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    5. /7-Hour French Broad River Self-Guided Paddle
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    7-Hour French Broad River Self-Guided Paddle

    Float 20 miles of gentle Class I water on the Upper French Broad River

    4.9 stars• 644 reviews

    Duration

    7 hrs

    Includes

    Shuttle, boat, life jacket

    Highlights

    Explore a 20-mile self-guided route on the Upper French Broad River, with a lively but gentle current, shoals, and sharp bends. This Class I paddle is suited to first-time and seasoned paddlers alike.

    • Navigate gentle Class I water at your own pace
    • Discover fast-moving shoals and natural river bends
    • Take in scenic views along the Upper French Broad River
    • Enjoy a full-day paddle by canoe, single kayak, or tandem kayak

    Itinerary

    1. Arrive & Check In
    2. Shuttle to the River
    3. River Orientation & Safety Talk
    4. Enjoy Your Float
    5. Easy Take-Out at Hannah Ford
    6. Shuttle Back to the Shop

    What's Included

    • Shuttle to the private launch site
    • Type III life jacket
    • Paddle
    • Safety orientation
    • Return shuttle from the takeout

    Important details

    • Available Tuesdays from April through October, departing at 10am
    • Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure; the shuttle leaves about 10 minutes before the trip time
    • Complete the electronic waiver before arrival; a guardian must complete it for minors
    • Swimming ability is required
    • Wear river shoes with straps or water shoes; flip-flops are not allowed
    • Wear the provided Type III life jacket at all times on the water
    • Canoes and tandem kayaks require two paddlers; canoes hold up to 2 adults and 2 small children
    • Leave alcohol off the river; small coolers are allowed
    • Pack out all trash
    • Expect possible delays or cancellations for thunder, lightning, or high water

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancel 7 or more days before your trip for a full refund. Cancel 1–6 days before for a 50% refund. No refund on the day of your trip or for no-shows. Full refund if the operator cancels due to thunder, lightning, unsafe air or water temperatures, high winds, or high water levels.

    Product ID: KF73A6

    FAQs

    Wear river shoes with straps or water shoes; flip-flops are not allowed. Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks. A dry bag for valuables is optional.

    Complete the electronic waiver and watch the paddling safety video before your trip. A guardian must complete the waiver for minors.

    Bring water and snacks for your French Broad River paddle. Small coolers are allowed, but alcohol is not allowed on river trips.

    Meeting details

    Headwaters Outfitters, 25 Parkway Road, Rosman, NC 28772

    Experience provided by Headwaters Outfitters

    Related locations

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text 1-877-GREET-WELL

    Report an issue

    Adult Paddler Ages 18 & Up in Canoe

    $79.50

    Priced per person | 2 Persons Min. Per Canoe

    0

    Youth Paddler Ages 4-17 in Canoe

    $74.20

    Prices are per person | 2 People Min. Per Canoe

    0

    Adult Paddler Ages 18 & Up in Single Kayak

    $79.50

    Ages 18 & Up

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    644 reviews•Google Maps
    522
    52
    11
    1
    3

    This family-owned outfitter has clearly mastered the art of making everyone feel at home on the French Broad River. The staff consistently earns praise for being friendly, professional, and genuinely passionate about what they do. Guides like Jeremy, Patrick, Gavin, Ty, and Bret get specific shoutouts for their patience and expertise, particularly with first-timers who've never touched a fly rod or sat in a kayak. Multiple reviewers mention feeling confident and comfortable even as complete beginners, which speaks volumes about the instruction quality. Beyond the guided trips, the self-guided kayak floats are a major draw. The three-hour paddle seems to be the sweet spot for a relaxed, scenic journey where you'll likely spot deer, osprey, herons, and kingfishers along the way. Equipment stays in excellent condition, and the logistics run smoothly from start to finish. The base has evolved into more than just a put-in point too, with a taproom, coffee truck, and food trucks making it easy to turn your river day into a full experience. Repeat visitors keep coming back, which tells you everything you need to know about consistency here.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 4
    5/5

    This Outfitter basecamp is well stocked with fishing, kayaking, canoeing gear, drinks and snacks with a nice selection of t-shirts. Outback the taproom is a nice place to drink a cold beer and reflect on your adventures. The staff couldn’t be nicer. It’s located on the 215 ( a great motorcycle road) just off 64.

    Photo of Capt Marty

    Capt Marty

    August 19, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    This Outfitter basecamp is well stocked with fishing, kayaking, canoeing gear, drinks and snacks with a nice selection of t-shirts. Outback the taproom is a nice place to drink a cold beer and reflect on your adventures. The staff couldn’t be nicer. It’s located on the 215 ( a great motorcycle road) just off 64.

    Photo of Capt Marty

    Capt Marty

    August 19, 2026

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