Conserving Carolina and the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Transylvania County Center are offering a series of lectures, April – July, to better acquaint the public with the French Broad River, considered one of the oldest rivers in the world. Join us for a presentation by naturalist and educator, Tim Lee, and learn about the salamanders of Western North Carolina! North Carolina is home to 67 (known) species of salamander, more than any other place on earth. The presentation will highlight North Carolina’s salamander diversity, highlighting many of the species found in the area and then center on the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis), listed in North Carolina as species of special concern. A native South Carolinian, Tim has studied and taught as a naturalist and biologist throughout the southeast for more than 32 years. For the past 23 years he has been the Interpretive Ranger/Naturalist for South Carolina State Park Service’s Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area where he conducts research and provides educational programs for children and adults. He is the South Carolina Park Services coordinator with the South Carolina Master Naturalist Program and is an Educational Leadership Partner for the South Carolina Aquarium. Tim is a member of the National Association of Interpreters, and an honorary SC Statewide Master... Read More
Conserving Carolina and the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Transylvania County Center are offering a series of lectures, April – July, to better acquaint the public with the French Broad River, considered one of the oldest rivers in the world. In collaboration with Headwaters Outfitters, a partner for the Upper French Broad Riverfest (a celebration of the French Broad River with education, exhibitors, music, food and free tubing occurring on June 15, 10 am – 3 pm), join Fly Fishing Guide Hannah Overgaard for a “how to” presentation on creek fishing in Western NC. All of the basics will be covered, including pre-trip planning, suggested rigging and flies, reading water and more. The presentation will last around 30-40 minutes with extra time for any questions or conversations on the matter. Pre-registration is required at Headwaters Outfitters eventbright page,... Read More
Date: April 4, 2024 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Transylvania County Public Library Speakers: Jacob Rash, Coldwater Research Coordinator for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission Conserving Carolina and the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Transylvania County Center are offering a series of lectures, April – July, to better acquaint the public with the French Broad River, considered one of the oldest rivers in the world. Join us for a presentation by Jacob Rash, Coldwater Research Coordinator for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and learn about efforts to help conserve North Carolina’s native Brook Trout. Jacob Rash is Coldwater Research Coordinator for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, where he assists with the coordination of applied research and management of the State’s trout resources. He received his B.S. in Zoology from NC State University and M.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from Virginia Tech. After graduate school, he worked with freshwater mussels as a Research Specialist at Virginia Tech until he joined the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Jacob has co-authored numerous publications throughout his career, and in 2023, he began serving as Chair of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture’s Steering Committee. Although he spends his days at work thinking about fish, he enjoys spending his free time trying to find them as an avid angler. For more information and to register, visit... Read More
Have you ever been to a clothing swap? It’s as simple as bringing clothes, shoes and accessories you want to part with and allow other women to pick through it all. It’s like going shopping but it’s free! Clothing swaps also support sustainable consumption which is great for the environment. We will have tables set up in the taproom and you can sort your things by size. When you’re ready to go feel free to leave behind what you don’t want and we will donate the rest. Do you enjoy yoga? There will be a yoga and art therapy workshop by the river starting at 5:30 pm. All experience levels are welcome! It’s okay if you have never done yoga in your life. Just bring a mat or towel and you can join in on the relaxation. This workshop is donation based at a $10.00 minimum to cover the cost of the art supplies. You can Venmo or pay cash to your instructor, Miranda Ryan. Miranda is trained in therapeutic art making and is a 200-hr yoga teacher and former massage therapist. She will guide you through a gentle yoga class and lead you to a meditation followed by a short art project. Ever heard of mead before? Some people refer to it as a honey wine. It’s made by fermenting honey with water, fruit and spices. Wehrloom Meadery will be on site offering a tasting of their different flavors. The taproom will also be serving beer, wine, and... Read More
The Upper French Broad Riverfest is an annual event that celebrates the French Broad River, and is held at Champion Park in Rosman. Participants will be able to take advantage of free tubing trips, enjoy activities and games, view live animals that are found in the French Broad River, eat at a variety of food trucks, listen to local music and... Read More
Important Information: 1. “20 Miler Relay Race” limited to 15 Teams 2. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required 3. Check in Location & Time starts at 9:15am at Headwaters Outfitters. Teams must check in 45 min. prior to their start time. 4. Race will start promptly at 10am 5. Lifejackets are required to be worn for the entire race (teams will be disqualified if lifejackets are not worn). 6. All teams are required to use Headwaters canoes provided. You can bring your own paddles and wear your own PFD. Rules & Guidelines: 1. Each “20 Miler” relay team is made of up to 4 paddlers, broken down into pairs for each section of the race. 2. “20 Miler” Race will consist of two 10 mile sections. At the halfway point, teams can switch out paddlers · First Section: Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman to Island Ford River Access- 10 miles total · Team Exchange at Island Ford River Access · Second Section: Island Ford River Access to Hap Simpson River Park- 10 miles 3. Transportation to race points can be provided, or teams can provide their own. 4. At the end of the race paddlers will be transported back to Headwaters Outfitters. 5. The After Party starts at 2:00pm at the Forks of the River Taproom. The Awards Ceremony will start when enough teams arrive on site. Trophies will be awarded for Top 3 teams and BEST TEAM COSTUME (voted on by all teams and race volunteers) How to Enter: ·... Read More
Support the health and future of the Upper French Broad River by volunteering for our Annual River Clean-Up! The French Broad River Clean-Up remains the best volunteer gig in town! Since the inception of “The Upper French Broad River Clean Up Day” in 1992, the annual river clean-up has netted more than 3,500 garbage bags, 4,500 old tires and roughly 15 additional tons of trash along the upper French Broad. Over 3,000 volunteers have participated in the event, many of them returning year after year. Volunteers show up at Headwaters Outfitters at 9:00 am. Everyone will be assigned Headwaters Outfitters canoes (2 people max per canoe, no kayaks please), paddles, life jackets, and garbage bags. Participants should bring sturdy gloves, river shoes, and tools such as trash grabbers or long-handled barbecue tongs to grab trash with. It’s always a good idea to bring a change of clothing for afterwards! After a light complimentary sponsored breakfast, volunteers will hit the river to collect as much trash as they can. Volunteers need to have solid paddling skills, be team players, and be ready to get dirty and work hard. Headwaters Outfitters will provide transportation to and from the river for the start and end of the day. Once back at the shop, a sponsored lunch will be provided thanks to generous donations from community members and businesses. In 2019, we started a new tradition for the clean-up; dedicating the day to an individual who has been not only a river clean-up... Read More
Our Guided River Paddling 101 is a great day of instruction on the French Broad River to learn the skills and safety practices for beginner paddlers. All water is Class I Moving Water, with Class I rapids. Headwaters Outfitters will be hosting 2 dates of our Guided River Paddling 101 Introduction Courses. The focus is to promote paddling skills and safety practices for beginner paddlers. This event is $60 to the public with reservations, packed lunch included in price. Spaces are limited. Our knowledgeable Paddling Guides will go over entry level strokes for canoeing, kayaking, and Stand Up Paddling Boarding; along with safety tips, how to utilize your PFD’s, and more. This is a great chance to work in a small group and meet other paddlers in the area. ($60 Per Person) Registration required on Eventbrite.com 2 Person Canoes, 2 Person Kayaks, and Single Kayaks available. This class includes 1 Hour Skills and Safety Instruction, with an 3 Hour/8 Mile Guided Paddle on the French Broad River. Packed Lunch from Blue Ridge Bakery... Read More
Our Guided River Paddling 101 is a great day of instruction on the French Broad River to learn the skills and safety practices for beginner paddlers. All water is Class I Moving Water, with Class I rapids. Headwaters Outfitters will be hosting 2 dates of our Guided River Paddling 101 Introduction Courses. The focus is to promote paddling skills and safety practices for beginner paddlers. This event is $60 to the public with reservations, packed lunch included in price. Spaces are limited. Our knowledgeable Paddling Guides will go over entry level strokes for canoeing, kayaking, and Stand Up Paddling Boarding; along with safety tips, how to utilize your PFD’s, and more. This is a great chance to work in a small group and meet other paddlers in the area. ($60 Per Person) Registration required on Eventbrite.com 2 Person Canoes, 2 Person Kayaks, and Single Kayaks available. This class includes 1 Hour Skills and Safety Instruction, with an 3 Hour/8 Mile Guided Paddle on the French Broad River. Packed Lunch from Blue Ridge Bakery... Read More
This event is a series of two classes followed by a weekend canoe camping trip on the French Broad River. Class 1: Canoeing 101-Part 1. Join Clyde Carter and Jayne Fought for the first in a two-part beginner canoe class. This first class is held on flat water (lake), and instruction is focused on paddling strokes, boat control, maneuvers, equipment, and personal gear. Participants of this course and Canoeing 101 Part 2 will be eligible to sign up for the French Broad Multi-Day Canoe Trip! Boats and equipment provided. May 22, 5:30-8:30pm Class 2: Canoeing 101-Part 2. Join Clyde Carter and Jayne Fought for the second in a two-part beginner canoe class. This first class is held on moving water (river), and Instruction is focused on continuing to develop paddling strokes, boat control, maneuvers, equipment, river reading, and river safety. Participants of this course (and Canoeing 101 – Part 1) will be eligible to sign up for the French Broad Multi-Day Canoe Trip! Boats and equipment provided. May 23, 5:30-8:30pm Canoe Camping Trip, May 26-28. This trip is available to participants of the Canoeing 101 Classes. Join us for a three day, two night guided trip on the French Broad River. Put the skills you’ve learned into practice and enjoy a fun-filled time paddling and camping with us on the French Broad River Paddle Trail. We will depart on Friday and return on Sunday. Canoes, paddles and life jackets provided. Camping gear is available to rent if needed. Cost... Read More
On select Fridays in May and September, we offer our most popular guided paddling trip “Discovery at Dusk”. Discovery at Dusk is a series of guided evening paddling trips that balance nature observation with the quiet relaxation of an river outing. Guest must arrive by 3:30pm to check in; each trip departs by 4 p.m. from Headwaters Outfitters and returns just after dusk. It is a good idea to bring water and snacks. We paddle 8 miles, plan to be on the river approximately 3 hours. The trip fee includes your boat, life-jacket, paddle, river shuttle, and river guide. Prior paddling experience is helpful, but not necessary. Reservations are required and are secured with a 50% deposit. The cost is $60 per... Read More
The French Broad River Clean Up remains the best volunteer gig in town! Since the inception of “The Upper French Broad River Clean Up Day” in 1992, the annual river clean-up has netted more than 3,500 garbage bags, 4,500 old tires and roughly 15 additional tons of trash along the upper French Broad. Over 3,000 volunteers have participated in the event, many of them returning year after year. Volunteers show up at Headwaters at 9:00 am. Everyone will be assigned Headwaters Outfitters canoes (2 people max per canoe, no kayaks please), paddles, life jackets, and garbage bags. Participants should bring sturdy gloves, river shoes, and tools such as trash grabbers or long-handled barbecue tongs to grab trash with. It’s always a good idea to bring a change of clothing for afterwards! After a light complimentary sponsored breakfast, volunteers will hit the river to collect as much trash as they can. Volunteers need to have solid paddling skills, be team players, and be ready to get dirty and work hard. Headwaters Outfitters will provide transportation to and from the river for the start and end of the day. Once back at the shop, a sponsored lunch will be provided thanks to generous donations from community members and businesses. In 2019, we started a new tradition for the clean-up; Dedicating the day to an individual who has been not only a river clean-up supporter, but also a long time steward of the French Broad River. We were honored that year to... Read More
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