Signs of Spring is a guided series of canoe trips offered selected Saturdays from April through June. Departing from Headwaters Outfitters at 10:00 a.m. (arrive by 9:30 a.m.), the four-hour outing blends nature observation with relaxed paddling to view spring wildflowers, migrating songbirds and river wildlife along the French Broad River. Trips include paddling gear, […]
Join us for the Spring Forager Market + Forks of the River Taproom 10 Year Anniversary Party—a day filled with local makers, live music, and good community energy. We’ve gathered an incredible lineup of artisans, plus live music from Keturah Allgood. Spend the day browsing handmade goods, sipping a cold drink, and soaking in the […]
Be better prepared for your first or next paddling outing. If you’re looking to paddle more this year, or just getting started and interested in what canoeing and kayaking is all about, we highly recommend you take one of our paddling 101 courses! The class will cover water safety considerations, techniques, and skills needed to […]
2026 Guided French Broad River Paddle Trail Trip! Collaboration Trip: Headwaters Outfitters with MountainTrue & The French Broad River Keeper Adventure Chef: Food for Adventures What: 3-Day Guided French Broad River Paddle Trail Trip in Transylvania County, North Carolina When: May 1-3, 2026 Where: Headwaters Outfitters (Mile 0 > Penrose Boating Access Area) 32 River […]
Paddle Then Pints is a relaxed 2-hour river trip hosted in partnership with Ecusta Brewing Company. Guests meet at Ecusta for a short shuttle to Pisgah Forest Access, float the scenic French Broad River to Penrose Access, then return to the brewery by shuttle to enjoy craft beer (available for purchase). The outing blends easy […]
National Paddling Film Festival Roadshow Date: Thursday, May 14th Time: (7:00pm-9:00pm) Cost: $10, Kids 12 & under FREE Presented by: Friends of the North Fork of the French Broad Hosted by: Headwaters Outfitters Fundraiser for: The Annual Upper French Broad River Clean Up Day Enjoy quality paddlesport films with other paddling enthusiast; while supporting waterway […]
Support the health and future of the Upper French Broad River, by volunteering for our Annual Upper French Broad River Clean Up Day! 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 […]
Fly Fishing 101 – Special Intro Class | $15 Per PersonLimited small-group dates available Curious about fly fishing but not sure where to start? Our Fly Fishing 101 class is the perfect introduction to the sport. Offered on select dates at a special rate, this small-group session provides a relaxed and welcoming environment to learn […]
Enjoy a relaxed 2-hour paddle on the Historic French Broad River as Headwaters Outfitters provides boats, life jackets, paddles, and staff support. After a quick shuttle to the Pisgah Forest access and a brief safety orientation, glide five miles downstream through scenic river wildlife and sounds, finishing at Oskar Blues Brewery where you can enjoy […]
Highlights Activity details The 20 Miler Relay Race is a team canoe relay covering 20 miles of river in two sections with a mid-race team exchange. Teams of up to four paddlers pair up to paddle each section using Headwaters-provided canoes; lifejackets must be worn for the entire race. The event includes transportation to and […]
