Press release here from WNCA:
The vision of the French Broad River paddle trail is about to get one step closer to reality this week as students from Illinois State University, on an alternative spring break week of service, will spend two days constructing the first of seven river access points on the French Broad River. The sites will dot the river from the headwaters in Rosman, NC over 117 miles into Tennessee.
The work to construct this campsite will involve over 50 students building a river access out of rocks and boulders that were donated from Penrose Quarry, clearing invasive species, removing debris from the river, and building a picnic table donated by Home Depot.
This site will eventually become part of the larger paddle trail that is being constructed and maintained by the Western North Carolina Alliance. A reservation system will be established, and volunteers will help maintain the series of campsites that will connect existing access and campsites along the river. Currently, paddling for more than one day along the river is difficult, because the river is dominated by private land and public camping is very rare. The paddle trail, when complete, will be a combination of public and private land, strategically located between the few existing public campsites.
“These campsites offer an opportunity to get people on the river and increase the appreciation and stewardship of the river, but they also provide a significant economic boost to the region. Recent studies have shown paddle trails in eastern North Carolina had an economic impact of more than $100 million,” explains French Broad Riverkeeper, Hartwell Carson.
When: Tuesday and Wednesday March 8 and 9 from 9:30-3:30
Where: Private farm and island on the French Broad River. Call for directions.
Who: Western North Carolina Alliance and students from Illinois State University