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Embark on a captivating journey down the French Broad River, where every paddle brings you closer to the stunning views of the Biltmore Estate, right in the heart of Asheville’s beautiful landscapes. This relaxed kayak float offers a fresh perspective on America’s largest home, set against the backdrop of the southern Appalachians. Ideal for both beginners and experienced kayakers, this adventure blends smooth waters, impressive sights, and the chance to spot local wildlife into a memorable 3 to 4-hour experience.
*As much as we love our furry friends, dogs are not allowed on our trips.
Enjoy this relaxing and spectacularly beautiful float by the breathtaking Biltmore property. This calm water trip begins just south of Asheville at our private put-in and lasts approximately 3-4 hours. On this trip, you will float down the majestic French Broad river starting north of the city. Along the way, you will see lots of views of the surrounding southern Appalachian mountains and will often have a chance to see some of the local wildlife (if you’re lucky). At the conclusion of this trip, you will finish at our private takeout in the heart of the famous River Arts District, where you can relax and enjoy a beer at our bar by the river. Could there be a better afternoon?
Shuttle service is included in this trip free of charge.
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.
During warmer weather, we recommend comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. Quick drying fabrics or bathing suits are best.
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.
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.
May through the end of September.
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.
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.
No. 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.
This scenic kayak route through the heart of the Biltmore Estate is perfect for beginners as the waters are very calm.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our self-guided kayaking trips are around 2.5- 3.5 hours.
Our guides will update you on river conditions before your trip. Your guides will let you know if it’s safe to swim.
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.
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.
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.
