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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

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

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

Also bring for after your trip:

  • Towel
  • Dry clothes
  • Dry shoes

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.

All of the forgoing terms and conditions shall be interpreted under the laws of the State of West Virginia.

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