Celebrate N.C. State Trails: Paddle the French Broad Trail

Come float the headwaters of the French Broad River with Headwaters Outfitters, MountainTrue, and local partners in celebration of North Carolina being the Great Trails State. The French Broad River was designated a North Carolina State Trail in 1987, and officially launched as the French Broad Paddle Trail by MountainTrue and RiverLink in 2012. MountainTrue is the North Carolina State Parks Partner Organization for the French Broad River State Trail and leads watershed-wide Paddle Trail efforts through its French Broad Riverkeeper program based in Asheville.

While the French Broad Paddle Trail flows for over 140 miles in both North Carolina and Tennessee, the upper sections in Transylvania County have become especially popular due to the plentiful access, calm water, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. This float will experience all of these factors as we travel from the river’s beginnings in Rosman to Headwaters Outfitters’ Hannah Ford Campground, a distance of 8 miles and approximately 3 hours. Before the float, we’ll briefly discuss the river’s history, its present status, and future plans for the Paddle Trail. After the float there’s the option to attend the annual “Paddle to the Pork Bluegrass Festival” happening at Hannah Ford Campground or be shuttled back to your car.

Participants should have prior paddling experience and be comfortable navigating their boat of choice in moving water. Boats and gear can be rented from Headwaters Outfitters, or you’re welcome to bring your own. We will have lunch along the river, so plan to pack your own or reserve a catered option (see “Tickets”).

There are several signup options for this event:

• Canoe rental (2 adults) — $45
• Single kayak (1 adult) — $45
• Tandem kayak (2 people per boat) — $45
• Shuttle fee (for people with their own boat) — $25
• Paddle to Pork Bluegrass Festival — $10
• Packed lunch — $15

To make a reservation, go here. To receive additional information about this event, please secure a free ticket. As the event nears, we will send you more information about the trip, including suggested dress, weather forecast and more specifics on how the day will unfold.

We hope you’ll join us for a beautiful start to autumn here on the French Broad River in Transylvania County.

Feel free to reach out to Jack Henderson, MountainTrue’s French Broad Paddle Trail Manager, at jack@mountaintrue.org with any questions.