Scenic, remote, and awash with breathtaking beauty, the French Broad Section 9 (FB9) rafting adventure takes you through 5 miles of intermediate-level, class II and class III rapids starting at Barnard River Park. Between rapids, enjoy a laid-back vibe with opportunities to stop for a jump off the raft or rocks for a refreshing dip in the river.

Duration

4 hours

About

The French Broad river spans 218 miles from Rosman, North Carolina through Asheville, and toward the state of Tennessee. Section 9 of the French Broad river starts approximately 45 minutes away from Asheville near Marshall, North Carolina, and runs through the Pisgah National Forest. The majority of French Broad Section 9 flows through protected lands and is beginner-friendly. Your guide will navigate you through approximately 5 miles of Section 9, where you will raft through class II and class III difficulty levels, and you may briefly encounter class IV drops depending on the time of year, and the amount of rainfall.

Highlights

• The only whitewater rafting tour of the French Broad River Gorge (also known as Section 9) that departs from Asheville
• Beginner-friendly rafting trip through remote, scenic beauty through the gorges of the French Broad River
• Float through some of the most pristine sections of the French Broad River, with the Appalachian mountains towering overhead
• Opportunities to pause for a swim and take photos

What to bring

• Water shoes; shoes with a heel strap: No flip-flops or bare feet!
• Comfortable clothing that can get wet
• During cooler weather, we recommend layering your clothing. Avoid wearing cotton and stick with wool or other quick drying synthetic fibers. Bringing a dry layer to leave on our secure shuttle vehicle can help, especially on chilly days.
• We also recommend bringing a change of clothes for when you return to our outpost. Please avoid wearing cotton as it does not wick moisture and can increase body heat release.