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Even though the temperatures begin to drop from September through November, many water enthusiasts still feel that the best way to see Transylvania is to float down one in the county's rivers. Whether you're looking for high paced white water action, a lazy inner tube trip to cool off in an unexpected heat wave, or a leisurely float trip with your fishing rod and canoe, Transylvania County and the surrounding area can probably meet your needs.
There are two main rivers in the county, the Davidson River, which winds south through Pisgah National Forest, and the French Broad, which begins in Rosman and flows northwest towards Asheville.
The North Fork of the French
Broad, which winds it way to the head of the French Broad through Nantahala
National Forest, provides some of the more challenging water in the area.
The Davidson
If you've driven through Pisgah National Forest on US 276, then you've seen the Davidson River. It mostly follows the highway's route and includes scenic attractions such as Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock. Although US 276 is usually less than 100 yards from the river, boaters are hardly aware of the road while they paddle through the forest's scenic setting. The river's grade is gradual as it flows over gravel bars and small ledges. While the Davidson is too shallow for continuous boating in some areas, particularly during low water, it is well suited for inner tubing.
Portions of the river are also popular with kayakers. While the Davidson River can only be run at high water levels, it offers some very good instructional waters. Boaters can begin at the confluence of the Davidson River and Looking Glass Creek, at the bridge on US 276 near Fish Hatchery Road. From there it is 6.1 miles to the take-out at the US 276 and US 64 bridge, northeast of Brevard.
A slightly dangerous and more exciting run can be made by driving about one-and-a- half miles further into the forest on Fish Hatchery Road, which turns left off US 276. Boaters can put in at the Pisgah Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Education Center. Scenery and water quality on this trip are excellent.
The French Broad
The French Broad River, a North Carolina state-designated canoe trail forms near Rosman as the North, West and East Forks converge.
The upper reaches of the French Broad are flat, providing an ideal location for float trips which wind through both farmlands and wooded areas. More adventurous river travelers might want to check out the French Broad below Asheville, where the river develops into a wide and powerful waterway. This section requires the paddler to be experienced and skilled.
Within Transylvania County, there are several good trips on the river which may be taken as day-long adventures or overnight outings. The river is runable all year except during periods of very dry weather.
The public boat access closest to the river's head is at Champion Park in Rosman. Boaters can also start the trip a short distance above the park at the US 64 bridge over the North Fork, just west of Rosman. Boaters should know, however, that there are some treacherous rocks between the US 64 bridge and Champion Park; novice boaters in particular are advised to start at Champion Park.
Over the next 10 miles the river drops 54 feet before boaters reach the boat access at the Island Ford bridge on Island Ford Road. From there the river continues on another 10-mile section to the access.The trip from the bridge on Tracking at Hap Simpson Park on US 276 just Station Road just off NC 215 (SR1326)to south of Brevard. This portion of the trip the bridge on US 64 is 72 miles. During also offers no difficulty, and there are that span the river drops 390 feet with picnic tables and parking at the park. difficulty factors of 4, 5, and 6. The final 15 miles of the French Broad
There is a river gage on the south side in Transylvania County run from Hap of the US 64 bridge. Simpson Park to the Henderson County Due to the gradient, however, a Line at Blantyre on US 64 East. There are level of 3 inches above would be the no picnic tables or park benches at maximum level for a safe trip. The river is Blantyre, but there is boat access. runable during the spring and during or after heavy rains.
The North Fork
The North Fork of the French Broad should only be attempted by advanced boaters. Beginning on the eastern edge of Nantahala National Forest, the river's protective watershed gives it outstanding water quality. The area is marked by magnificent waterfalls above the starting point, which travelers should see before entering the beautiful yet rugged gorge.
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