French Broad Paddle Trail

The French Broad River Paddle Trail was created by the Western North Carolina Alliance (WNCA), by establishing seven new campsites that now link more than 140 miles of the river, from Rosman, N.C., to Douglas Lake, Tenn. Enjoy the paddle-in-only campsite created by WNCA, or stop at one of the already existing campgrounds or campsites. The French Broad River, previously called “The Long Man” by the Cherokee Indians, begins where the North and West forks come together, in an area surrounded by rolling shaded farmland. The river eventually opens up to reveal mountains rising out of the water’s edge, as the river plunges through the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests, before slowing down at the beginning of Douglas Lake. The river is perfect for all skill levels, with the first 75 miles consisting of flat water paddling and the rest offering a mix of class I, II, and III rapids. Spend one night or several weeks exploring one of the oldest rivers in the world.