Come journey with us as we explore and highlight the people and places that make the Blue Ridge and Southern Appalachian Mountains special and unique
Celebrating A River’s Rich History & Heritage
The North Fork is a major tributary of the French Broad River. It begins near Balsam Grove, NC downstream of the 50′ Courthouse Falls. The waterfall feeds into a creek that becomes the North Fork.
The North Fork Gorge is like many Southern Appalachian Rivers where the access can sometimes be difficult, but the rewards once you are there are immense – few crowds, pristine wilderness, and hiking, fishing and whitewater kayaking.
Headwaters Outfitters is partnering with local whitewater enthusiasts and locally active vendors to host the First Annual North Fork Festival Saturday, March 28, 2020. The festival is a celebration of the rich history and heritage of the North Fork of the French Broad River.
The Festival will have Vendor Booths, Gear Swap, Clinics, Boat Demos, Film Showing of Southern Fried Creekin’, History Presentation/Discussion Panel/Q&A, Raffles, Taproom, Food Truck, Live Music by West Fork Fiasco, Camping, and more! An organized riverside cleanup along the North Fork of the French Broad is also being planned.
Camping will be available at the Hannah Ford Campground for those who would like to camp-out that the evening of the festival evening; $10 per person, reservations with Headwaters Outfitters are required.
Have gear or would like to support this event? Looking for more information, questions, or interest? Email danielle@headwatersoutfitters.com
North Fork Fest Schedule
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Vendors, Booths, Gear Swap
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Southern Fried Creekin’ Film Showing
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM Food Truck and Taproom
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM History of NF Presentation and Panel Discussion
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Live Music by West Fork Fiasco!
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Safety Clinic
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Southern Fried Creekin’ Film Showing
About Headwaters Outfitters
Headwaters Outfitters is nestled at the confluence of the North Fork and West Fork of the French Broad River, at the intersection of Highways 64 and 215. Founded in 1992, Headwaters Outfitters is a small family owned and operated outfitter that provides family-friendly canoe & kayaking trips, guiding fly fishing trips, guided bass fishing charters, and river tubing adventures.
“For over 25 years, we have been leading top rated professional outdoor adventures throughout Western NC and outfitting people with quality gear and apparel. When you are here, you are family.”
Headwaters Outfitters also has a private campground, a fully stocked store featuring the latest gear and apparel, and The Forks of the River Taproom featuring five taps from breweries that lie within the French Broad River Watershed.
Looking For An Epic Scenic Drive?
Check out the drive along Hwy 215. This drive lies in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest and defines the boundaries of the Shining Rock and Middle Prong wildernesses.
The canopy in the spring and summer conceals a lot of the views, but during the winter months the long range views are breathtaking and worth the trip. It’s a windy curvy road, so unless you’re on a motorcycle you may want to take it easy on the curves or your backseat travelers may not be happy with you.
To get there: Turn left out of the Headwaters Outfitters parking lot and head north on Hwy 215 towards Balsam Grove. The road will climb 700 ft taking you to 2,900’ at Balsam Grove. Continue north from Balsam Grove climbing another 2,400’ over seven miles and you’ll end up at 5,300’ at the intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway.
