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
318 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun rafting, Laney was great!
Jared L,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience all around! We had an amazing time with Laney as our guide, and the river itself was a good compromise for those that had some rafting experience and a few that had none. I would recommend this tour to pretty much anyone!
It was very exciting and...
Fabiola C,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was very exciting and different . You learn a lot of facts while also having fun. I highly recommend if you like nature.
A fun trip with my grandsons 13, 14. They loved it. John Davis was our guide and shared lots of information. Water level on rive
Barry B,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience on a beautiful day
April 2, 2026 Afternoon Rafting Trip
F9417UGsharonk,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent family excursion! Met up with a small group (two rafts, 13 people total) in Asheville and were provided with helmets, life vests , paddles, and safety instruction. We were transported to Barnardsville to begin our trip on the French Broad River Gorge. It was our 12 year old grandson's first time rafting and he loved it and can't wait to go again! Wonderful guide who was incredibly knowledgeable not only about the river, but geography, topography, and interesting historical information. Perfect day!
Amazing and a must
Fatima M,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide and driver were amazing! First solo trip and I felt comfortable and safe doing this activity. I also had a great group :) would recommend and do again
Great time on the water
Jessica R,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a fun experience. John had lots of information about the history of the river as well. Beginners can definitely participate.
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!
From US$71.00
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Operated by Asheville Adventure Company