Float the French Broad’s most relaxed, scenic miles with Zen Tubing. This easygoing Asheville adventure pairs mountain views, wildlife sightings, and a shuttle-supported setup that keeps the day simple and fun.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
By mid-morning the French Broad is in a generous mood, unspooling its slow current through a corridor of sycamores and river birch. You lean back into a high-backed tube, feet skimming the surface, and the river does the work—nudging you into the next bend, spinning you gently to face a blue ridge skyline. Kingfishers scout your progress. A faint breeze carries the smell of wet stone and summer grass. The city hums not far away, but out here the water sets the pace and dares you to match it.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Comfort sitting in a tube for several hours and the ability to wade or swim short distances if you fall out.
Wildlife
History
One of the world’s oldest rivers, the French Broad predates the Appalachians and flows north through Asheville—past lands once stewarded by the Cherokee and later shaped by Biltmore’s forestry experiments.
Conservation
Pack out all trash, skip glass, and give nesting birds wide space on sandbars. River-friendly sunscreen and minimal single-use plastics help keep this watershed clean.
Reserve your spot on the Asheville River Tubing on the French Broad today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Footwear that stays on
Wear closed-toe water shoes or strapped sandals. Flip-flops float away quickly on riffles and rocky shallows.
Sun strategy
Apply reef-safe sunscreen 30 minutes before launch and reapply mid-float; bring a hat and polarized sunglasses to cut glare.
Secure your kit
Use a small dry bag and leash it to your tube’s handle; carabiners keep cooler tubes and your group connected in calm water.
Read the current
Give strainers (downed trees) and bridge pilings a wide berth, and use the hand paddle early to set your line.
Closed-toe water shoes
Protects feet on rocky shallows and keeps traction during put-in and take-out.
5–10L waterproof dry bag
Keeps phones, keys, and snacks dry and secure while you float.
Sun hat and UPF layer
Open bends offer little shade; UPF fabric helps prevent sunburn on long floats.
summer
Floating cooler or cooler carrier rental
Keeps drinks and lunch cold and tethers neatly to your tube for group floats.
summer