Self Guided Canoeing and Kayaking River Trips
All Ages | All Skill Levels | 100% Family & Kid Friendly
For over 30 years, we have provided customers with unique and memorable river excursions. Enjoy canoeing and kayaking down the first 20 miles of the historic French Broad River – the third oldest river in the world!
Thousands of paddlers have explored this peaceful stem of the French Broad River Watershed. This Class I rated section is perfect for brand new paddlers, and is beautiful enough to welcome the most seasoned paddlers.
You, your family and friends will encounter a lively, yet gentle current with fast-moving shoals and sharp river bends along the way, all part of a natural river environment. This makes this section of the French Broad River a great trip for beginner paddlers and children, or anyone seeking a relaxing river trip. Our self-guided Canoeing and Kayaking River Trips are offered daily April – October. Seven days a week you can experience our most popular 3 hour self guided tour (cue Gilligan’s Island theme song)! On Tuesdays you can opt for a longer 4 or 7 hour river trip; may exclude select Tuesdays during peak summer season due to overcrowding of public accesses.
Pricing and Options for Self Guided Canoe and Kayak Trips
Trip Cost
Hannah Ford 3 hour Self Guided 8 Mile Paddle Trip
Adults (Age 18+) – $50 per person
Youth (Age 4-17) – $45 per person
Island Ford 4 Hour Self Guided 10 Mile Paddle Trip
Adults (Age 18+) – $55 per person
Youth (Ages 4-17) – $50 per person
Hap Simpson 7 Hour Self Guided 20 Mile Paddle Trip
Adults (Age 18+) – $75 per person
Youth (Age 4-17) – $70 per person
CANOEING AND KAYAKING RIVER TRIPS INCLUDE:
- Canoe (max. 2 adults/2 small children) or kayak (solo or tandem)
- Life jackets and paddles
- Shuttle service to & from the river
- Parking
- River map
- River safety video (included in confirmation email to watch before your trip)
- Riverside orientation and instruction
Canoeing and Kayaking River Trip Rates Do Not Include:
- Personal Gear – dress for weather conditions – River Trip Tips
- River shoes – no flip-flops or heel-less shoes
- Drinks, snacks, picnic lunch (Food Truck on site most days April thru October)
- Bear repellent (LOL gotcha, just kidding)- but bug spray and sunscreen!
- Gratuities – if our river staff provide excellent service it is acceptable to tip your river host
- Prices are based PER PERSON
- Maximum 2 adults/2 small children per canoe
- Plan to arrive 30 minutes, no later than 15 minutes, before your scheduled departure time
- Everyone must have appropriate river shoes – no flip-flops
- Watch our Pre-Trip Safety Video
Understanding Water Levels on the Upper French Broad River
Headwaters Outfitters | Tubing & Paddling Adventures
We operate on a rain-fed mountain river, which means water levels can fluctuate quickly and vary daily. It’s important to check current conditions the day before and the morning of your reservation.
Water flow is measured by Feet for Height and Cubic Feet per Second (CFS), but each river responds differently to changes in flow. Based on over 30 years of experience on the Upper French Broad, we’ve developed the guidelines below to help you interpret river conditions and plan your trip safely.
What You Should Know:
✅ Check the current Guage Height and CFS rate for the Upper French Broad
✅ Use our Water Level Guide to understand the day’s conditions
✅ Make sure all individuals in your group are capable and prepared for the river conditions.
Plan your outing based on the least experienced or comfortable member to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone.
✅ Review the Water Level Descriptions below to better understand what to expect
Keep in mind: An individual’s current health, fitness level, and comfort in moving water also influence safety and how enjoyable your river experience will be.
📲 Bookmark the real-time gauge for the Upper French Broad at Rosman
NOTE: This guide applies only to the Upper French Broad River in Transylvania County.
Upper French Broad River – Water Level & Gauge Guide
Headwaters Outfitters | Upper French Broad River
Water conditions on the Upper French Broad River are measured in Cubic Feet per Second (CFS) and Gauge Height in Feet at the Rosman USGS station. Use this guide to determine if the flows are right for your group. Remember at 3ft. on the gauge, Headwaters stops all river trips and you will be notified if you trip is subject to cancellation.
🚦 Water Level Conditions
| CFS Range | Gauge Height (ft) | Level | Conditions & Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100-150 | 1.5 – 1.6 ft | Low | Less current, slower flows with narrow and shallow areas. |
| 150-300 | 1.6 – 2.7 ft | Average | Ideal tubing & paddling. Great for most ages (4+ recommended). |
| 300 – 400 | 2.7 – 3.0 ft | Above Average | Faster flows and stronger currents. Recommneded for stronger swimmers that can self rescue. |
| >3.0 ft | High |
High volume flows, deep and wide conditions. Advanced swimming and paddling skills recommended. Headwaters operations are closed based on Gauge Height. No Trips 3ft or higher. |
|
📲 Live River Conditions
Scan the QR code or visit the USGS Gauge at Rosman for real-time water flow and gauge height.
📞 Questions? Call our team—we’re here to help you plan a safe and memorable river day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Upon arrival at Headwaters Outfitters, (the entrance to river trip parking is located behind our river shop) you will complete check-in. You will then depart in our shuttle vehicle for a short 1 mile drive to Headwaters Outfitters private river access. There, you will be given an appropriate sized canoe or kayak, paddle and life jacket. And, yes, everyone is required to wear a life jacket! Our river staff will then complete a brief riverside orientation, set an agreed upon pick-up time, help you into your boats and launch you on your downstream river adventure! Your canoeing or kayaking river trip will end at one of the three take-outs. Hannah Ford is the first take-out and is the location of our canoe camping facilities.
Picnic tables and port a-johns are available at the Hannah Ford Access. Those of you continuing down stream to Island Ford or to Hap Simpson, be sure to stop at Hannah Ford for lunch and stretch your legs before continuing downstream. Arriving at your take-out location, you will meet your River Host. Your River Host will load your canoe or kayaks, and shuttle you back to our river shop. Reservations are not necessarily required, however, we have limited availability. Those with reservations paddle first. We highly suggest you make reservations as walk-in availability is NOT guaranteed. Consider paddling early in the day to avoid those afternoon mountain thunderstorms!
