RiverLink is a membership-driven organization.

WaterRICH French Broad River Paddle Trail Stream Restorations Stormwater Best Management Practices Riparian Easement Pollution Hotline

French Broad River Paddle Trail

NOTICE: 

The French Broad River Paddle Trail is under construction, the trail is CLOSED during this process. We are hoping to open the Paddle Trail on Earth Day, 2012.

Overview:

RiverLink was thrilled when we were notified that our idea for a paddle camping trail was granted by the Pigeon River Foundation. Our project goal is to work with the communities and business along the river throughout the county to explore the feasibility and desirability of establishing overnight wilderness camping along the French Broad River, and if this is successful the entire watershed after we establish a process.   We are using our River Access Guide as the basis for this camping trail.   The trail will establish paddle in-paddle out, “leave no trace” camp sites along the river through North Carolina.  RiverLink is in the planning phases, with a handful of camp sites already identified through meeting with the local communities. 

In 2006 and 2007 RiverLink sponsored canoe trips down the French Broad, Nolichucky and Pigeon Rivers. This first hand survey confirmed the need for additional access points, and brought to the forefront the lack of public opportunity to camp along the river safely and inexpensively as a family or group.

RiverLink has been working with our FBR Paddle Trail Advisory Council, chaired by Stephen Hendricks, a retired landscape architect with the US Forest Service who recently recieved the 2010 Aldo Leopold Stewardship Award for his work.  The Advisory Council meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm at the RiverLink Offices.  Currently the team is working to produce the French Broad River Paddle Trail Design and Use Guidelines which will layout out the trail in more detail, looking at campsite design, river access, signage and the rules and regulations for the trail.  We are also working with numerous landowners in Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe and Madison Counties to develop campsites and river access points.

Roll out of the design plans and alternatives are scheduled for the spring of 2012. Sign-up for our Newsletter to stay up-to-date on the project, or email the Watershed Resources Manager at nancy@riverlink.org to sign-up for paddle trail announcements.

Take the Paddle Trail Survey

Volunteer Opportunities:

Campsite Construction

Monday, January 16th 2012 - Martin Luther King Day

9 am until 5 pm

Meet at RiverLink at 9 am to carpool to the site outside Marshall (approx. 40 minutes)

You will need to wear warm clothes and hiking shoes, there's a bit of a walk to get into the site. We will supply gloves and other tools and equipment. 

If you can't make it for the whole day, come join us for the time you can! 

Meetings:

Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month

Meeting Archives:

Overview Presentation

Town of Marshall Presentation

Analysis Presentation- Scott Ogletree

Final Trail Analysis Presentation

Map:

Trail Map~ Updated 1/2/2012