Combine a serene two-hour paddle along the French Broad River with a stop at Asheville’s Oskar Blues Brewery, where craft beer and gourmet food await. Discover why this unique adventure is a summer highlight in Western North Carolina.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners or anyone comfortable with light physical activity; paddling on calm river waters requires moderate arm strength but no prior skills.
Wildlife
History
The French Broad River is one of the oldest rivers in North America, playing a key role in regional history and settlement.
Conservation
The operation emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to protect river ecosystems and encourages sustainable recreation.
Headwaters Outfitters
Combine a serene two-hour paddle along the French Broad River with a stop at Asheville’s Oskar Blues Brewery, where craft beer and gourmet food await. Discover why this unique adventure is a summer highlight in Western North Carolina.
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.
Wear a life jacket
Life jackets are provided but bring your own for a perfect fit and comfort on the water.
Check the weather forecast
River conditions vary with weather—avoid paddling in heavy rain or storms for safety.
Bring sunscreen and a hat
Sun protection is important as much of the paddle is exposed—pack accordingly.
Reserve in advance
This popular trip fills quickly, so booking ahead ensures you get your preferred date and time.
Waterproof sandals
Keep your feet comfortable and dry, ideal for easy launch and landing on the riverbanks.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the paddle under the summer sun.
Lightweight rain jacket
Spring showers are common; a rain jacket keeps you dry and comfortable.
spring
Polarized sunglasses
Reduce sun glare reflecting off the water to protect your eyes and improve visibility.
summer