Float the Upper French Broad River with a guided tubing setup
1–2 hours
Tube, Lifejacket, Transport
Cool off on a family-friendly tubing run down the Upper French Broad River, with transportation and a riverside orientation handled for you. Your float takes about 1–2 hours, depending on river levels.
All participants must be able to swim and complete a release form; minors need a parent or legal guardian signature. Appropriate shoes are required (no flip flops). No alcohol or coolers are allowed on the river, and outside alcohol is not allowed on the property.
Full refund if you cancel 7+ days before your trip. 50% refund if you cancel 1–6 days before your trip. No refund for day-of cancellations or no-call, no-show. Full refund if Headwaters Outfitters cancels due to thunder/lightning, unsafe air/water temperatures, high winds, or high water levels.
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.
Brevard, NC
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.
I loved this place! From ease of booking to customer service. All of it was 10/10. The floats were clean and well inflated. Inside was stocked with everything you could need. I didn’t know, but they check you in and out of the water. So, because I didn’t give my name, and left, they called me to make sure I was safe and out of the river. I appreciate the above and beyond safety. It made me feel great to know if something happened they would have known. The river was beautiful, crisp and clear. Overall an incredible experience and we will absolutely be back!
Samantha Floyd
June 26, 2026
I loved this place! From ease of booking to customer service. All of it was 10/10. The floats were clean and well inflated. Inside was stocked with everything you could need. I didn’t know, but they check you in and out of the water. So, because I didn’t give my name, and left, they called me to make sure I was safe and out of the river. I appreciate the above and beyond safety. It made me feel great to know if something happened they would have known. The river was beautiful, crisp and clear. Overall an incredible experience and we will absolutely be back!
Samantha Floyd
June 26, 2026
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