MountainTrue

WELCOME TO THE FRENCH BROAD PADDLE TRAIL!

CAUTION! The French Broad, along with many other rivers in Western North Carolina, received record rainfall during Hurricane Helene, causing devastating flooding across the entire watershed. The availability and condition of access points, campsites, signage, outfitters, and the river itself currently varies as recovery and rebuilding efforts are underway. French Broad Paddle Trail staff are currently partnering with federal, state, and local governments, along with other local non-profits and businesses, to clean up the river and reestablish access as efficiently as possible. See our Access Points and Campsites pages for the status of each respective site and feel free to contact us with any questions.

 

EVENTS!

Connect with the French Broad Paddle Trail through these opportunities to celebrate, learn, and volunteer.

Note that we’ll be doing tons of post-Helene trash clean-ups throughout all of 2025. Keep an eye out here and on MountainTrue’s Events Calendar for details and sign-ups.

 

The French Broad Paddle Trail is a 140-mile recreational watercraft trail between Rosman, North Carolina and Newport, Tennessee, managed in-partnership by government agencies, regional non-profit organizations, local businesses, and individual volunteers. Paddle Trail staff and partners create, maintain, and improve public access points, campsites, signage, and information; remove garbage; clear blockages; and host events focused on celebrating and learning about the river.

The French Broad River was designated a Tennessee State Scenic River in 1968, a North Carolina State Trail in 1987, and officially launched as the French Broad Paddle Trail by MountainTrue and RiverLink in 2012. MountainTrue is North Carolina State Parks' Partner Organization for the French Broad River State Trail and leads watershed-wide Paddle Trail efforts through its French Broad Riverkeeper program based in Asheville.

Whether you're seeking tranquil angling, relaxed tubing, backcountry canoeing, overnight camping, adventurous whitewater, or something in-between, there's an experience for you on the French Broad!

 

The French Broad is home to more than 40 access points and 20 riverside campsites managed by federal, state, and local governments; non-profits; businesses and volunteers. Learn more about these access points and campsites, including information on management, launch type, parking, and restrooms, here on our website and web map, along with our print map which can be purchased online and at local retailers. The web map has basic information on access points and campsites, and denotes existing blockages and other obstructions, while the print map has more detail on access points, campsites, dams, and other items, but does not identify or display temporary barriers such as river-wide woody debris and construction work.

You can find information on campsites and other on-river accommodations on our Campsites page. Additional resources, including details on existing blockages and other obstructions, recommended gear, suggested trips, outfitters and retailers, flow information, and water quality can be found under “Plan Your Trip.” 

 

Several non-profit organizations, government agencies, local businesses, and individual volunteers work together to monitor and enforce water quality and pollution regulations, encourage agricultural best practices, restore neighboring streams and floodplains, improve habitat for native fish, remove garbage from the river corridor, create passage through obstructions, and improve and expand public access, camping, signage, and information. You can learn more about these partners, and find opportunities to participate in programs, attend events, volunteer your time, donate money or supplies, and support local businesses through the links on the Partners & Supporters page. 

Whether you're a long-time local, a first-time visitor, or somewhere in-between, we welcome your presence on the river, interest in our collective stewardship and advocacy, and overarching support for a healthy and accessible French Broad River.

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