
Asheville Adventure Company stands out in this region for its focus on accessible, fun-filled river trips that embrace both the natural and cultural richness of Asheville. The combination of an easygoing river route with the dynamic arts district nearby offers an experience that’s part urban outing, part outdoor escape. This dynamic makes Asheville Tubing Adventures a unique addition to the city’s outdoor recreation scene—a way to chill out, soak in the local character, and enjoy a different perspective on Asheville’s riverscape.
Whether you’re a local or visiting from the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, this tubing experience serves as a welcoming introduction to the French Broad River’s gentle waters and scenic charm, wrapped in the creative spirit of Asheville itself.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires ability to sit upright and enter/exit water safely.
No experience is necessary; this trip is perfect for first-timers and casual floaters.
Participants must be at least 8 years old and able to safely maneuver in the river.
All tubing gear, including comfortable tubes with cup holders, is provided by Asheville Adventure Company.
Yes, tubes have cup holders and plenty of space for light refreshments; please pack out all trash.
Wear quick-drying clothing and water shoes; bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.
Transportation is not included; the launch site is accessible by car with nearby parking options.
The French Broad River has been a critical waterway for indigenous peoples and settlers since pre-colonial times, making it one of the oldest rivers in North America.
Asheville Adventure Company advocates for Leave No Trace principles to protect the river’s ecosystem and supports local clean-up efforts to maintain water quality.
Asheville Adventure Company is a river-focused outdoor operator based in Asheville, NC, offering a range of experiences on the French Broad River and nearby waterways. The company presents self-guided and guided options, including the Beautiful Self Guided Kayaking by the Biltmore (a 2.5–3.5 hour float ending in the River Arts District), Asheville Tubing Adventures launching from the Asheville Outpost, private Tranquil Family Biltmore Rafting Tours (3.5 hours), and multiple whitewater rafting itineraries on the French Broad. Trip options include family-friendly private rafting with opportunities to swim and view the Biltmore Estate, tubing floats past Carrier Park and the River Arts District with comfortable tubes and cup holders, and Section 9 whitewater rafting through Pisgah National Forest featuring approximately 5 miles of class II and III rapids (with occasional class IV drops depending on rainfall). Party bus rentals are also available in two size ranges — buses for up to 14 guests and larger buses accommodating 15–42 people — each described with high-quality sound systems and customizable decor for events like bachelor/bachelorette parties, concerts, and birthdays. The company's offerings reference local landmarks such as the Biltmore Estate, River Arts District, Carrier Park, and Pisgah National Forest, and emphasize river sections on the French Broad. Guides are noted for navigating Section 9 and leading private family tours. The combination of self-guided paddles, tubing floats, guided rafting, and group transportation positions Asheville Adventure Company as a versatile option for visitors and locals seeking river-based recreation in Asheville and along the French Broad River.
Book with Asheville Adventure Company