APEs member James Burleson on French Broad 9. Photo by Steve Adams.

Get ready for an action-filled day of paddling with Appalachian Paddling Enthusiast on French Broad 9. This iconic 4.69-mile section of the river has Class II and (three) Class III rapids. You will experience beautiful scenery and diverse line options on this wide river, which is a staple for Asheville-area paddlers. Meet for shuttle at 10:30 a.m. at Stackhouse Rd. Takeout in Marshall, NC 28753.

This paddle is on the French Broad River State Trail blueway, which was established in 1987 as part of the North Carolina State Trails System and flows for 117 miles with many designated launch points. Overall, the French Broad flows for 218 miles from Transylvania County, NC, into Tennessee, where its confluence with the Holston River in Knoxville forms the Tennessee River. It’s believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world.

For more information and to register for this paddle, email Joe Poehlmann at jpales19@gmail.com.