French Broad River

Facility · Tennessee ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

1,129 ft
Elevation

The French Broad River has the distinction of being the third oldest river in the world and is one of the original rivers included in the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.  Whether you're a history buff, a boater, an angler or a nature lover looking to catch a glimpse of a Blue Heron in flight, the French Broad River will not let you down.

Commercial rafting operations run 13 miles from Hot Springs, NC to Del Rio, TN with rapids ranging from class I - III.  River access is available at Weaver's Bend and at the French Broad boat launch near Wolf Creek.  The river itself supports a variety of warm and cool water fish including large and smallmouth bass, rock bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, carp and sauger.  Many of the tributaries of the French Broad River support trout as well.  Opportunites for viewing nature and wildlife are available all along the river including Weaver's Bend and French Broad Fields.      

The Cocke County Tennessee Chamber of Commerce websiteh as a list of local outfitter and guides for the French Broad River.

Getting there

35.92166, -82.99798 · 35°55'18.0"N 82°59'52.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 87°F in Jul, down to 48°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F485260717884878682726052
Low °F293137445462656559473632
Precip in3.73.34.03.84.55.24.74.93.42.42.93.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about French Broad River

Can you reserve a site at French Broad River?
No. French Broad River is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near French Broad River

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.