French Broad Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
The French Broad river spans 218 miles from Rosman, North Carolina through Asheville, and toward the state of Tennessee. Section 9 of the French Broad river starts approximately 45 minutes away from Asheville near Marshall, North Carolina and runs through the Pisgah National Forest. The majority of French Broad Section 9 flows through protected lands, and is beginner-friendly. Your guide will navigate you through approximately 5 miles of Section 9, where you will raft through class II and class III difficulty levels, and you may briefly encounter class IV drops depending on the time of year, and the amount of rainfall. This tour combines an incredible stretch of exciting and continuous rapids with some of the most breathtaking scenery around.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your trip time
CLOSED TOE SHOES ARE REQUIRED!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Scenic, remote and awash with breathtaking beauty, the French Broad Gorge, also known as Section 9 (FB9), rafting adventure takes you through 5 miles of intermediate-level, class II and class III rapids starting at Barnard River Park where the water enters Pisgah National Forest. Enjoy a laid back vibe with opportunities to stop for a jump off the raft or rocks for a refreshing dip in the river. Rafters will be on the water for 1.5-2 hours which will be filled with some of the best whitewater in all of Western North Carolina.
What‘s Included
Helmet, Life Jacket, and Paddle
Air-conditioned vehicle
Options
French Broad Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip
Reviews
312 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Time
Garrett F,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I’ve always loved the water, even though I have a bit of a fear of it—so this experience was a big item on my bucket list. I’m so glad I went for it! It was an incredible time from start to finish. You don’t need a lot of physical strength, and I felt completely safe the entire time. The equipment was in great condition, and the instructors were not only friendly and professional, but clearly experienced and genuinely caring. Check-in was warm and welcoming, and our driver did an excellent job. My only suggestion would be to add a microphone in the van—those of us in the back had a hard time hearing some of the interesting facts and stories the guides were sharing about the area. All in all, it was an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to do it again. Thank you for making it so great!
Fun!
valerielF5798FF,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great trip! John and Greta were fantastic and friendly river guides. The rapids were fun to get through but there were plenty of calm sections too. Our group made good time and had a pit stop at a river island which was interesting to explore. Definitely book if you’re down to get soaked or go overboard!
Awesome fun on a warm...
diwanji,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome fun on a warm early fall day in Asheville. We were four guests in one raft and our guide was not only skilled but knowledgable and humorous
River Rafting
John H,Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00It was very fun and scenic. Great people to work with! Loved the challenging sections of the river. Looking forward to doing more!
So much fun! Our tour...
Boguslawa M,Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00So much fun! Our tour guide John was great and very informative. He also took photos which was great because we didn't need to take our phones. We were also able to leave our stuff on the bus which was convenient.
It was amazing! Andy was...
Reshma P,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was amazing! Andy was super knowledgeable about the river and kept us safe and on the raft the whole time. It was my first time so I was really nervous but Andy kept us entertained with his jokes and made the whole adventure fun!
Excellent adventure!!
Jessica A,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolute blast! Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. He made the trip fun and educational!! 10/10!!
Ask for Andy!
Evan B,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This rafting trip was super fun. We felt safe the entire time and our guide Andy was the best! Definitely recommend.
Cmon John! Cmon man! Totally not cool dude! Not rad man!
Passenger15165927833,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00John flipped us into the water, seems that should have been completely avoidable. My moms phone was around her neck and was completely submerged and we struggled to pull them back in
Very fun
619mariadejesusg,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First time rafting. Great experience. I was slightly nervous because I went with a relative that does not speak English, but our instructor was very clear and made it possible for me to translate easily while we were following his lead.
From US$71.00
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Operated by Asheville Adventure Company