Beginning 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/kayak outing. Departing at 10:00 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.

Summer has come to an end along a peaceful southern Appalachian valley as we prepare to slip our canoes into the water. 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. 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.

Traveling quietly you can hear the ripple of the water as the bow of your boat breaks the smooth surface. Your guide can point out the Great Blue Heron leading 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”