Paddle through the historic Biltmore Estate grounds and Asheville's artistic River Arts District on this full-day kayaking trip. Discover a unique blend of nature, history, and creative culture.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–7 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness needed; comfortable paddling and occasional maneuvering through mild currents required.
Wildlife
History
Biltmore Estate, built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt, is America’s largest private home, an emblem of Gilded Age architecture.
Conservation
The trip emphasizes low-impact paddling and respects the Biltmore grounds' preservation efforts, promoting sustainable outdoor recreation.
French Broad Outfitters
Paddle through the historic Biltmore Estate grounds and Asheville's artistic River Arts District on this full-day kayaking trip. Discover a unique blend of nature, history, and creative culture.
French Broad Outfitters operates in Asheville, North Carolina, providing guided river trips, equipment rentals, and event support for paddleboarding, tubing, biking, and other outdoor activities. Based near the French Broad River and the Hominy Creek outpost, the company offers a range of rentals and scheduled experiences for visitors and locals seeking water and bike adventures.
Offerings include stand-up paddleboard (SUP) classes and races, multi-day water sport rentals, electric bike and cruiser bike rentals, and seasonal river tubing. Specific options listed by the outfitter include 2-, 4- and 6-hour electric bike rentals, 2-, 4- and 6-hour five-speed cruiser bike rentals, five-day water sport rentals, Asheville tubing on a six-mile float, and SUP Yoga classes. The business also hosts SUP Fest at the Hominy outpost, a downriver race from Bent Creek to Hominy with live music and an awards party.
Equipment provided comes with safety gear and maps where noted; cruiser bike rentals include helmets and complimentary route maps for greenway exploration through Carrier Park and the River Arts District. Rental age minimums for electric bikes are specified at 16 and up. Many experiences run from Hominy Creek or FBO Hominy Outpost, with options for returns at Hominy Creek after rides.
French Broad Outfitters appears on The Adventure Collective listings and focuses on accessible outdoor recreation in Asheville. The business emphasizes safety, clear rental details, and event programming for paddlers and bikers seeking guided experiences and self-guided adventures. Staff provide local route knowledge, equipment care, and clear pre-trip instructions for safe, enjoyable outings.
Location
Asheville, NC
Located near the French Broad River
Tours Offered
10 experiences
E-bikes, SUP, tubing, multi-day rentals
Rental Durations
2–6 hours + 5-day
Short and extended rental options
Age Minimum
16+ for e-bikes
Age minimums apply to e-bikes
Reserve e-bikes, cruiser bikes, SUP Yoga, tubing floats, or SUP Fest entries — check availability and age requirements before booking.
Wear a life jacket at all times
Safety first: life jackets are mandatory throughout the kayaking trip on variable river currents.
Check river flow conditions before departure
Higher water levels may increase difficulty, so consult local flow reports to ensure a safe trip.
Bring sun protection
Wide open stretches along the river offer little shade; wear sunscreen and a hat especially in summer.
Respect private property boundaries
Stay within designated waterway corridors near the Biltmore Estate to preserve the environment and honor estate rules.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Required for safety on all river sections with varying currents.
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Protects against spring chills and unexpected showers.
spring;fall
Sun hat with chin strap
Keeps sun off your face and stays secure during windy stretches.
summer
Dry bag
Keeps your essentials dry as you paddle through river sections.