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| Episode Four - The White Water Trail |
Want to get your feet wet? Come along as we canoe and kayak a portion of
Section 9 of the French Broad River. The entire Section 9 is about 8 miles in length. It starts
in Barnard and ends in Hot Springs. To get to Barnard from Asheville, take US 19/23 north to
Weaverville. Then take the US 25/70 Marshall exit and continue another 16.5 miles to Barnard
Road on the left. It is about 2 miles down a curvy road to the river put in.
In this episode we put in the French Broad at the mid point of Section 9 at Stackhouse. Located
21.7 miles from Weaverville on US 25/70 is Stackhouse Road. Turn left down this curvy road
to the river about 2.2 miles to the put in. This makes for about a 4 mile river run. Make sure
you gander at the "Stackhouse" house. It is most impressive as it sits majestically above the
river.
There is always one thing for certain when getting on the river: expect to set up a shuttle.
Lets face it, few people want to paddle back upstream. The shuttle for this trip isn't too bad.
Following US 25/70 to Hot Springs is the way to go. Continue past Stackhouse Road for the 5
mile journey into Hot Springs over a much improved road. Just before the bridge over the French
Broad River, turn right and go under the bridge to access the Nantahala Outdoor Center for the
take out.
There are several rafting companies that use this section in the warmer months. The Nantahala
Outdoor Center (888-905-7238), USA Rafts (800-USA-Raft), and Huck Finn Rafting (877-520-4658)
are a few. Check out their companies to see what else they offer and what to bring if you opt
to journey by raft.
The river was flowing at a little over 1100 cfs when we ran this section. This is minimum for
this section. There were a few rocks that we scraped over in the Windy Flats, but just barely.
It was nice not seeing anyone else on this section. It is remote, only the |
railroad skirts the side of the river, no roads, no houses. I saw a nice flock of Canadian Geese
in the shallows at Windy Flats and a couple of ducks were there at the put in. These were the
only other animals floating on the river this day.
If you are paddling a canoe or kayak and are not with someone that has done this section before,
you might want to scout out the rapids of Kayaker's Ledge and Frank Bell's Rapid. Both can
be avoided by going down river left. There are islands that separate both of these rapids. To
the left of Kayaker's Ledge, as you approach, look for needle rock on the bank above the river.
It is white quartz rock and really stands out.
There is one more drop before the take out at Hot Springs that I was amazed to see. Maybe a
3 foot ledge that is really unseen until you are on it. Be aware of anything on the river when
you are on it. Always take the appropriate gear, especially in the winter months when water
levels are generally low.
For more info on Section 9 of the French Broad River you can visit either of the following websites:
www.boatingbeta.com/runs/fbs9.htm
www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/1074/ |
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