The trip will start on May 17th at Headwater Outfitters in Rosman, N.C., where the North and West Forks of the French Broad meet to form the very beginning of this ancient river.
We’ll organize gear and discuss the coming fun. There will also be a short presentation by the French Broad Riverkeeper on the history and state of the river. A flat nine-mile paddle through area farms will take us to a private campground for the night. This beginning stretch of river offers a secluded and pristine feeling.
Sunday May 18, Day 2: Hap Simpson Scramble – Mile 9-24
The river continues to slowly meander as we paddle our way north through Brevard, home of the white squirrel and Brevard College. The river then continues through farmland, offering several views of rolling hills and mountains beyond the dense canopy of river birch and sycamore trees. The day will end on our own private peninsula, one of the campsites as part of the French Broad River Paddle Trail. We’ll take the van into Brevard to explore this pretty quaint town and enjoy a nice dinner at Square Root.
Monday, May 19, Day 3: Davidson River Reel – Mile 24-38
Get your fishing rods ready because this day of paddling will pass by the Davidson River, a world-famous trout fishery. The winding river and the dense rhododendrons along the banks are spectacular. Try to catch the elusive muskie fish as we make our way into Henderson County, and later enjoy lunch at one of the campsites established as part of the French Broad River Paddle Trail. Take a swim and watch the sunset as we cook a delicious dinner by the fire.
Tuesday, May 20, Day 4: Horseshoe Bend Hustle – Mile 38-51
After paddling the river’s biggest horseshoe, we will pass by rock weirs built by the Cherokee Indians for fishing, and later reshaped by the Army Corps of Engineers to try to make the French Broad River navigable for large ships. The river canopy also begins to recede, allowing paddlers to catch a glimpse of the majestic Appalachian Mountains, as we paddle past the Mills River, a popular trout stream. We will also take samples along the way to determine if there are any sources of bacteria pollution for future investigation. Another lovely night of camping awaits us along the banks of the river at Buck Shoals campsite.
Wednesday, May 21, Day 5: Biltmore Estate Bustle – Mile 51-67
This day of paddling will have it all. We will paddle through the long shoals of the river, and under the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile drive that glides over some of the most scenic vistas in the world. A lunch stop at Zen Tubing awaits before a quiet beautiful paddle through the Biltmore Estate property, while glimpsing the Biltmore House and the extraordinary grounds. Despite being just outside the bustling city of Asheville, the Biltmore property creates a wilderness feel on the river. We’ll arrive at the Biltmore Estate like no one else—by boat. We’ll stop for a tour of the winery, wine sampling, a tour of the new Antler Hill Village and take time to explore the lovely grounds of the Biltmore Estate. The trip will end with a short paddle to the Asheville Outdoor Center takeout.
Click here to read more about how you can participate in the paddle-a-thon to Save the French Broad River.
Food and drink:
All meals will be provided for the entire trip, except for dinner out in Brevard, Marshall and Hot Springs.
Free Sweetwater Beer will be provided for registered participants after each day of paddling.
Participants are welcome to bring other food and drink options that can be transported by van to each camping location. Expect hearty fare for dinner each night with vegetarian options. Sack lunches include sandwiches (make your own each day) chips, fruit, and desert. Breakfast will be a mix of hearty and light choices, such as bagels, oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, or yogurt and granola.
Register for the 5 day trip at the WNCA website.
There will be no refunds after May 4 for the five-day trip.
Once You Have Registered
- You will receive via e-mail (unless regular mail is requested) a liability waiver form, information about shuttle services, equipment information, paddle-a-thon forms, and other essential information.
- Check out the full trip itinerary here.
- Start raising money for paddle-a-thon. Get started by visiting First Giving (http://www.firstgiving.com/wncalliance). Donate to a friend or create your own fundraising goal to win prizes and free trip down the river