Flatwater kayaking in/around Hendersonville? Close enough to be home by mid-afternoon? French Broad too rough? (Asheville: rent)

[crusinsusan]

One of the things that gives me pause about moving to H'ville is kayaking opportunities. While I've done sections of the Colorado River without the whole dual car transport (go with a friend, park one car at the take-out, then drive together to the put-in; kayak to the take-out, drive back to the put-in and pick up the other car), because where I was allowed for paddling upstream back to the car without unreasonable effort. (I'm nearing retirement and fighting current will become un-doable at some point - so I'd like to have as much flatwater, or gentle current, as I can get.) I want to be able to go kayaking by myself as often as I go with others, as I have over the years. It's a much different experience soloing; much more meditative, etc. and I want both experiences.

Are there sections of the French Broad that you feel are quite doable for up-stream paddling? What about other close by offerings? I've been to Jocasse Lake, and loved it, but that's really an all-day trip. I would like to be able to paddle in the mornings, and be home by mid-afternoon often enough and not have it be the same paddle (same section) each time.

Thanks in advance.

[carolinadawg2]

You can kayak at Lake Julian:

https://www.buncombecounty.org/Gover...akeJulian.aspx

[pvs]

And at Lake Lure:

Recreation in and around Lake Lure : Town of Lake Lure

[QuilterChick]

Originally Posted by crusinsusan

One of the things that gives me pause about moving to H'ville is kayaking opportunities. While I've done sections of the Colorado River without the whole dual car transport (go with a friend, park one car at the take-out, then drive together to the put-in; kayak to the take-out, drive back to the put-in and pick up the other car), because where I was allowed for paddling upstream back to the car without unreasonable effort. (I'm nearing retirement and fighting current will become un-doable at some point - so I'd like to have as much flatwater, or gentle current, as I can get.) I want to be able to go kayaking by myself as often as I go with others, as I have over the years. It's a much different experience soloing; much more meditative, etc. and I want both experiences.

Are there sections of the French Broad that you feel are quite doable for up-stream paddling? What about other close by offerings? I've been to Jocasse Lake, and loved it, but that's really an all-day trip. I would like to be able to paddle in the mornings, and be home by mid-afternoon often enough and not have it be the same paddle (same section) each time.

Thanks in advance.

Franklin NC, areas near Murphy NC or Bryson City NC may be your dream areas; here is a map.
There is some kayaking on the French Broad River in the Asheville area also; others will have specific info.

Map of Nantahala Lake - Topton NC 28781 - Wayah Road


Also, a site for flatwater kayaking in WNC:


http://www.ncsparks.com/paddling-nc/...western-nc.php

[crusinsusan]

Thanks for the information - it covers day trips and home-in-H'ville by 3ish trips. Good to know.

[Bilbono]

I researched this a little this past summer, and here is what I came up with for lake kayaking near me (Fairview):

Lake James - 51 min., no permit required for personal kayak. Can rent kayak for $5 1st hr, $3 each add. hr
Lake Lure - 35 min., day permit is $7 for personal kayak or rent kayak for $10/hr
Lake Adger - 55 min., no permit required
Lake Junaluska - 35 min., no permit required

If you're in Hendersonville, the Green River should also be a good option.

[crusinsusan]

Hey b, thanks for that!