French
Broad River Information Sheet
Listed below you
will find the names and descriptions of the different trips
that USA Raft runs on the French Broad River located in Marshall,
North Carolina. You will meet at our outpost which has changing
rooms and ample parking. Trips start on time: Please check
in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time. If you arrive
after your scheduled trip time, you will be accommodated on
the next trip with available space. A Word of Warning: Space
on our trips is usually totally reserved in advance. Do not
expect to arrive late and be able to go down the river the
same day.
French Broad Express - Family Class.
No experience required. Minimum age 8 years. A favorite among
North Carolina vacationers, and a wonderful welcome to rafting.
This trip through the Pisgah National Forest offers wide,
open channels reassuring to first-timers, as well as challenging
routes for the adventurous and calm swimming holes for all.
The trip is run in guided, self bailing rafts. When water
levels are appropriate, one person inflatable ThrillKats will
be used. The French Broad Express covers about 5 miles and
you will generally spend 3 to 4 hours with us (including trip,
transportation, gearing up, and pre trip speech). Trips run
March through October.
French Broad Day Trip - Adventure
Class. No experience required. Minimum age 8 years. This trip
covers the same section as the Express and also includes another
4 miles of river where you will encounter Needle Falls and
Frank Bell's Rapid. The trip is run in guided, self bailing
rafts. When water levels are appropriate, one person inflatable
ThrillKats will be used. The run down the French Broad River
covers about 9 miles and you will generally spend 5 to 7 hours
with us (including trip, transportation, gearing up, and pre
trip speech). This trip includes a riverside lunch. Trips
run March through October. |
For
reservations:
1-866-USA-Raft
(304)454-2475
(304)454-2452 fax
raft@usaraft.com
For
local information:
13490 US Highway 25/70
Marshall, NC 28753
(828)649-0560 |
Lodging With
USA Raft: Camping:
We offer lodging at our Nolichucky base camp which is within
an hours drive of the French Broad. Preset tents
on platforms with foam sleeping mattress: $9.50 per
person/per night/plus tax. Available to rent from the Campground next door. Historic Crockett Cabin bunk style lodging: $15.00 per person/per night/plus
tax. Hotel Accommodations
*Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau - 1-800-257-1300
Asheville, NC:
*Comfort Inn - (828)298-9141
*Great Smokies Hilton - (828)254-2311
*Holiday Inn West - (828)667-4501
*Sheraton Inn - (828)253-1851
Area Camping
Blue Ridge Parkway - The only national park
designed for motor travel. Camping and picnic facilities are
open May 1 through Oct. Scenic route is between Boone &
Asheville, NC.
Hot Springs Resort & Spa - The area's
only natural thermal mineral springs, featuring riverside
hot tubs, plus RV and tent camping. (828)622-7676
Rocky Bluff Recreation Area - In the Pisgah
National Forest near Hot Springs. Picnic areas, RV and tent
camping, nature trails, swimming and trout fishing in wild
and beautiful Spring Creek. Park Ranger (828)622-3202
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Area Attractions:
Appalachian Trail - Passing through Hot Springs,
NC, the A.T. offers excellent opportunities for hiking and viewing
magnificent panoramas. Appalachian Trail Conference. (304)535-6331.
Black Mountain - Quaint antique and craft stores,
unique restaurants, and historic Cherry Street make Black Mountain
an inviting place to visit while in the Asheville area.
Asheville, NC - For more information contact
the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau; 1-800-257-1300
Biltmore House and Gardens - A 250 room
chateau built in 1895 by George W. Vanderbilt, with 17 acres
of formal gardens. NC's most popular tourist attraction.
Folk Art Center - on the Blue Ridge Parkway -
Features native crafts of the Appalachians. Daily exhibits and
demonstrations, as well as gift shop.. Thomas Wolfe
Memorial Home - Learn about one of the Souths greatest
writers at his home. Zebulon Vance Birthplace -
The restored 18th-century farmstead was home to North
Carolina Senator. The High Country of North Carolina
- Attractions for all ages, and a beautiful drive from
the base. Contact NC High Country Host. 1-800-438-7500; in NC
1-800-222-7515. Grandfather Mountain -
Mile High Swinging Bridge, hiking trails, hang gliding exhibitions.
The Blowing Rock - An immense cliff 4,090 feet
above sea level overlooking Johns River Gorge. Tweetsie
Railroad - Theme park and steam powered scenic railroad. |
Directions:
The USA Raft French Broad River Outpost
Located on US 25/70 North West of Asheville, NC and east of Hot
Springs, NC. The outpost is clearly marked USA Raft.
The address is 13490 US 25/70, Marshall, NC 28753. Please plan
on arriving one half-hour before your scheduled trip time.
From downtown Asheville, NC (approximately
a 35 minuet drive): From I-240, take exit 4A to 19/23
North (also called I 26) for about 8 miles. Then take the Marshall
Exit 19A to US 25/70 NW. Follow 25/70 West towards Hot Springs,
NC approximately 19 miles to USA Raft (do not take 25/70 business
into Marshall). The 4 lane road will change to 2 lanes. The USA
Raft Outpost is on the RIGHT SIDE of US 25/70 and is clearly marked
USA Raft.
From the North: (Johnson City,
TN, 1.5 hrs). Take I-26 east towards Erwin, TN and Asheville,
NC. Take the Mars Hill exit #11 onto HWY 213 West through Mars
Hill. Take 213 west approximately 8 miles towards Marshall, NC.
At the overpass, take 25/70 NW towards Hot Springs, NC for approximately
9 Miles (do not take 25/70 into the town of Marshall). The 4 lane
will become 2 lanes and our outpost will be on the right side
of 25/70 and is clearly marked USA Raft.
From the West: Take I-40 east to
Newport exit 435 onto Hwy 321 North. At the intersection of 25/70
and HWY 321 stoplight, go right towards Hot Springs, North Carolina.
Follow 25/70 through Hot Springs. At the intersection at the bridge
crossing Big Laurel River, turn right (stays on 25/70). At the
top of the hill (3 miles) we are on the left. The outpost is clearly
marked USA Raft.
French Broad River Trips are run by Mountain Adventure Guides, DBA.
What to Wear:
No Cotton! (No sweatshirts, no sweatpants, no jeans)
Spring
and Fall
- Wet suits are necessary in March, April and October and
recommended in May and September. (If you rent from us,
make your reservations in advance and arrive 45 minutes
prior to your scheduled trip time.)
- Swimsuit for underneath your wetsuit
- Waterproof windbreaker or rainjacket
- Wool or polypropylene sweater
- Feet: Wetsuit booties or wool socks and tennis shoes (Wetsuit
booties are available to rent from us. Advance reservations
are necessary.)
- Hands: Wetsuit mittens or wool or polypropylene gloves
covered with dishwashing gloves
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Summer
- Swimsuit
- Shorts
- T-Shirt (for protection from sun)
- Baseball cap or visor
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof windbreaker or rainjacket (paddling jackets
are available at the headquarters on the day of your trip.
No reservations accepted)
- Wool or polypropylene sweater
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Also
bring for after your trip:
- Towel
- Dry clothes
- Dry shoes
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Terms and Conditions
Equipment: You will be provided with
U.S. Coast Guard approved Type V Personal Flotation Devices(Life
Jackets), paddles and helmets.
Terms: Within ten days of your phone call, you
must confirm your reservation with a non-refundable deposit. Half
day and Express trips require a $5 per person, per day deposit with
the balance due 30 days prior to the trip. Day trips require a $10
per person, per day deposit with the balance due 45 days prior to
the trip. World class rivers require a $20 per person per day deposit
and the balance due 60 days prior to the trip. No personal checks
accepted within 30 days of scheduled trip; MasterCard, Visa, Discover
and American Express welcome.
Cancellations: If a cancellation must be made and
is given with more than 30 days notice, a refund will be granted,
less the per person, non-refundable deposit. Otherwise the following
schedule applies: Cancellation with 20-30 days notice - 50% refund;
10-19 days notice - 25% refund; less than 10 days notice - no refund.
Liability: Outfitter and reservations services
assume no liability for personal injury or loss of equipment. You
will be required to sign a personal injury and photo waiver before
your trip. A copy of the waiver is available on request.
Minors: All participants under the age of 18 must
have a completed release form signed by parent or legal guardian.
Contact USA Raft for forms.
Consumption of alcohol or drugs is not permitted on raft
trip: Intoxicated persons will be refused, without refund.
Rates: All rates are stated per person. Prices
include regulatory agency fees but do not include applicable sales
taxes. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Weather: Trips go rain or shine. (You are going to get
wet anyway!)
Outfitters reserve the right to move to a different
section of the river or to another river for reason of safety or
low water, in which case price difference will be refunded. No refund
or rainchecks will be issued unless outfitter completely cancels
the day's events. No cash refund.
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