Cool off on a family-friendly French Broad River float
1–2 hrs
Tube, lifejacket, transportation
Cool off on a scenic, family-friendly tubing float along the Upper French Broad River. Summer water averages 65–70°F, and river conditions vary with water levels.
•Park in the back gravel lot. •Head up the back steps and check in at the front desk. •Please complete your waiver before arrival to help speed up check-in. •Use your vehicle as your locker for the day. You’re also welcome to leave your keys with our front desk staff. •Before launching, our team will give a quick river orientation covering safety, river conditions, and how to spot the takeout. •Start your float right behind the shop and enjoy a relaxing trip down the French Broad River. •At the end of your trip, our shuttle will pick you up at the takeout and bring you back to Headwaters.
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-trip cancellations or no-shows. Full refund if the operator cancels due to thunder or lightning, unsafe air or water temperatures, high winds, or high water levels.
Product ID: DNZGQG
Yes. Everyone must be able to swim while wearing a lifejacket.
Wear river attire and appropriate shoes (no flip flops). Plan for sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, eyeglass straps, and a change of dry clothes for after your tubing trip.
No. Alcohol and coolers (including cooler tubes) are not allowed on the river. Outside alcohol is not allowed on the property, and no open containers can leave the property.
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
Float 8 miles of gentle Class I water at your own pace
Choose your craft for a self-guided paddling outing
Cast for hard-fighting smallmouth from a guide-rowed fishing raft
Build fly-fishing skills on a guided half-day river outing
Paddle river scenery, then relax at a brewery
A relaxed Class I river route for first-time and experienced paddlers