DYK: 60 miles of the French Broad River is a designated “Blueway” – or water – State Trail (and part of that is the official river paddle trail)? The river runs from Rosman N.C. into the Holston River in Knoxville, T.N.
Here’s to thanking the river gods for the six-mile stretch which runs right through town. Because, as the weather is *finally* in Summer territory, it’s time to grab a tube + head out there.
So pick your journey, grab some friends, and maybe some cold beer + enjoy your day on the river with our guide.
Choose your own adventure: Plan your day around one of three put-ins.
*Trip length totally approximate, because of flow strength.
- Hominy Creek River Park (West Asheville)
- Length of trip: 3 – 4 hours*
- Located at the intersection of Hominy Creek Rd. and the French Broad River Greenway, this is the perfect spot if you want to float the day away. Bonus: the French Broad Outfitters Hominy Creek outpost is a perfect place to grab a beer + nosh on offerings from a food truck. Bonus: hammocks.
- Length of trip: 3 – 4 hours*
- Carrier Park (West Asheville)
- Length of trip: 1.5 hours
- At the edge of the Biltmore Estate, a tranquil put-in that’s timed for the floater who wants a good excursion that’s not too long. Have a picnic at the park beforehand.
- Length of trip: 1.5 hours
- Jean Webb River Park (RAD)
- 45 minutes
- The shortest float trip takes you through the River Arts District and includes some greatest hits, like New Belgium Brewing, Smoky Park Supper Club, and the I-26 connector bridge. Protip: Start your trip at the Wedge, right across the tracks from the put-in.
- 45 minutes
Our favorite take-out locations for a post-float beer on Riverside are The Bywater (796 Riverside Dr.), Ole Shakey’s Getaway (790 Riverside Dr.), Salvage Station (468 Riverside Dr.) and White Duck Taco (444 Riverside Dr.).
What if you don’t have your own tube? Or, you don’t have a pick-up car for the take out point? Luckily, there are a few great businesses out there which do the dirty work for you so you can have a worry-free float day.
Zen Tubing | 608 Riverside Dr. and 1648 Brevard Rd. | 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | $20 / tube rentals, $5 / cooler carrier. Bonus: one shuttle ride is included with your rental, additional shuttle rides are $5.
Asheville Outdoor Center | 521 Amboy Rd. | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday – Sunday | $18 / tube rental, $34 / kayak rental, $55 / SUP rental | Tubes, kayaks, SUPs, Canoes + more. No shuttle provided for tubers.
French Broad Outfitters | 704 Riverside Dr. and 230 Hominy Creek Rd. | $15 / tube rental, $30 / kayak rental, $40 / SUP rental | $5 tubing shuttle and $5 cooler tubes.
If tubing becomes your new favorite sport after your float trip, you can also purchase your own tube at Second Gear (444 Haywood Rd.), a consignment outdoor gear store, and several other locations around town.
Pack a life jacket, sun protection, snacks + beverages for your day on the river, and check water cleanliness here or on the Swim Guide app.
Impress your friends…
The French Broad
- is the third oldest river in the world (after the Nile and the New River, which flows through V.A., W.V. + N.C.
- flows south to north for 218 miles
- is supported by local non-profits, including RiverLink and MountainTrue, which promote and organize clean-up efforts, study water quality + maintain the French Broad River Paddle Trail
- is called Agicua, Poelico, Zillicoah + Tahkeeosteh in Cherokee
- is “French” because it flowed into land claimed by the French during the time of European settlement. The Broad River (WNC + northern S.C.) flowed into territory claimed by the English.
I grew up kayaking on the faster moving Section 9 of the French Broad near Marshall and Hot Springs, but I’ve come to appreciate whiling away the lazy summer days on the languid waters closer to town.
I love the feeling that comes from knowing there’s nothing to do at all but go with the flow. (Literally).
What does your ideal float trip look like? Let us know by sending us an email, or leave us a comment here or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
