Yes. We have two-day trip option at the beginning of the five-day trip, May 30-31 (Saturday and Sunday).

What is my registration fee?

There’s no better deal around! Leave the shuttle and logistics to enjoy and enjoy the rivers beauty from the water.

• $400 for five days, May 30-June 3 (Saturday-Wednesday)
• $175 for the first two days of the five-day trip, May 30-June 1 (Saturday-Sunday)
• $275 for the three-day trip, July 12-14 (Sunday-Tuesday)

MountainTrue members get a $25 discount for the five-day and the three-day trip. (Become a MountainTrue member here.) Waterkeeper Alliance members get a $15 discount.

What does my registration fee include?

Your registration fee includes a T-shirt, koozie, a one year membership to the MountainTrue, beautiful primitive camping each night on private land (only a few with shower facilities), shuttle, food, beer, awesome and knowledgeable guides, educational activities, tours, and a great time with other paddlers.

What’s a paddle-a-thon?

Like a walk-a-thon, our Paddle-a-thon will raise money for the French Broad Riverkeeper and MountainTrue to clean up the river and continue to improve the French Broad River Paddle trail. Each participant is asked to solicit donations on a per-mile basis. Those participants generating more than their registration fee may choose to have their registration fee reimbursed. Paddle-a-thoners compete for gifts and prizes donated from our many sponsors.

Do I need to be an experienced paddler?

It helps to have spent some time paddling a boat, but it’s not necessary for the trip. The pace and distance of each day’s journey and the difficulty of the river is generally suitable for beginner to intermediate paddlers. The four day trip does have several class II rapids with a some small class III rapids. The big rapids on the French Broad will be paddled in a guided raft.

What do I need to bring?

You only need to bring personal camping items. Leave the rest to us. When you register we will email you with a list of suggested supplies.  A limited number of free boats will be provided, so sign up soon if you need one. If you need to rent a boat, visit Headwaters Outfitters, Asheville Outdoor Center, or Asheville Adventure Rental for great deals. Also, bring standard camping gear including a tent, sleeping pad and bag, and personal items. Camp gear is limited to 40 pounds and two bags per person. Your boat should be of a size and weight that you and another person can carry it. A gear list with mandatory and suggested items will be provided. Borrow gear from a friend or rent anything you’re a missing from REI in Asheville.

Where do we camp?

Camping will be on the banks of the river every night. This is mostly backcountry primitive camping, but we will stay at two campgrounds with showers on first and last night of the four day trip.

Do I need to bring food?

Breakfast, dinner and sack lunches will be provided as part of your registration. Yummy Oskar Blues Beer will be available on each night of the trip. You are welcome to bring some other must have snacks and drink.

Where do I leave my car?

Everyone will meet in Asheville (except people who are only paddling the first two days of the five day trip). We have arranged a safe place to meet and leave your cars Your camping gear will also be shuttled between campsites, allowing you to travel light on the river.

Can I fish?

Yes, but you are responsible for obtaining appropriate licenses through the wildlife resources commission.

More questions? Call or email the French Broad Riverkeeper at Hartwell@MountainTrue.org or 828-258-8737.

The French Broad River Paddle Trail℠ is proudly sponsored

by our friends at Oskar Blues Brewery.