French Broad River Whitewater Rafting

Family-Friendly Rafting near Asheville, NC

French Broad whitewater rafting trips take you down the world's third oldest river and is a great activity to add to your Asheville vacation. The French Broad flows through scenic Pisgah National Forest in the mountains of North Carolina, and is ideal for families and young teens. On French Broad River rafting trips, you can expect splashy and fun Class II and III rapids. The full-day trip option adds the percussive, Class IV Frank Bell's Rapid, a river-wide, bouncy drop.

Book a French Broad rafting trip online using the secure reservations system on the top right of this page, or call 888.905.7238 for reservations and information.

French Broad River Rafting Photos & Videos 

Click on the thumbnails below to see pictures from NOC French Broad whitewater adventures:

"We rafted the French Broad River with Jacob and Mackenzie and had a very nice time. Jacob was knowledgable of the river's history and was extremely mindful of our 8-year-old daughter's safety. Thanks again for making our visit special." —M. Castro Tampa, FL

French Broad River Trip Options

NOC has offered French Broad whitewater rafting trips for more than 25 years and offers an array of trip choices, meaning you can experience Asheville rafting with the whole family. Choose rafts or ducks, flexible trip times and fully-guided or guide-assisted trips.

Seasonal Discount Special - Save 20% off base rates March through May 25 and September 3 through October! Some restrictions apply. Not valid on overnight trips.

Half Day trips depart in the afternoon and cover the Lower French Broad.
Half Day Deluxe trips depart in the morning and include a riverside picnic lunch.
Full Day trips include a riverside lunch, plus an exciting finale at Class IV Frank Bell's Rapid.

NEW! French Broad Overnight Rafting Trips
Your adventure begins with a mellow, afternoon float trip on class I-II rapids where you’ll be surrounded by a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  There will be plenty of opportunities for swimming and learning whitewater basics. End the day with dinner and camping at our riverside campsite. On the morning of the second day, we’ll cook a hearty breakfast to prepare you for five to eight miles of Class II-III whitewater.  Water level dependant, your trip may be topped off by the Class IV Frank Bell’s rapid.  After your trip, we’ll take you back to our meeting place for showers and a photo show.  

We provide dinner on the first evening and breakfast and lunch on the second day. Dinner is a camp-cooked meal of burgers, hot dogs, chips, salad and a dessert. At breakfast, we’ll cook eggs with breakfast meat, cereal, yogurt, milk, orange juice and fruit to round out the meal. Lunch is all-you-can-eat sandwiches with lemonade and cookies. While we do not provide alcoholic beverages, you may bring your own for your evening in camp.

All French Broad River trips have a minimum age requirement of 8 years of age.

Driving Directions to NOC French Broad Trips—All NOC French Broad River trips depart from our French Broad outpost, near Asheville, NC.

Still want to read more? Check out these NOC blogs on the French Broad:

Trip Down the French Broad

Get Ready to Raft: Guide School At NOC

French Broad Rafting Video and Spring Update