↑ Check out our featured content on the slider above ↑
Our Mission
RiverLink promotes the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed as a place to live, learn, work and play.
RiverLink accomplishes its mission by providing permanent public access to the river through conservation and recreation easements, reclaiming contaminated lands for public use and enjoyment, greenway development, creating public overnight camping sites along the river, adaptive reuse of historic structures, educating 5,000 students K-12 annually as well as the public-at-large about the French Broad River watersheds’ importance and empowering over 1,700 volunteers each year.
RiverLink was established in 1987 and is the only French Broad River watershed non-profit exclusively focused on the French Broad River.
Upcoming Events
Come out and help us maintain stormwater control features along the French Broad River in Carrier Park. We will be removing invasive plant species, noxious weeds, and litter. Event will take place from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm with a break for lunch at 11:30. Loretta’s Cafe has generously donated food, so come prepared to grub! All necessary gear and tools will be provided. To attend this event, sign up using the form below. Space is limited to 20 volunteers. Please reach out with any questions you may have!
Join us on Monday, October 29th for the reveal of the Draft Master Plan for Karen Cragnolin Park. You will be able to walk through the site and see visual renderings of what this space will be. Light refreshments will be provided.
Hosted by Leap Frog Tours, this tour will allow participants to learn about the history of Asheville’s riverfront & the mission of RiverLink.
Description and Details:
- Join us as we explore the history of the French Broad River and its seminal place in the development of Asheville–from the time when Native Americans lived along its banks to the Buncombe Turnpike, the railroad, and industries of yesteryear.
- We’ll also tell you how the river has changed since the days of George Vanderbilt, Thomas Wolfe, and when NASCAR greats Richard Petty and Junior Johnson raced cars in the area.
- We’ll progress to the 1950s when Wilma Dykeman asked “Who poisoned the river?” in her groundbreaking book, “The French Broad,” to the thriving River Arts District, the beautiful chain of parks along the riverfront greenway, and the recreational opportunities that abound today.
- Our tour showcases not only the river, but also the great work of the RiverLink organization and its many partners (government, corporations, civic, non-profit conservation groups, and individuals) that have worked together to protect, preserve, and enhance the riverfront area so that locals and visitors alike can enjoy its beauty and grandeur.
- If you like history and you appreciate environmental sustainability, this tour is for you.
- PLEASE NOTE: Along the way, we’ll make a stop at a brewery and a restaurant for a bite to eat if you choose. (Note: Any food and/beverage purchases are not included in your ticket price.)
What to Know
- Tours meet at the front of the parking lot of the original Wedge Brewing Co., across the railroad tracks from the RiverLink office. The address is 37 Paynes Way, Asheville, NC 28801. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of your tour.
- For other pick-up/drop-off locations, dates and times, please call (828) 246-6777 to check pricing and availability.
- A portion of the ticket price is donated to RiverLink to support their efforts to protect and enhance the French Broad River.
- Our tours operate with a 6 person minimum. We mix and match groups to reach this minimum but in the case that you are scheduled for a tour that hasn’t reached 6 people we will call you to reschedule. Thank you for understanding.
- For a private (minimum 2 people) or semi-private (minimum 4 people) experience, please call (828) 246-6777 for pricing.