Beautiful Self Guided Kayaking by the Biltmore

What is the Biltmore?

Our Calm Water trip takes you right through the heart of The Biltmore Estate. The Biltmore house is a historical estate built by George Vanderbilt and is known as America’s largest home. It is also a top attraction in Asheville! You will get views of the house as you float by.

What should I wear?

During cooler weather we recommend layering your clothing. Avoid wearing cotton and stick with wool or other quick drying synthetic fibers. Bringing a dry layer to leave on our secure shuttle vehicle can help especially on chilly days. We also recommend bringing a change of clothes for when you return to our outpost. Please avoid wearing cotton as it does not wick moisture and can increase body heat release.

During warmer weather, we recommend comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. Quick drying fabrics or bathing suits are best.

What should I bring? 

Anything you bring with you on the river can get wet or lost, it’s best to leave everything in your vehicle at the outpost. We recommend eating and hydrating beforehand as well as applying sunscreen!

You can bring a small cooler or backpack. The cooler needs to be backpack size or needs to be a soft cooler.

When are the best times to kayak in Asheville?

May through the end of September.

Can we bring our own personal floatation device?

Yes. We do allow you to bring your own PFD on our calm water kayaking trip only.

It must be U.S. Coast Guard approved.

How long is this trip?

This beautiful self-guided kayaking tour is 2.5-3.5 hours long depending on water levels. You can speed your trip up by paddling more or slow it down by letting the current do the work. You end your trip right back at our dock at the Outpost.

Your guide: 

This is a Self Guided Tour. Everyone will be given a safety briefing that will explain among other things what to expect, what you will pass and landmarks, how to find our takeout and what to do in the event of an emergency. Your guide will drive you up to our private access location and help you launch on your trip back to our Outpost.

What if this is my first time on a kayak:

This scenic kayak route through the heart of the Biltmore Estate is perfect for beginners as the waters are very calm. 

Will there be food? Are water and snacks provided? 

No food will be provided during the tour. We recommend eating your arrival at our Outpost or bringing snacks with you. There is room for a small cooler or backpack on our kayaks.

How physically fit do you need to be? 

The scenic Biltmore kayaking self-guided tour is laid-back and relaxed. We do recommend participants be in good health and physically ready for the adventure as you will be required to paddle throughout the trip. 

Will there be opportunities to take a break?

The entire adventure is 2.5 to 3.5 hours long, with about two to three hours of paddling. There will be exposed rocks (water level dependent) that you can stop at and take a break. Both sides of the river are private property so no one is allowed to stop on either bank unless it is an emergency.

What happens if someone falls out or if the kayak flips?

If you fall out of your kayak you will need to pull yourself back into the kayak or hold onto it and float to very shallow water where you can safely stand and hop back into your kayak. Our kayaks do not fill up with water. Other kayakers can  assist you in stabilizing your kayak so that you can pull yourself back in.

Who Would Enjoy French Broad Kayaking?

Anyone who wants to enjoy kayaking on the calm French Broad waters and see lots of scenic views of the surrounding southern Appalachian mountains and local wildlife! You will get a great view of the Biltmore house as you float through the heart of the Estate.

How Long Are We On The Water? 

Our self-guided kayaking trips are around 2.5- 3.5 hours.

Can We Swim In The River? 

Our guides will update you on river conditions before your trip. Your guides will let you know if it’s safe to swim. 

What Do I Do With My Keys and Wallet? 

We recommend bringing only what you absolutely need. You can leave a change of clothes, wallet, and other belongings in your car at our Outpost. We are happy to hold your car keys at our check in area so that you don’t have to worry about them on the river. 

Can I Bring My Phone/Camera With Me?

If you decide to bring your phone it needs to be in a waterproof case or dry bag. Anything you take on the river can get wet. We Sell dry bags at our check in area or you can bring your own. 

Do You Have Changing Rooms?

There are bathrooms and changing rooms at the Asheville Adventure Company headquarters for you to change back into dry clothes after your trip down the river.