French Broad River

North Carolina's French Broad River is the third oldest river in the world, older than the mountains it passes through. It is so old, in fact, that it is practically devoid of fossils. It was called the French Broad to distinguish it from North Carolina's other Broad River and because the territory into which it drained was held by the French, along with Native Americans at the time. The Cherokees had several names for French Broad River, including Tah-kee-os-tee or "racing waters," as well as Poe-li-co, Agiqua, and Zillicoah.

The French Broad River is a popular river for outdoor sports of all kinds. Once degraded by modern development, the French Broad River has been rehabilitated into a clean, safe recreational treasure.  River outfitters throughout Western North Carolina offer guided trips along the 200-mile-long waterway, ranging from whitewater rafting to gentle canoe trips.  The French Broad River now supports a wide variety of fish, including largemouth bass, brown and rainbow trout, and catfish, luring fly fishing fans and those who would rather sit on a rock with a cane pole. Riverlink, Inc., a nonprofit community organization, has spearheaded efforts to promote the health and use of the French Broad River, including converting former industrial areas along the Asheville riverfront into parks, riverside shops, and other businesses.

From its beginning west of Rosman in Transylvania County to the border of Tennessee, the French Broad River is about 70 miles in length and is the largest watercourse in Western North Carolina. From its headwaters, the French Broad River flows northward through Brevard, Asheville, Hot Springs and ultimately into Tennessee where it forms the Tennessee River. 

French Broad River Hours of Operation
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week

French Broad River Admission Fees
None
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website.

French Broad River Location
Transylvania, Buncombe & Madison Counties, NC

Additional Information
Madison County Visitors Center
72 S. Main St., Box 1527
Mars Hill, NC 28754
(828) 680-9031; Toll Free: 1-877-262-3476
MadisonTourism@main.nc.us; http://www.visitmadisoncounty.com/

Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority
35 West Main Street
Brevard, North Carolina 28712
800-648-4523
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/; waterfalls@citcom.net

AshevilleBuncombe County
http://www.exploreasheville.com/