The Adventure Collective 2019 Asheville Guide Sample | Page 34

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Raft The French Broad River's Whitewater Rapids
The French Broad River offers all of the aspects that make for a great day on the river. The water is warm and the huge
boulders and rugged terrain create a spectacular backdrop. The rapids are definitely big enough to satisfy the adventure
side of paddling, but they are also playful and fun without being too difficult.
All in all, the French Broad River is a great adventure for folks looking to get out and enjoy the river. Section 9 features
some of the most fun and exciting rapids of the entire 218-Asheville Whitewater Raftingmile-long river. With a combina-
tion of action-packed rapids and great scenery, this section offers an incredible river experience that is hard to beat. The
big waves of the Class III Big Pillow Rapid provide a good introduction to the rapids and long wave trains that lie ahead
on the scenic journey through the French Broad River Gorge. Paddlers can stop at Jump Rock for a 10-foot plunge into
a nice, deep pool before heading downstream for more rapids. Characteristic diagonal ledges create long and engaging
routes through rapids like The Maze, Ledges, Pit Stop, and the infamous class IV Frank Bell’s Rapid. A large part of the 8+
mile section of river includes some very beautiful scenery through a stretch of Pisgah National Forest. In total, this river
trip takes anywhere from a half day to a full day.
Directions from Asheville: We recommend hooking up with a local rafting company for this trip-we like Blue Heron
Whitewater and French Broad Adventues.