Discover adventure and peace on the Upper French Broad River with an overnight canoe camping trip perfect for families and friends. Paddle under the stars and unwind by the fire in this memorable outdoor escape.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–12 hours total (including paddling and camping)
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness to handle an 8-mile paddle with gear and minimal camping setup.
Wildlife
History
The Upper French Broad River was historically used by Cherokee communities and early settlers for transportation and fishing.
Conservation
Headwaters Outfitters prioritizes Leave No Trace practices to protect river ecosystems and minimize human impact.
Headwaters Outfitters
Discover adventure and peace on the Upper French Broad River with an overnight canoe camping trip perfect for families and friends. Paddle under the stars and unwind by the fire in this memorable outdoor escape.
Headwaters Outfitters, based in Rosman, NC, operates guided fishing, paddling, camping and outdoor education on the French Broad River and surrounding lakes. The outfitter offers a wide range of experiences including guided fly-fishing lessons, trout wade trips on private waters, smallmouth and bass float trips, musky targeting adventures, and multi-hour self-guided paddling options like Hap Simpson and Island Ford runs. Classes and workshops include Fly Fishing Foundations, Advanced Casting, Spey Casting, Angler Entomology and Selecting a Fly, all taught with low student-to-instructor ratios for personalized skill-building. Paddling-focused offerings include guided Bear Lake sea kayaking trips to Sols Creek Waterfall, overnight canoe camping trips on the Upper French Broad, family-friendly floats, and festival paddles like Paddle to the Pork. Headwaters Outfitters also coordinates collaborative events with local breweries — Paddle then Pints with Ecusta Brewing Company and Cruise then Booze with Oskar Blues — and hosts seasonal community programs such as the Annual Upper French Broad River Clean-Up and Appalachian Santa Night. The business manages the first private campground on the French Broad Paddle Trail, featuring six primitive riverside campsites and options for full campground rental. Gear, shuttles and guided instruction are provided on many trips, and experienced guides such as local captains lead species-specific charters. Emphasis is placed on safety, Leave No Trace ethics, environmental stewardship and authentic local partnerships, making the outfitter a resource for anglers, paddlers and outdoor learners visiting Western North Carolina.
Base Location
Rosman, NC
Blue Ridge foothills on the French Broad
Tours Offered
28+
Guided paddles, fishing, classes, camping
Riverside Camps
6 campsites
First private campground on the trail
Community Impact
3,000+
River clean-ups since 1992
Book guided fly-fishing, paddles, classes or campground rental now; gear, shuttles and expert instruction available.
Pack waterproof bags
Keep belongings dry by using waterproof dry bags or containers during your paddle and overnight stay.
Check river conditions
Before setting out, verify water levels and weather to ensure a safe and smooth paddle.
Bring insect repellent
Mosquitoes and other insects can be active near river campsites, especially during dusk and dawn.
Wear layered clothing
Prepare for changing weather by dressing in moisture-wicking layers and bringing a warm jacket for the evening.
Waterproof dry bags
Protect your belongings from water during paddling and camping.
Insect repellent
Keeps bugs away to ensure a comfortable evening and morning.
spring
Layered clothing
Adjust your warmth according to changing weather from day to night.
Headlamp or flashlight
Essential for navigating the campsite and around the river after dark.