Float 8 miles of gentle Class I water at your own pace
3 hours
Shuttle, paddle, life jacket
Explore an 8-mile self-guided route on the Upper French Broad River. Follow gentle Class I current, shoals, and river bends at your own pace.
River trips operate rain or shine. Cancel 7 or more days before your trip for a full refund; cancel 1–6 days before for a 50% refund. No refund for day-of cancellations or no-shows. Full refund if the operator cancels due to thunder or lightning, unsafe temperatures, high winds, or high water.
Product ID: BET8QR
Wear river shoes with straps or water shoes (no flip flops) and a swimsuit or quick-dry clothing. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks. A dry bag for valuables is optional.
Yes. All guests must be able to swim.
Yes. You must wear a Type III life jacket at all times on the water (provided), and you must wear footwear at all times while on the water.
Headwaters Outfitters Outdoor Shop and Taproom, 25 Parkway Road, Rosman, NC 28772
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.
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.
Capt Marty
August 19, 2026
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.
Capt Marty
August 19, 2026
Cool off on a family-friendly French Broad River float
Choose your craft for a self-guided paddling outing
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A relaxed Class I river route for first-time and experienced paddlers
Wade public waters with tailored fly-fishing instruction