Kayaking and Canoeing
Western North Carolina is home to many exhilarating stretches of whitewater to explore on both kayak and canoe. Depending on water levels, these stretches of river offer paddling trips for all skill levels. The French Broad offers the most accessible paddling in Transylvania County. The nearby world-famous Green River caters to expert paddlers. Other opportunities within driving distance include the Whitewater, Horsepasture, Tuckasagee, Nantahala, Thompson, Mills River, Cullasaja, Davidson, and Pigeon Rivers. Do your homework and hit the water for a paddle according to your skill level!
Rafting and Tubing
Rafting and tubing are relaxing and exciting activities during the warmer months! The rafting and tubing opportunities closest to Pilot Cove include the French Broad, Davidson, and Mills rivers. Rent tubes from a local outfitter and hit the water with the family for a fun and refreshing adventure!
SUP
A relatively new activity to the region, SUP (stand up paddleboarding) is quickly catching on! The best opportunities for a SUP adventure exist on the French Broad River, or on any of the smaller lakes in Transylvania County. Lake Jocassee is a gorgeous lake about 30 minutes away in the upstate of SC. Check out our area attractions page for information on SUP guides near Pilot Cove.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Western NC? Why not! Put on your wetsuit, pull out your goggles and snorkel, and explore the thriving underwater ecosystems of our bountiful streams and waterways.
For a specially-curated snorkeling adventure, coming soon to a North Carolina waterway near you: the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, a series of hand-picked snorkel sites nestled in the mountain rivers of North Carolina!
The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail is an innovative education project that will link together a set of publicly accessible river sites where people can safely snorkel, and experience the underwater world of streams and rivers of western North Carolina and beyond. Each site will have an educational sign that provides safety information, a description of notable species at the site, and other information about the trail.
Bring your snorkel gear, bring a wet suit if you want to up your comfort level in our crisp mountain waters, or even bring a river snorkeling guide to lead your adventure!
Check out our area attractions page for more information on Oxbow River Snorkeling and other guides in the area.
LOCAL RESOURCES
Pura Vida Adventures
Full service guide company offering climbing, canyoneering, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking,waterfall tours, adventure race instruction, and paddling trips. We also provide you with an opportunity to see the North Carolina mountains through any variety of these activities over one day or a series of days.
http://pvadventures.com
Green River Adventures
Whitewater kayaking and rafting guide service.
www.greenriveradventures.com/
Oxbow River Snorkeling
Oxbow River Snorkeling is the first company to focus on guided river snorkeling in the United States. Our mission is to provide a full scale river snorkeling adventure, while our customers create lasting memories of our ancient watershed. We have designed several tours along the upper French Broad River and its tributaries. You will see examples of different types of aquatic communities and each adventure is packed full of potential surprises around every bend! Come join us as we venture below the surface of some of the oldest rivers in the world and remember to bring your waterproof camera or GoPro!
http://www.oxbowriversnorkeling.com/
French Broad Outfitters
We also have a full line of paddle equipment, recreational kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and whitewater boats. We don’t stop there; we also have Asheville’s largest selection of disc golf supplies.
http://frenchbroadoutfitters.com/
White Squirrel Paddle Boards
Check out one of the coolest outdoor experiences in Transylvania County and Western North Carolina with our totally mobile company. We bring the adventure to you! Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) offers a fun, relaxing way to play on the local rivers and lakes. Our guide brings a unique and fun experience to every outing making this an adventure that is just for you!
http://whitesquirrelpaddleboards.com/
Headwaters Outfitters
Float or fish the majestic French Broad River at your leisure! Located at the confluence of the West Fork and the North Fork of the French Broad River, this full service fly fishing shop also offers guided trips, tubing rentals and shuttle service, a taproom, and canoe/kayak rentals to complete your day on the water.
http://www.headwatersoutfitters.com/