The Adventure Collective 2019 Asheville Guide Sample | Page 33

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Float The French Broad
River (Asheville Section)
Ready to kick back, relax and take in the scenic
beauty of the mountains from the seat of your
boat? If the answer is yes, then the Biltmore Es-
tate section of the French Broad River Paddle
Trail may be just what you’re after. When it comes
to a relaxing summer adventure, nothing beats a
leisurely float and paddle down the French Broad
River in Asheville. Add in a few pit stops at some
of the local watering holes and you’ve got your-
self an adventure to remember.
This relaxing float trip starts at the Bent Creek
River Park near the NC Arboretum and the Blue
Ridge Parkway in Asheville and meanders casu-
ally past the Biltmore Estate on a slow-moving
journey toward Asheville’s River Arts District. We
recommend packing a cooler and a light lunch
so you stay well hydrated during your journey
and capping the day off with a refreshing bever-
age from one of Asheville’s breweries found just
a short walk from the takeout at Carrier Park in
the River Arts District.
For a shorter trip with more beer-friendly stops
along the way, we recommend launching at Homi-
ny Creek Park before paddling down to the River
Arts District where you can chain up the boats at
the river access below the Haywood Bridge and
make the short walk over to The Wedge Brewery.
From the Wedge, head down the French Broad
River through a series of shoals where the riv-
er picks up the pace a bit before the takeout at
The Bywater located on the banks of the river
where you’ll find great drinks, local beers and an
outdoor area with grills, games and frequent live
music.
For boat rentals, shuttles and more gear, we rec-
ommend hooking up with French Broad Outfit-
ters.
Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 W to I-26 E
and get off on exit 33, NC 191. Turn left and head
south on NC 191 until you cross under the Blue
Ridge Parkway overpass. The Bent Creek river
access is the first left.