Ride the French Broad: Class II–III Whitewater Rafting Near Asheville

Marshall•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3.5–4.5 hours

Fitness Level

Comfortable sitting and paddling for 1–2 hours total with short bursts of effort; able to climb in/out of a raft and swim with a PFD if needed.

Overview

Just 30 minutes from Asheville, the French Broad serves up playful Class II–III rapids, mountain views, and a dose of Appalachian history. It’s a guided half-day that blends splashy fun with wildlife sightings and easy logistics.

Ride the French Broad: Class II–III Whitewater Rafting Near Asheville

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Rafting

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Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

Morning air hangs cool over the French Broad as shuttle doors swing open and paddles clack like a starter’s pistol. The river looks relaxed at first—broad, green, unhurried—but a push of current nudges the raft into motion, and the day wakes up. Your guide calls a cadence, the crew leans in, and the river obliges, curling into waves that slap the tubes and spray your cheeks awake. It’s friendly whitewater with a mischievous streak, the kind that coaxes laughter as much as whoops.

Adventure Photos

Ride the French Broad: Class II–III Whitewater Rafting Near Asheville photo 1

Adventure Tips

Dress for immersion

Skip cotton. Wear quick-dry layers and secure water shoes or sandals; spring trips may warrant a wetsuit top or fleece under the PFD.

Secure your eyewear

Use a retainer strap for glasses and sunglasses; whitewater loves souvenirs.

Listen for the commands

Rapids like S-Turn and The Ledges go best when the crew paddles in sync—forward, back, and hold.

Hydrate and snack smart

Bring a water bottle for the shuttle and have a dry snack waiting at the outpost for after the run.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Great blue heron
Belted kingfisher

History

The French Broad is among the world’s oldest rivers, flowing north through Cherokee homelands and along the historic Buncombe Turnpike that moved livestock through these valleys in the 1800s.

Conservation

Pack out all trash, avoid trampling riverbanks, and respect private property along the corridor. Rinse footwear to prevent spreading invasive aquatic species.