Headwaters Outfitters Outdoor Adventures
Headwaters Outfitters Outdoor Adventures
Headwaters Outfitters Outdoor Adventures
5
River Rafting & Tubing • Fishing Charters & Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing
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8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
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About
The canoeing and kayaking river trips can last from 3 hours and up to a two day canoe camping trip. You may also choose to cool off with a lazy float down the French Broad on our tubing river trip. All of our trips including the canoeing and kayaking river trips are self-guided with the exception of our seasonal special events. Our fly fishing program offers guided fly fishing trips in Western North Carolina! Our fly shop has everything you need to have a successful day on the water. Our licensed NC fly fishing guides can teach you to cast. They can lead you on a guided fly fishing trip for trout or smallmouth, or help you choose flies that will increase your success on our local mountain streams. Our fly-fishing school is fun for the whole family! Headwaters Outfitters also carries a great selection of canoes and kayaks for sale in our RIVER SHOP. Test paddle canoes by Old Town, Mad River & We-no-nah. We have kayaks by Jackson Kayak, Wilderness Systems and Perception. At our River Shop, the north and west forks meet forming the French Broad River. This makes it an excellent location to test paddle canoes or kayaks. Headwaters Outfitters is conveniently located just outside of Brevard NC, between Asheville and Highlands, NC. It is an easy one day trip from Charlotte, Greenville, or Raleigh, and a great weekend getaway from Atlanta. Regardless of where you are coming from, Transylvania County has lots to offer those looking for a mountain river adventure. When planning your next vacation to the mountains of North Carolina, join us for an exciting canoeing and kayaking river trips adventure. For a quick weekend getaway, or just something fun to do outdoors, pack a picnic lunch, bring your fishing rod and gather your friends and family.
Rosman, North Carolina
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Headwaters Outfitters Outdoor Adventures
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(98 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
796 reviews
Excellent
755
Very good
31
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
3
tcgrennan
Auburn, GA1 contribution
Jul 2021
So the weekend after Independence Week, my better half and I ventured to try the 20 mile over night trip. First off pricing: fantastic, for two days and camping it was only $85/person. Normally your looking at $25-$35 to kayak for a few hours, this included two days plus camping (which a site is usually $25 and up). Secondly, service fantastic, our friend that joined us was unable to kayak that day due to thunderstorm in the area, and they didn’t hesitate to refund her money. We were still able to go out since we were staying overnight, and our arrival time at the campsite wasn’t reliant on some one waiting for us. We left in the morning on out time (which they asked for an approx of so they could pick us up on time), and when we were taken off the river, we mentioned a fallen tree that created a hazard for others behind us, which they jumped all over for the safety of that group (offering refunds right off the jump). The training we were give at the drop off saved us from paddling into said tree that I mentioned.
This is getting long but worth it. The paddle itself was amazing as well. Mountains and trees the whole way down fave great views. All kinds of birds to take pictures of, a wonderful looking campsite that we stayed at.
I’m sure I can think of more to say as soon as I send this, but hopefully this is enough to make you want to try Headwaters out.
This is getting long but worth it. The paddle itself was amazing as well. Mountains and trees the whole way down fave great views. All kinds of birds to take pictures of, a wonderful looking campsite that we stayed at.
I’m sure I can think of more to say as soon as I send this, but hopefully this is enough to make you want to try Headwaters out.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Oh My Goodness....
what an amazing review, you guys are too sweet... its so easy to be good to people when they are so good to you.
We enjoyed having you guys so very much, please don't hesitate to come back and see us.
Have a fantastic rest of your summer.
Written July 26, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Meredith G
2 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We completed a 1/2 day pm guided fly fishing trip with Headwaters. This was given to me as a Christmas gift. Chris was our guide and he was AWESOME! We are brand new to fly fishing and it was quite a change from our rod and reel. We caught lots of rainbows and a beautiful brown. The customer service was top notch as we had rescheduled from previous bad weather conditions. If you are are new or experienced I highly recommend!!
Written May 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for your kind review! We are thrilled that you had great experience with us and we loved being able to take you out on the river. We look forward to seeing you again someday!
Written June 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
D H
Naples, FL48 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Enjoyed the Booze and Cruise along The French Broad with this group. From online ordering tickets to confirmation phone call day prior along with on-site staff that timely arrived at pick up point and got us settled in our kayaks or canoes. This was more of a float, paddles used mainly for steering. Required life jackets appeared new and comfortable.
This is an unguided experience.
Very convenient with pick up and drop off at Oskar Blues Brewery.
This is an unguided experience.
Very convenient with pick up and drop off at Oskar Blues Brewery.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks so much for your review, we really appreciate it! We are happy to hear that you had a great experience on the Cruise then Booze with Oskar Blues! We love being able to offer this paddling excursion during the summer months so people can enjoy time on the river as well as a tasty beverage at Oskar Blues! We also greatly appreciate you using our online booking system :)
Written August 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CDL1985
Wilmington, NC9 contributions
Jul 2022
We can't say enough good things about Headwaters Outfitters but let's start with the staff. They are incredible. It's a family run operation and everyone seems to truthfully enjoy their work and the people with whom they work. This comes out in how they treat their clients and this, more than anything else, made our day tubing down the river (multiple times in fact) such a joy. Whether it was getting our gear, having a beer at the taproom between floats, shopping in their tackle shop, or even the bus ride back to "home," everyone was great. Highly recommend Headwaters whether its kayaking, tubing, or fishing. Guaranteed you'll leave there feeling like you were the most important person they'd meet all day.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello and thank you so much for your great review! We are family owned and operated, celebrating our 30th year this year! And when you are here, you are family :) We love putting people out on the river and helping everyone have a positive experience. We really appreciate your review and are thankful for the time you spent with us!
Written July 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dicksonkd
Apex, NC1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Family
we had a wonderful time on the French Broad River, organized easy and safe. Really helpful staff. Took the time to teach our nine year old some paddling tips and he rocked it on the river. We had a 13 year old in a single kayak, adult and 9 year old in double kayak and 11, 5 and adult in canoe. Awesome time.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for your great review! We love making the river an enjoyable experience for all age groups and family sizes. We hope you can come back and see us again soon!
Written July 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RBH
7 contributions
May 2021 • Family
This is my 6th Headwaters trip kayaking down the French Broad River. Our guide Jason did a very nice job welcoming us, respecting our wishes related to Covid concerns and providing a great and balanced overview of kayaking down the river! His safety review was spot on. The day was great, cool water, sunny skies and a slow, easy journey highlighted by the sight of a Bald Eagle!
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so very much for not only your wonderful review but for choosing us over and over again, We love seeing people come back year after year, it really shows us we are doing something right. We cant wait to see you for trip number 7.
Written May 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Celine315
Raleigh, NC26 contributions
Jul 2022
My family and I (a group of 4 adults) thoroughly enjoyed our river tubing experience a week ago. The staff was very friendly, and it was easy to check in and get started. They provide life jackets for you, so all you need to remember is to wear closed toe water shoes (not flip flops). You take off on the river right behind their building, and the water is perfectly clear and clean. It was a pretty stretch of river to float down, and since we went in the morning, we basically had the entire stretch of river to ourselves. They meet you at the end to catch you on your tube and then drive you back on the bus to the building. Everyone was very nice and friendly, and we will definitely be back!
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Celine, thank you so much for your review! We are happy to hear that you and your family had an enjoyable tubing trip. We do provide everything you need for your trip, and also have things in the shop in case anyone forgets anything :) Come back and see us again soon!
Written August 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathleen M
Watkinsville, GA11 contributions
Aug 2020
We always feel welcome when we visit Headwaters Outfitters. Their staff is welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable, and they always put the customer's safety first. Saying that, be prepared to don a mask while in the shop and taproom.
The river water is cool and if you are lucky, the clear water might just you an opportunity to spy a trout or two or hopefully a hellbender. People are spaced out so there's a slim chance of rubbing tubes with folks not in your party.
When you come off of the river, their staff will get you loaded up and back to the shop in a timely fashion all the while socially distancing from the other tubers. They do this by running more frequent buses.When you get back to the Outfitters, be sure to stop by the taproom to enjoy a variety of local brews. Don't worry about packing your lunch, because they have rotating food trucks where you're bound to find something that satisfies your palate.
Good people and good times.
The river water is cool and if you are lucky, the clear water might just you an opportunity to spy a trout or two or hopefully a hellbender. People are spaced out so there's a slim chance of rubbing tubes with folks not in your party.
When you come off of the river, their staff will get you loaded up and back to the shop in a timely fashion all the while socially distancing from the other tubers. They do this by running more frequent buses.When you get back to the Outfitters, be sure to stop by the taproom to enjoy a variety of local brews. Don't worry about packing your lunch, because they have rotating food trucks where you're bound to find something that satisfies your palate.
Good people and good times.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We appreciate that you take notice of all we do, We are always trying our absolute hardest to make sure everyone has the best experience possible. We hope to see you again soon. Maybe for a delicious beer or two?
Written August 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janice T
Brevard, NC5 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We went on the 3-hour kayak self-guided ride with our family. It was wonderful because outfitters will drop you off and pick you up when you are done and you do not have to mess with moving cars around and all that. Every time that we have went on kayak rides there they are very punctual at taking us out at the right time and picking us up when we came in off the river. The kayaks were very clean and very nice ones. The service was great and the whole trip was just really very well organized and everything you needed for a great day.
The shopping was wonderful at their little store. They have everything you need and then some. Top notch Quality merchandise. And they often have a food truck with very good food for when you get off the river and are a bit hungry.
May I also add with the Covid19 we were very impressed with how sanitary our kayaks, life jackets and the whole establishment there was. They are taking every precaution against anybody spreading germs and we greatly appreciated the necessary extremes that they are taking to keep patrons safe.
We will be using their services for our kayaking, fishing and tubing always!
The shopping was wonderful at their little store. They have everything you need and then some. Top notch Quality merchandise. And they often have a food truck with very good food for when you get off the river and are a bit hungry.
May I also add with the Covid19 we were very impressed with how sanitary our kayaks, life jackets and the whole establishment there was. They are taking every precaution against anybody spreading germs and we greatly appreciated the necessary extremes that they are taking to keep patrons safe.
We will be using their services for our kayaking, fishing and tubing always!
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We look forward to hearing from you throughout the future! Hopefully it won't be from behind he masks... :) We're trying our best to make sure that everything from any trip is kept as safe as possible, and we're so glad you guys noticed. Thanks for choosing Headwaters, and we're looking forward to be in service to you guys for many trips into the future!
Written July 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John G
2 contributions
Aug 2020
Headwaters was great in arranging both our fishing excursion as well as separate river kayak float. They were easy to work with and well organized; but a special shout out has to go to Gavin Griffin. Best guide I have ever been with on a fishing trip. Knew the waters, best techniques and kept us interested with great conversation and fun facts about the area and the wildlife. Highly recommend Gavin to anyone looking for a guided adventure with Headwaters! Thanks again Gavin - GREAT trip!
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gavin is awesome, that is for sure. I am so happy to hear you had a blast. We hope to have yall back for another trip sometime soon.
Written August 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mara L
Winston Salem, NC30 contributions
I need some advice on the area. I'm taking family kayaking in Brevard in 2 weeks, and need to know exactly where to put in and take out. They are novices, but all excellent swimmers, and are looking forward to a half day or so of paddling/cooling off. Any advice would be most welcome. The Transyvania website lists 4 access areas with parking, but no info on trip length between lots or class of rapids. Help!
I have alwsys taken the easier route. Use a quality outfitter. Let them provide the gear,transport, and quidance. Tell them you want to stretch your abilities, but have an adventure. Then let them clean up and store the gear. My $.02.
Paddle007
Hodgenville, KY4 contributions
My wife and are paddling the 7 hour/ 20 mile trip the first week of September... Any tips would be greatly appreciated... We have been paddling about 25 years mostly on Class I-II+ and some III rivers in KY. She is an avid nature photographer and is really looking forward to this trip..
Thanks in advance,
Paddle (aka Jeff)
canadamooney
Houston, TX13 contributions
Things might change by then, but right now there is a good amount of flood mud. Make sure your footwear will stay on your feet. River is great though.