Seven Mile Trips
What does a river trip with the AOC look like?
​
Selecting one of our kayaks, canoes, SUPs, or rafts is the beginning of a beautiful seven mile float down the French Broad River (we do not shuttle for tubes). You begin your day by checking into our office, signing a waiver, and taking care of payment 45 minutes ahead of your scheduled shuttle time. You will then hang out on our facilities until we sound the trumpet, and begin handing out life jackets. We'll lead you through a short safety briefing, where we cover what you'll expect to encounter on the river, how to stay safe in case of inclement weather, and how to find help if you need it. After safety, we'll load up the vans and begin the 15 minute ride up to the put in, where you'll start your float. Our turn-n-burn crew will unload your boats and help you get settled before gently pushing you out into the river.
The seven mile float takes approximately 2.5 hours depending on water levels. The float follows the Biltmore Estate property, which is quiet, green, full of wildlife, and has a great view of the Biltmore House and Inn from the water. You may catch sight of a Great Blue Heron, an otter, or a woodchuck, among other river life. The float is gentle and free of rapids. We invite you to spend the day with us when you finish your float! We have picnic tables, music, restrooms, and yard games like corn hole, basketball, ping pong, volleyball, badminton, and ladder ball to enjoy while you wind down. We also have snacks and a taproom featuring local brews for you to enjoy.
​
We can't wait to spend the day with you at the AOC!
RAFTS
$30 Per Person
(Minimum charge of $120)
4-5 people per raft
​
Weight Limit 900 Lbs
Our calm water rafting trip gives you an opportunity to float down the river with the whole family. As we don't tube down the 7-mile Biltmore stretch of river, rafting is the most comfortable, relaxing float.
​
We can not put out rafts when water levels drop too low, as the current is not strong enough to push the boat over the rocks, which either stops or rips the raft.
Always call to reserve your
quiet water rafting trip
828-232-1970
TUBING
WALK-AND-TUBE
(We do not shuttle for tubes)
​
Walk with your tube one mile down the Greenway Trail, and access the river at Hominy Creek Park. Once you make it back to the AOC, you are welcome to walk-and-tube as many times as you like! Half Day prices cover up to three floats; full day covers 4+ floats.
T
Full Day: $23.00
Half Day: $17.00
We are NOT currently offering Tubing due to high water levels
Tubing runs from May - September
No reservation required --
Tubing is first come-first serve from 9am -3pm.
"Tote-N-Float"
Rent a tube to take with you for the day and bring it back to us when you are finished.
$25 per tube
SHUTTLE
Have your own boat, and just need a shuttle up the river? As long as we have space after we've loaded our own boats, we have you covered. Our shuttle fee includes parking.
​
$20.00 per boat
​
PARKING & RIVER ACCESS
If you have your own shuttle, and just need to use our parking, we charge a flat rate per vehicle, space permitting.
​
$5.00 per vehicle
River Access is $5 per person
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Call ahead to make reservations. Include date, trip time, number of participants, and boat selection(s). You are welcome to drop-in to see if we have space, but trips are only guaranteed if booked in advance and pre-paid.
Shuttles leave at 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, and 2PM, and are weather dependent. All trips are self-guided, and take approximately 2.5 hours. Arrive at the Asheville Outdoor Center 45 minutes prior to a trip time to check-in. Late arrivals will be deferred to the next available trip time, space permitting. Participants under 18 must have legal parent/guardian signature and be accompanied by an adult on the trip. If you need to cancel, we provide a full refund as long as you contact us 24 hours prior to your trip. For inclement weather, give us a call the day of your trip. We'll refund your float if you feel uncomfortable with the rain, or if we need to call off the trip for thunder and lightning. If unsure of anything, just give us a call. We want you to be completely confident about your trip with the AOC, and we want you to have the best experience possible!
All boaters, boats and vehicles accessing at Asheville Outdoor Center must be off the river and out of the parking lot at the conclusion of each business day (typically 5:00PM). Any vehicle left in our lot after closing will be towed at the owner's expense.