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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.
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.
Book with Headwaters Outfitters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Headwaters Outfitters · Asheville, North Carolina
The French Broad River in Western North Carolina offers one of the most inviting summer escapes for paddlers seeking a blend of nature, adventure, and culture. “Cruise then Booze with Oskar Blues Brewery” is a captivating two-hour guided paddle experience that drifts along this iconic waterway, culminating at the famed Oskar Blues Brewery. This trip offers a rare combination of tranquil river scenery with a lively craft beer finish, making it a standout outdoor adventure for the Asheville area and its environs.
Starting on the gentle currents of the French Broad, this paddle invites adventurers of all levels to relax and soak in the surroundings. The river flows through a lush, broad valley lined with sycamores, maples, and oaks, attracting wildlife such as kingfishers, herons, and occasionally river otters. The river itself, one of the oldest in North America, carves a path through rock formations that have witnessed millennia of geological change, providing a unique natural backdrop to each stroke of the paddle.
What makes this experience truly unique is the destination: Oskar Blues Brewery, a pioneer in American craft brewing and a local favorite. After the paddle, guests dock and walk to the vibrant brewery grounds where they can enjoy an array of hand-crafted beers brewed on site. Accompanying the drinks is gourmet fare served right from the Chubwagon Food Truck, ensuring that the taste of fresh, local ingredients complements the crisp, innovative brews. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a peaceful paddle and feel connected to the region’s thriving craft and culinary scene.
This trip is not only an adventure on the water but also a doorway into the cultural heartbeat of Asheville’s outdoor recreation lifestyle. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with expert guidance and relaxed pace, makes this paddle and brew experience accessible and memorable. Whether you’re visiting Asheville or a local looking to explore the French Broad from a new vantage, this excursion blends nature and neighborhood in perfect balance.
Reservations are essential to secure your spot, as the trip’s popularity is driven by both the scenic river setting and the intimate brewery component. Gear up for summer evenings filled with gentle paddling, local wildlife sightings, and vibrant craft beer culture — a refreshing itinerary for anyone craving a taste of the South’s outdoor and brewing heritage.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for beginners or anyone comfortable with light physical activity; paddling on calm river waters requires moderate arm strength but no prior skills.
No, this paddle is beginner-friendly with guides to assist all skill levels.
Yes, all participants receive life jackets to wear for safety during the trip.
Food and drinks are available at Oskar Blues Brewery at the end, so outside food and alcohol are not permitted on the paddle.
The trip may be rescheduled or canceled in case of storms or unsafe river conditions for participant safety.
No shuttle service is included; guests must arrange their own transport back from the brewery.
Participants should be at least 12 years old for safety and skill requirements.
The French Broad River is one of the oldest rivers in North America, playing a key role in regional history and settlement.
The operation emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to protect river ecosystems and encourages sustainable recreation.
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.
Book with Headwaters Outfitters