Colors of the Fall Guided Paddle

Every October, Headwaters Outfitters offers its ever popular fall series of guided paddle trips on the French Broad River. Our “Colors of the Fall” guided paddle trips balance nature observation with the quiet relaxation of a canoe or kayak outing. You will paddle 8 miles, approximately 3 hours  down Section 1, a very peaceful yet lively section of the historic French Broad River.

Participants begin arriving at Headwaters Outfitters around 9:15 am  to complete check-in, meet the river guide and organize gear for their canoe trip. At 10:00 am we begin our trip with a short 2 mile shuttle to the launch point. Your guide will review and demonstrate paddling tips and techniques before launching. Along the way you can listen to historical stories of the French Broad and our community, discover wildlife, flora, fauna, and  waterfowl that make their homes along this beautiful river.

ADVANCE RESERVATION & DEPOSIT REQUIRED

Our Color of Fall Guided Canoe Trips fills up rapidly and months in advance. Each river trip is limited to 10 people max per Guide. Prior paddling experience is helpful, but not necessary.

The Details

• Arrive by 9:15 am, dressed in river attire, organized & ready to paddle.
• Trip rates include your canoe, paddle, lifejacket, river shuttle, and guide service.
• Trip rates do not include personal items, drinks, snacks, lunch or gratuities.
• Reservations are secured with 50% non-refundable deposit.
• Reservations can only be made by phone. 828-877-3106
• Review our River Trip Tips for a list of suggested items & gear to bring

Summer has come to an end along a peaceful southern Appalachian valley as we prepare to slip our canoes into the water. Gazing up, the sky is spotted with white puffy clouds camouflaging the crisp Carolina blue, a color so common in the fall. The rustle of fall leaves cheerfully swirls through the air and softly lands on the river before the gentle current carries them off. Nature is preparing to settle in for a long winters nap and offers a magnificent array of colors strewn across a larger-than-life canvas.

Grasping our canoe paddles and with a forward stroke we are off, using one of the oldest modes of transportation traveling along one of the world’s oldest rivers; The French Broad. As you paddle downstream quietly, listen and the sounds of the river and its residents captures your full attention and can put on quite the show