French Broad River Clean-Up: Murray Branch to Paint Rock #1 near Hot Springs, NC

Volunteers are invited to help clean up Helene-deposited trash from the French Broad River near Hot Springs with MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper team. This clean-up will be boat-based and focus on the river between Murray Branch Recreation Area and Paint Rock on the North Carolina / Tennessee state line. This stretch of river has multiple class I and II rapids and passes by Huff Island.

Previous whitewater paddling experience is required and experience with river clean-ups is strongly encouraged. MountainTrue can provide a limited number of canoes to volunteers, but attendees are otherwise requested to bring their own boats and equipment. If you bring your own gear, make sure to bring a life jacket and weather-appropriate clothing. MountainTrue will provide gloves, grabbers, trash bags, trash removal, and shuttle.

We will meet at Murray Branch Recreation Area on River Road at 10:00 AM; drop boats, gear, and non-drivers; and then drive vehicles to the take-out at Paint Rock. We will then be shuttled back up to Murray Branch where we will put on the river and head downstream. This section is 2.5 miles long and will likely take around 2-3 hours to paddle, including stopping along the way to pick up trash.

In addition to whitewater-appropriate paddling equipment and clothing, please bring closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, drinking water, snacks, a change of clothes for afterwards, and any medications you might need on the water.

All participants must sign-up through the “sign-up” link to ensure we adhere to logistics and safety standards. Kids under the age of 18 are allowed as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian and are experienced paddlers.

To thank you for your service, volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours.

Please note that this event has been generously-funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Reservoir & Community Stewardship Support program and is occurring in-partnership with Pisgah National Forest’s Appalachian Ranger District and Cherokee National Forest’s Unaka Ranger District. We are very grateful for all entities for their support.