4 hours
No Cancel
10 people
English
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Western North Carolina with our Signs of Spring French Broad River kayak tour. This guided adventure paddle tour is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Experience the vibrant spring blooms and diverse wildlife along the French Broad River. Departing on selected Saturdays from April through June, this canoe or kayak tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the season in a serene setting. If you’re searching for “kayaking near Asheville” this tour is the perfect choice.
Our expert guides will lead you on a peaceful journey. As you paddle through the calm waters, you will be surrounded by lush greenery. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests provide a stunning backdrop. You’ll have the chance to see over 2,500 species of wildflowers and flowering shrubs. These include orange jewelweed, crested dwarf iris, bluets, purple phacelia, monkeyflower, and bee balm. Read more about Western North Carolina native plants.
But flowers are not the only highlight. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting a variety of spring migrants and resident birds. Keep your eyes peeled for vireos, warblers, tanagers, flycatchers, wood ducks, and Louisiana waterthrushes. You might even spot an osprey or bald eagle. The river is also home to river otters, beavers, foxes, long-tailed weasels, minks, and skunks. Every paddle offers an exciting wildlife safari.
Whether you’re searching for “kayaking near Asheville” or planning a special outing in Western North Carolina, this tour provides an ideal mix of relaxation and adventure. Join us for a kayaking or canoeing experience that promises unforgettable memories and a deep connection with nature. Don’t miss out on this chance to see the Signs of Spring in one of the most picturesque settings imaginable.
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The trip starts at 10 a.m. from Headwaters Shop, so please arrive by 9:30 a.m. to prepare.
Your guide will lead a short safety briefing before departing for your tour.
Upon arrival at Headwaters Outfitters, (the entrance to river trip parking is located behind our river shop) you will complete check-in. You will then depart in our shuttle vehicle for a short 1 mile drive to Headwaters Outfitters private river access. There, you will be given an appropriate sized canoe or kayak, paddle and life jacket. And, yes, everyone is required to wear a life jacket! Our river staff will then complete a brief riverside orientation, help you into your boats and launch you on your downstream river adventure! Your canoeing or kayaking river trip will end at our campground river access point. Restrooms are available at the put in and take out points.
We run our river trips rain or shine! However, if there are active thunder/lightning storms we will not put you out on the water and we will reschedule you or issue a full refund. Additionally, we follow a river safety protocol and will not put paddlers out on the water if the river water level is above our safety cutoff. In the event of this we will reschedule you or fully refund. Please come prepared with weather appropriate clothing / gear.