2026 Guided French Broad River Paddle Trail Trip!
Collaboration Trip: Headwaters Outfitters with MountainTrue & The French Broad River Keeper
Adventure Chef: Food for Adventures
What: 3-Day Guided French Broad River Paddle Trail Trip in Transylvania County, North Carolina
When: May 1-3, 2026
Where: Headwaters Outfitters (Mile 0 > Penrose Boating
Access Area) 32 River Miles Total
Why: To show people a heck of a good time on the
French Broad Paddle Trail in Transylvania County!
Join Headwaters Outfitters, MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper team, and Food for Adventures for an unforgettable 3-day float down the French Broad in Transylvania County.
During this 32-mile trip, you’ll experience a beautiful section of river, learn about local stewardship, eat tasty food and drink local beer, camp under the stars, meet new friends, and come away with a new appreciation for this amazing place.
The French Broad is renowned throughout southern Appalachia and beyond for its cultural history, unique flora and fauna, diverse character, opportunities for paddling and fishing, and widespread suitability for multi-day camping trips, and we would love to show one section to you through the eyes of those who know it best.
Registration includes boats (if you need), meals, drinks (including local beer!), campsites, shuttle, and a variety of entertainment. Guests will need to bring their own personal items and camping gear.
Camping gear and personal items will be transported directly to each campsite, so you’ll only need to paddle with what you want to have while on the water.
See details for this trip below, and feel free to reach out with any questions. Email: [email protected]
Learn more about the river here, and see details on this trip’s itinerary, menu, and packing list, below.
Registration Cost: (Per Person)
- Bring your own boat: $530 Per Person
- Rent a boat from Headwaters Outfitters: $680 Per Person (Single Sit-on-Top Kayaks, Tandem Sit-on-Top Kayaks, and Tandem Canoes available to rent)
Registration Link Here: 2026 Guided French Broad River Paddle Trail Trip
Itinerary:
May 1: Headwaters Outfitters > Hannah Ford Campground (9 miles)
- Meet at Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman at 10:00 AM, shuttle cars to the long-term parking area.
- Make introductions, go over itinerary, pack gear.
- Eat lunch at Headwaters Outfitters, short presentations about Headwaters Outfitters and MountainTrue.
- Paddle to Hannah Ford Campground, wiffle ball, catered dinner at camp, campfire, stargazing with Bernie.
May 2: Hannah Ford Campground > Pisgah Riverbend Campground (16.5 miles)
- Catered breakfast at camp, paddle to Hap Simpson Park, catered/packed lunch at Hap Simpson Park, paddle to Pisgah Riverbend Campground, yard games, catered dinner at camp, campfire.
May 3: Pisgah Riverbend Campground > Penrose Boating Access Area (6.5 miles)
- Catered breakfast at camp, paddle to Poplar Bend Campsite and tour site, paddle to Penrose and take out, shuttle back to Headwaters Outfitters, unpack, depart.
