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The third oldest river in
the world, trailing only the Nile in Africa and the New in West
Virginia, the French Broad
River flows north through 117 miles of Western North Carolina from its
headwaters in Rosman to Tennessee. In Tennessee it joins the Holston to form
the Tennessee River and eventually reaches the Mississippi. Named by early
explorers because it flowed toward French Territory to the west, it is a great
recreational resource offering splendid scenery, perfect picnic spots, Class I
through IV whitewater, and good fishing. It flows right though Asheville on its
journey north.
One of the Cherokee names was Tahkeeostee, “racing waters.” Others, frequently
used for only a part of the river, were Poelico, Ariqua, and
Zillicoah. By 1776 the present name French Broad River was in use. The name
French Broad comes from the fact that this river used to flow into
French Indian territory in Tennessee during colonial days.
Riverlink, a local organization dedicated to the economic and environmental
revitalization of the French Broad, has begun to turn a dream into reality. This
organization, an association of recreation experts, garden clubs, city planners,
businesses, economic professionals and private citizens has developed a vision
for the future of the river as it flows through the
Asheville area.
Greenways and other river parks are currently also under development as part of Riverlink’s
vision, including the
Wilma Dykeman RiverWay, which when completed will link the
French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers into a 17-mile continuous greenway
with separate walking and biking trails.
On its way through Asheville, the river is accessible at a number of
places. These access sites are maintained by the
Buncombe County Department Parks, Recreation & Greenways
and are listed below. The
City of Asheville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department
also maintains a number of
river parks on the French Broad River in the
Asheville area. One of these, the
Jean Webb Park
is located on
Riverside Drive which parallels the river. This small park is convenient from
downtown and a good spot for a picnic lunch. The major river park in the
Asheville area is the
French Broad River Park,
also maintained by the city of Asheville. One of Asheville's most
beautiful parks, the park meanders alongside the tranquil French
Broad River, and features a vast area of open green space with old
trees, a wildflower garden, a paved trail, a gazebo, picnic tables
and grills, an observation deck, and a small playground. Riverlink
was instrumental in helping to develop this park, the Jean Webb Park
and others. Riverlink's website has an extensive "River
Guide" which has maps and directions to all of the access points
on the river.
If you are interested in
Whitewater Rafting, the French Broad River north of
Asheville
is home to a number of whitewater rafting companies. In
Asheville, the
Asheville Outdoor Center is conveniently located minutes from
downtown. They offer
gentle tubing, rafting, kayaking and canoeing trips, including ones
that go through lands owned by
Biltmore
Estate.
Location: West of downtown
Asheville
Resources:
Riverlink River Access Map
Riverlink:
PO Box 15488, Asheville NC 28813; 828-252-8474
Buncombe County Department Parks, Recreation & Greenways:
828-250-4260
City of Asheville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department :
828-251-1122
Directions: The French Broad River is accessible from many points in Asheville.
To reach the Riverlink French Broad River Park, take Meadow Road west from
Biltmore Village. This road eventually begins to parallel the river. Turn left
at Amboy Road to access the park.
Buncombe County River Access Sites
& River Parks
|
Park |
Address |
Directions |
| Bent Creek |
1592 Brevard Rd.,
Asheville NC 28806 |
From Asheville
take 26 East & take Exit 2 - go left at light on to Brevard
Road & travel 2.4 mile - see the park on the left. |
| Jean Webb Park |
30 Riverside Drive,
Asheville NC 28801 |
From downtown
Asheville head west on Patton Avenue and turn left at South
French Broad Avenue. Turn right at Hilliard Avenue,
turn left at Clingman Avenue and then turn right on Lyman
Street. Turn right at Riverside Drive and park will be
on your left. |
| French Broad
River Park |
508 Riverview Drive,
Asheville NC 28806 |
From downtown
Asheville head west on Patton Avenue and turn left at South
French Broad Avenue. Turn right at Hilliard Avenue,
turn left at Clingman Avenue and then turn left on Lyman
Street. Turn right on Amboy Road and the immediate
right on Riverview Drive |
| Corcoran Paige |
9 Pinners Rd.,
Arden NC 28704 |
From Asheville
take 26 East & take Exit #6 - turn left on to Long Shoals
Road & travel 1.8 miles - turn right on to Hendersonville
Road & travel 1.4 miles - turn right on to Glen Bridge Road
& travel 1.0 mile - turn left on to Pinner Road - see park
on right. |
| Glen Bridge |
77 Pinners Rd.,
Arden NC 28704 |
From Asheville
take 26 East & take Exit #6 - turn left on to Long Shoals
Road & travel 1.8 miles - turn right on to Hendersonville
Road & travel 1.4 miles - turn right on to Glen Bridge Road
& travel 1.0 mile - turn left on to Pinner Road & travel .5
mile - see park on right. |
| Hominy Creek |
194 Hominy Creek Rd.,
Asheville NC 28806 |
From Asheville
take I-240 West. Take exit #1B. At the end of the ramp, turn
right. After about .1 mile, turn left onto Shelburne then
left onto Hominy Creek Road & travel .7 mile - see park on
left. |
| Ledges Whitewater |
1080 Old Marshall Hwy,
Alexander NC 28701 |
From Asheville
take 19/23 North & immediately take the Hill Street Exit -
go left & travel .1 mile - turn right on to Riverside Drive
& travel 8.1 miles - see park on left. |
| Walnut Island |
3042 Old Marshall Hwy,
Alexander NC 28701 |
From Asheville
take 19/23 North & immediately take the Hill Street Exit -
go left and travel .1 mile - turn right on to Riverside
Drive & travel 13.3 miles - see park on left. |
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