Enjoy a 2-hour paddle along the French Broad River before winding down with a craft beer at Ecusta Brewing Company in Brevard, NC. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed outdoor escape with local flavor.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels including beginners; basic paddling endurance needed.
Wildlife
History
The French Broad River has been a vital waterway for Cherokee communities and early settlers in western North Carolina.
Conservation
Efforts by local groups help keep the French Broad River clean, supporting wildlife habitats and recreational uses.
Headwaters Outfitters
Enjoy a 2-hour paddle along the French Broad River before winding down with a craft beer at Ecusta Brewing Company in Brevard, NC. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed outdoor escape with local flavor.
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.
Book Your Trip in Advance
Reservations are required since spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Wear Quick-Drying Clothes
Opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking gear to stay comfortable while paddling.
Arrive Early for Shuttle Pickup
Be at Ecusta Brewing by 9:30am to get fitted and shuttle to the river start point on time.
Bring Waterproof Essentials
Consider packing your phone or camera in a waterproof case to capture the trip safely.
Quick-Drying Clothing
Keeps you comfortable and dries quickly if you get splashed during the paddle.
summer
Sun Hat and Sunscreen
Protects against sun exposure during open-water paddling.
summer|null
Waterproof Phone Case
Allows safe photo-taking without risking water damage to your electronics.
Light Waterproof Jacket
Blocks wind and light rain during cooler or unpredictable weather.
spring|fall|winter