Canoeing & Kayaking River Adventure Trips

Headwaters Outfitters offers 3-, 4- & 7-hour self-guided canoeing and kayaking trips on the French Broad River in Western NC. We are located just outside of Rosman, North Carolina one hour southwest of Asheville, NC just outside of Brevard.

We provide canoes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, transportation, and a river orientation. You bring the friends and family, and be ready for a fun day on the French Broad River!

Paddling along North Carolinas French Broad River as it twists and turns, you'll encounter beautiful scenery, birds, and waterfowl. The giant sycamores, wild cherries, and dogwood stand watch along the riverbank as the great blue heron often leads the way. Catch a glimpse of deer, mink, muskrats, or other wildlife that claim the river and its habitat as home. The flows in this section of the French Broad are considered gentle, but we do have several fast-moving shoals and sharp river bends, all part of a natural river environment. You are in control of your canoe as you canoe or kayak through a beautiful mountain valley before arriving at the take-out.

• Canoe Trip fees are based on 2 persons per canoe.
• Only single kayaks are available.
• Additional fee required for a third person in a canoe.
• Children 10 & under as third person $15.00 per child.
• Children 11 & above, pay $20.00
• Maximum in canoe is 2 adults and 2 small children.
• Plan to arrive a least 30 minutes before your trip is scheduled to leave.

To save time upon your arrival, print out our liability release form, read and complete both pages of the form for each member in the party. All participants under 18 must have the release form filled out by legal parents or guardian.
Remember to bring them with you.

Trip fee includes: canoe, kayak, life jacket, paddle, shuttle service to and from the river, a river map, river information and safety orientation, free parking, and use of facilities at Hannah Ford.

Put-In Area: Your canoeing or kayaking trip embarks from Champion River Park Access in Rosman just outside of Brevard NC, a short drive from our river shop.

Take-Out Areas: River trips 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. Those of you continuing down stream to Island Ford, the second take-out, another hour, or to Hap Simpson, the longest paddle, another 5 hours, be sure to stop at Hannah Ford for lunch and stretch your legs before continuing down stream.