Asheville NC is a thriving mountain town. There is a healthy business community, a strong arts and crafts community and a diverse group of people living. Asheville has been a popular place to visit for over a hundred years. Cooler summers, beautiful fall, manageable winter, and blossoming spring combine to make it an attractive climate. Add the beautiful mountain setting and you have a great place to visit.
The most popular attraction in Asheville is the Biltmore House. Is the Biltmore House approriate for kids. Yes, no and maybe. There is a lot of walking involved. If that's not issue, then you'll be ok. It has things that appeal to both boys and girls. The rafting trip they offer is a float trip and we don't really recommend it. There's lots of rafting available in the area listed below. I do recommend the Biltmore House. It entertains and sometimes amazes you from a number of directions: art, history, decorating, architecture, flaura & fauna, views, old mechanical systems, economics of the time, forestry and more. It's really mine kind of thing, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
There is much more to do in Asheville than just the Biltmore House. It's a mecca for arts and crafts...sometimes called "the Paris of the South."
Asheville is also a mecca for outdoor sports and activities. The Blue Ridge Parkway, the Pisgah National Forest, several river and rafting venues, world class hiking, and several biking spots and more.
Asheville is not really marketed as a family destination, but there is lots for families visiting the area to do. And, it's a great base for exploring the Smoky Mountain region. You can get more details at the Asheville Visitors Center.
Below is more detailed info on whitewater rafting and river running options that you can reach from Asheville.
River and Rafting Options near Asheville
French Broad River
The French Broad River runs through Asheville. There is mild water canoeing & rafting from Southern Waterways in Asheville. Upstream, near Brevard, canoeing and tubing is offered by Headwaters Outfitters.
Downstream there is whitewater rafting on the French Broad River from several outfitters. Here's a couple of them: Huck Finn MAG This is a nice stretch of whitewater. It is dependent on water levels, but it has a large drianage area upstream, allowing it to handle a drought better than any other river that does not have dam releases.
Outfitters on the French Broad like to say they are closest to Asheville. The put-in is closest, but they have a much longer return shuttle than the Tuckaseigee River, Pigeon River, or Nantahala River. That makes the actual time you spend driving or riding a little more than the Tuckaseigee River or Pigeon River and a little less than the Nantahala River.
The Sweet Spot of Family Rafting
The Tuckaseigee River and Nantahala River combine to form the "Sweet Spot" of family rafting in the Asheville and Smoky Mountain region. Other rivers have easier water (float trips) or bigger whitewater. Both the Tuck and Nantahala are dam-release rivers giving you good water througout the rafting season even in low water years.
Tuckaseigee River
The Tuck's a great river for family rafting. It's definitely whitewater, but definitely not big whitewater. As young as age 4 can go on the trip.
The Tuckaseigee River is a little less than an hour from Asheville and the 10 to 15 minute shuttle makes it the quickest round trip from Asheville. And, it's good quality four lane roads with zero traffic lights the whole way. The water is relatively warm and the rapids fun, but usually forgiving.
For Tuck trips: Raft with Kids
Nantahala River
The Nantahala is longer and has bigger rapids than the Tuck. Minimum age is age 7. The Nantahala is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the U.S. It's beautiful setting, crystal clear waters and numerous fun rapids make it a whitewater classic. It's not the biggest whitewater around, but for many people it is the best.
The Nantahala River is about 1hour and 15 minutes from Asheville.
For Nantahala Rafting: RaftDaddy's Nantahala Rafting
Nolichucky River
The Nolichucky River is north of Asheville in east Tennessee. It's dependent on water levels. At high water levels, it's some of the biggest and best whitewater anywhere. At medium water levels, it's a fun trip and accessible to more people, and at low water levels it can be a struggle. Check with outfitters. These include USA Raft
Pigeon River
The Pigeon River is in East Tennessee, just over the North Carolina - Tennessee line. It's a short blast of a whitewater trip. The shuttle is pretty easy. And, it's dam-release river. They do struggle some with the dam release issues from the utility operating the dam. Check with your outfitter on this issue. Some outfitters do trips without the dam-release, but I don't recommend it. Here's what a few people told me: "People do raft the Pigeon without the dam-release, but they don't have fun." Wait for the release if you want to have fun.
The Pigeon River is just off I-40 in the Pigeon River gorge. This stretch of I-40 is prone to traffic delays from construction projects &/or accidents. Try to check traffic conditions before you make the drive.
When it all comes together (dam release and no traffic delays) the Pigeon is a great trip with bigger rapids that can be an easy drive from Asheville. Try USA Raft
Other Rivers
The rivers listed above are the primary whitewater rafting rivers in the region. They give you a good choice. There are a few other rivers rafted less frequently. These include the Green, the Watuaga, and the South Toe. The Chatooga & Ocoee offer big whitewater, but they are at least 2 to 3 hours from Asheville.
Once again, go to the Asheville Visitor Centers website for great info on things to do & places to stay in Asheville. There's is plenty to do even if you don't go rafting or don't go to the Biltmore House.
