At Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman, the river isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the beginning of something. Adventure, connection, tradition. For more than 30 years, this family-run outfitter has helped locals and visitors paddle, fish, hike, and float their way into the wild heart of western North Carolina.
Self-guided canoe and kayak trips run daily through October along the gentle upper stretch of the French Broad River. The scenery shifts from rolling farmland to forested curves, with just enough current to keep things moving. Tubing is pure summer simplicity—an hour-long float behind the outpost, seven days a week through Labor Day. No schedule, no stress, just sunshine and slow water.
Fly fishing trips are offered year-round and tailored to each angler’s skill and curiosity. From learning to cast in quiet streams to chasing smallmouth bass on a drift boat, the experience is yours to shape. The fly shop stocks trusted brands like Filson and Sendero, along with kayaks, rods, reels and flies.
New this year is a hiking program offering guided family-friendly treks and community hikes on designated days, perfect for visitors wanting to explore nearby trails and waterfalls without going it alone. The weekly Brewery Paddle Series adds a social edge: two-hour paddles followed by pints at Ecusta or Oskar Blues.
And it’s not just about the outings. Headwaters is a hub. The Forks of the River Taproom, located right at the Rosman outpost, is where paddlers gather pre-trip, debrief afterward, or stop by just because. Food trucks rotate in—Levi’s Lunchbox, The Cheef, The Local Harvester—serving everything from burgers to BBQ to grain bowls. Stonefly Coffee is open daily for espresso and hand crafted lattes. There are nights when it all feels a bit like a backyard party with really good beer and no pretense.
In 2024, Hurricane Helene flooded the taproom and campground and shut down operations for over a month. But the Headwaters team bounced back—because the community did. “Our community is so wonderful,” says owner Jessica Whitmire. “We’ve had practice—got hit by Fred in 2021. Rosman, Brevard, Transylvania County—everyone stepped in. It was a community effort to get everyone recovered. It still is. This is definitely a resilient community.”
This year Headwaters opened a second shop in downtown Brevard with fly gear, apparel, and trip planning help.
For bookings, food truck updates, and event listings, visit headwatersoutfitters.com. Reservations are recommended—especially in summer, when the river calls loudest.
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