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Float a mellow 2‑hour stretch of the French Broad River, then return to Ecusta Brewing Company for a craft beer finish. Ideal for casual paddlers who want an easy morning on the water with a social ending.
Float a mellow 2‑hour stretch of the French Broad River, then return to Ecusta Brewing Company for a craft beer finish. Ideal for casual paddlers who want an easy morning on the water with a social ending.
Book with Headwaters Outfitters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
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Operated by Headwaters Outfitters · Rosman, North Carolina
There’s a short, sociable river escape that starts and ends at Ecusta Brewing Company in the eastern United States. Paddle Then Pints is a relaxed two‑hour float hosted in partnership with Ecusta Brewing Company that launches from Pisgah Forest Access and drifts downstream to Penrose Access along the French Broad River. The route threads gentle current, riffles, and broad pools beneath hardwood banks, offering a low-effort paddle for mixed-ability groups.
The French Broad River is notable for its long geological history and broad valley; this stretch moves through riparian corridors of sycamore, oak, and river birch and passes zones of exposed bedrock sculpted by seasonal flows. The experience centers on easy paddling rather than whitewater technicality, making it ideal for newcomers, families with older kids, and anyone who wants to combine outdoor time with socializing. Guests meet at Ecusta Brewing at 9:30 a.m. for equipment checks and a short 5–10 minute shuttle to the put-in. From Pisgah Forest Access you’ll drift to Penrose Access, arriving back at Ecusta by about noon for a tasting or beer purchase.
What makes this outing stand out is the way it pairs a classic Appalachian river float with a local brewery finish. Ecusta Brewing Company is not just a meeting point — it’s the social anchor, where paddlers swap stories over craft beer and local conversation. The route’s mix of open water and quieter inside bends creates photo-friendly sightlines: low bluffs, fallen log frames, and sun-dappled water. Look for songbirds singing from riverside shrubs and the occasional kingfisher diving from a low branch.
This trip is deliberately accessible: it’s marketed as a relaxed, social paddle with minimal technical demands. Still, practical details matter — bring a lifejacket, sun protection, and footwear that can get wet. Reservations are required and drinks are sold separately; the organizers advise booking in advance during busy weekends. The itinerary is straightforward: gather at Ecusta Brewing, shuttle to Pisgah Forest Access, float to Penrose Access, then shuttle back.
Whether you’re a visitor exploring the French Broad's approachable sections or a local looking for a fresh Saturday morning plan, Paddle Then Pints slices together outdoor calm and crafted conversation. It’s easiest on a clear morning when the light picks out river textures, but the trip’s true appeal is how it turns two hours on the water into a small celebration—paddle, return, and raise a glass. Plan for modest river currents and occasional boat traffic; dogs may be allowed depending on organizer rules. If you want photos, pack a waterproof case and stabilize shots from shallow shoreline. Local parking at Ecusta Brewing handles morning crowds but arrive early for best spots.
No. Drinks at Ecusta Brewing Company are available for purchase after the float and are not included in the booking price.
The on-water portion lasts about two hours from Pisgah Forest Access to Penrose Access; total experience including shuttles is roughly three hours.
No. This outing is designed for casual paddlers and beginners; guides focus on safe, easy paddling techniques.
Dog policies depend on organizers and boat type; check with the operator in advance to confirm if dogs are allowed.
Trips may be canceled or rescheduled for unsafe conditions. Check reservation terms and contact the operator for rain or high-water plans.
Meet at Ecusta Brewing at 9:30 a.m. for check-in, equipment, and the short shuttle to Pisgah Forest Access.
Headwaters Outfitters, based in Rosman, NC, operates guided fishing, paddling, camping and outdoor education on the French Broad River and surrounding lakes. The outfitter offers a wide range of experiences including guided fly-fishing lessons, trout wade trips on private waters, smallmouth and bass float trips, musky targeting adventures, and multi-hour self-guided paddling options like Hap Simpson and Island Ford runs. Classes and workshops include Fly Fishing Foundations, Advanced Casting, Spey Casting, Angler Entomology and Selecting a Fly, all taught with low student-to-instructor ratios for personalized skill-building. Paddling-focused offerings include guided Bear Lake sea kayaking trips to Sols Creek Waterfall, overnight canoe camping trips on the Upper French Broad, family-friendly floats, and festival paddles like Paddle to the Pork. Headwaters Outfitters also coordinates collaborative events with local breweries — Paddle then Pints with Ecusta Brewing Company and Cruise then Booze with Oskar Blues — and hosts seasonal community programs such as the Annual Upper French Broad River Clean-Up and Appalachian Santa Night. The business manages the first private campground on the French Broad Paddle Trail, featuring six primitive riverside campsites and options for full campground rental. Gear, shuttles and guided instruction are provided on many trips, and experienced guides such as local captains lead species-specific charters. Emphasis is placed on safety, Leave No Trace ethics, environmental stewardship and authentic local partnerships, making the outfitter a resource for anglers, paddlers and outdoor learners visiting Western North Carolina.
Book with Headwaters Outfitters