Summer has come to an end along a peaceful southern Appalachian valley as we prepare to slip our Old Town canoes into the water. Standing along the riverbank you can feel a cool autumn breeze caressing your cheek as the river beckons you to come and discover its natural beauty. Gazing up, the sky is spotted with white puffy clouds camouflaging the crisp Carolina blue, a color so common in the fall. The rustle of fall leaves cheerfully swirls through the air and softly lands on the river before the gentle current carries them off. Nature is preparing to settle in for a long winters nap and offers a magnificent array of colors strewn across a larger-than-life canvas.

Grasping our canoe paddles and with a forward stroke we are off using one of the oldest modes of transportation traveling along one of the world's oldest rivers, The French Broad. Here along this mighty river, there is comfort and serenity to be found. As you paddle downstream quietly, listen and the sounds of the river and it residents captures your full attention and can put on quite the show.

Beginning near Rosman the French Broad River, or better known by the Cherokee as Long Man, The River begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Our paddle trip begins at Champion Park in Rosman, a truly unique and special mountain community. You can hear the shouts and commands from the football field where the Tigers are working hard in preparation for their upcoming season. Just outside of town the riverbanks are healing. You can see, first hand, where the Soil and Water Department has worked hard restoring damage done to the river by Hurricanes Ivan, Arlen, Francis, and Dennis. Already positive results are evident.

As we pass the yet still visible remnants of several old river fords we pause and wonder what the river and its travelers might have looked like many years ago. The river twists and turns and soon is joined by its Middle and East forks. Just below the entrance of the East Fork we come across our friend Jammie, who is often spotted fishing this bountiful river. He proudly lifts up a stringer of trout, knowing what he is having for supper!

Traveling quietly you can hear the ripple of the water as the bow of your boat breaks the smooth surface. The Great Blue Heron leads the way, watching intently, we paddle close to where he has landed in a Wild Cherry Tree. When we get close he lifts into the air, pushing the wind from beneath its mighty wings. Taking flight, we hear a swoosh as he continues downstream. Toward the end of our journey Noah, one of kids paddling his own kayak names the majestic bird Chase: he feels like we chased him down the river. The continuous call of the Kingfisher can be shrill as he sweeps back and forth across the river fishing for his supper. The chase is on as these birds unknowingly tease you as they continue to dart in front of your canoe as you paddle down the river. Look for the Osprey hovering in the trees waiting to plunge into the river to catch fish. Keep an eye out for the raccoons peeping at you as they take shelter in a hollow tree. Beavers and muskrats taunt you as they play hide and go seek along the rivers bank. Red-winged Blackbirds offer a quick glimpse of the red stripe hidden beneath their jet-black wings.

The riverbank is lined with old and young trees all offering their colorful palette of leaves in preparation for the cold winter. Yellow and brown is the mighty Sycamore, deep red is the old Black cherry, honey gold is the deep-rooted Beech, bright red leaves adorn the Sourwood as does bright yellow leaves canopying the Tulip Poplar.

This journey down the French Broad River is one that memories are made of. Solitude and sanctuary can be gained by the peace one finds while enjoying the beauty Mother Nature has unconditionally given us. One can travel as a solitary paddler or an ideal trip for friends and family. The images of jeweled colored leaves and the crisp fall air will renew your mind and nurture the sense of self for a long time to come. Our experienced guides are an integral part of making this trip a happy one for the amateur or beginner paddler.

Just as many of our forefathers before us did you as well can explore this hidden jewel in Transylvania County. If you ponder the serenity of Mother Nature, you need to join Headwaters Outfitters for the “Colors of Fall”

Beginning on Saturdays in October, Headwaters Outfitters of Rosman will offer the "Colors of the Fall" series of guided canoe trips on the French Broad River. These trips balance nature observation with the quiet relaxation of a canoe outing. Departing at 10 am from Headwaters, each trip will include all paddling gear, river shuttle, and guide service. Guests may bring along river snacks to eat while on the river. Prior canoeing experience is helpful, but not necessary. The cost for this special river experience is $55.00/person. Reservations must be made in advance and are confirmed with a 50% deposit.