French Broad, West Fork,

Upstream view of the 1st slide

Upstream view of the 1st slide
Photo of Upstream view of the 1st slide by Tyler Stewart taken 12/5/02 @ -1

Gauge Information

River Description

The West Fork is something different for those jaded by the North Fork. It has a slightly different character, and offers the chance to go big more than once. Three times in fact, in a row.

This different and slightly bigger character comes with some consequences though, as this river has taken a life, unlike it's brother. There is a dangerous pothole in the first slide, small but significant seives in the boulder garden, and some bad lumber all through the run.

Takeout:

From Headwaters Outfitters at 64 and 215, go West on 64 and look for a small factory immediately before the small bridge. Turn L into the "Shipping and Receiving" drive and park near the picnic tables.

Putin:

Turn L (West) on 64, and climb the grade. Turn R immediately past the CITGO gas station. Follow this road (SR 1309) until it crosses the river. Park on the left or right.

You can hike down the river left bank to the first drop to get a feel for the flow. It's about a quarter of a mile.