Self Guided Canoeing and Kayaking River Trips

All Ages | All Skill Levels | 100% Family & Kid Friendly

For over 30 years, we have provided customers with unique and memorable river excursions. Enjoy canoeing and kayaking down the first 20 miles of the historic French Broad River – the third oldest river in the world!

Thousands of paddlers have explored this peaceful stem of the French Broad River Watershed. This Class I rated section is perfect for brand new paddlers, and is beautiful enough to welcome the most seasoned paddlers.

You, your family and friends will encounter a lively, yet gentle current with fast-moving shoals and sharp river bends along the way, all part of a natural river environment. This makes this section of the French Broad River a great trip for beginner paddlers and children, or anyone seeking a relaxing river trip. Our self-guided Canoeing and Kayaking River Trips are offered daily April – October. Seven days a week you can experience our most popular 3 hour self guided tour (cue Gilligan’s Island theme song)! On Tuesdays you can opt for a longer 4 or 7 hour river trip; may exclude select Tuesdays during peak summer season due to overcrowding of public accesses. 

Pricing and Options for Self Guided Canoe and Kayak Trips

Trip Cost

Hannah Ford 3 hour Self Guided 8 Mile Paddle Trip

Adults (Age 18+) – $50 per person

Youth (Age 4-17) – $45 per person

 

Island Ford 4 Hour Self Guided 10 Mile Paddle Trip

Adults (Age 18+) – $55 per person

Youth (Ages 4-17) – $50 per person

 

Hap Simpson 7 Hour Self Guided 20 Mile Paddle Trip

Adults (Age 18+) – $75 per person

Youth (Age 4-17) – $70 per person 

 

CANOEING AND KAYAKING RIVER TRIPS INCLUDE:

  • Canoe (max. 2 adults/2 small children) or kayak (solo or tandem)
  • Life jackets and paddles
  • Shuttle service to & from the river
  • Parking
  • River map
  • River safety video (included in confirmation email to watch before your trip)
  • Riverside orientation and instruction

Canoeing and Kayaking River Trip Rates Do Not Include:

  • Personal Gear – dress for weather conditions – River Trip Tips
  • River shoes – no flip-flops or heel-less shoes
  • Drinks, snacks, picnic lunch (Food Truck on site most days April thru October)
  • Bear repellent (LOL gotcha, just kidding)- but bug spray and sunscreen! 
  • Gratuities – if our river staff provide excellent service it is acceptable to tip your river host

Once you have made your reservation you can sign our ONLINE WAIVER to save time and hassle during your check in.

  • Prices are based PER PERSON
  • Maximum 2 adults/2 small children per canoe
  • Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes, no later than 30 minutes, before your scheduled departure time
  • Each participant is required to read, complete & sign our Release Form. Click Here
  • Those under 18 need a Parent or Legal Guardian signature
  • Everyone must have appropriate river shoes – no flip-flops
  • Watch our Pre-Trip Safety Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Upon arrival at Headwaters Outfitters, (the entrance to river trip parking is located behind our river shop) you will complete check-in. You will then depart in our shuttle vehicle for a short 1 mile drive to Headwaters Outfitters private river access. There, you will be given an appropriate sized canoe or kayak, paddle and life jacket. And, yes, everyone is required to wear a life jacket! Our river staff will then complete a brief riverside orientation, set an agreed upon pick-up time, help you into your boats and launch you on your downstream river adventure! Your canoeing or kayaking river trip will end at one of the three take-outs. Hannah Ford is the first take-out and is the location of our canoe camping facilities.

Picnic tables and port a-johns are available at the Hannah Ford Access. Those of you continuing down stream to Island Ford or to Hap Simpson, be sure to stop at Hannah Ford for lunch and stretch your legs before continuing downstream. Arriving at your take-out location, you will meet your River Host. Your River Host will load your canoe or kayaks, and shuttle you back to our river shop. Reservations are not necessarily required, however, we have limited availability. Those with reservations paddle first. We highly suggest you make reservations as walk-in availability is NOT guaranteed. Consider paddling early in the day to avoid those afternoon mountain thunderstorms!

Select Your Trip Below to Book Now