While succesful professionals from surrounding cities become introduced to the kayaking and seduced by the prospect of weekend trips to western North Carolina, committed creek boaters of all ages consistently blow off any "real life" obligations to chase rain in our region. The amount of liquid options for both these groups is what makes Asheville the perfect place for a synergy between the hardcore huckers and the family friendly floaters. Dam released runs like the Tuckasegee, Nantahala, Cheoah and Green Rivers offer weekend warriors the chance to plan vacations in advance with the promise of a wet stay.

The throbbing heart of the region definitely lies within the banks of the French Broad River, whose headwaters offer Class IV creek boating within reasonable after-work distance of town. Section IX of the French Broad is floatable year-round and sees traffic from countless instructional, commercial and pleasure related trips each month of the year. In addition, the in-town stretches offer everything from lazy floats to frothy playholes.

This stretch of river is runnable at all water levels and contains Class II whitewater suitable for instructional trips, playboating, attaining, tubing, or fishing. Numerous pulloffs on Riverside Drive offer ample easy access.

Asheville, NC: The southeast's worst kept secret
Don't tell anyone, but Asheville has a mild climate, beautiful surroundings, a hip population, and a great music and dining scene.