French-Broad-River.htm

Initially known to the Cherokees as “Long Man River,” the French Broad earned its name because it flows from what was a former French Colonial territory.   The Connestee Indians were the earliest known settlers of the river, having arrived in approximately 200 AD. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1700’s and with them came a diverse group of industries ranging from cotton mills to steamboats. 

With its headwaters located west of the Eastern Continental Divide near Rosman, NC, the French Broad begins in a temperate rain forest flowing for over 200 miles through both dense forests and rolling farmlands. The river itself showcases many different personalities depending upon when and where you are, as tranquil waters running calm and slow can quickly give way to churning rapids. 

As one of the original rivers included in the State Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, the French Broad offers a multitude of things to see both above and below its waters. Along its banks you’ll find diverse tree species including sycamore, beech, birch and sugar maples. With its relatively warm water temperature the French Broad supports a thriving population of both large and smallmouth bass, while the colder tributaries that flow into the river provide respite to mountain trout.

At Seven Falls we have a deep reverence for the gift of this river, its remarkable history, and the beauty and recreation it affords people today. We will continue to work at being good stewards of the French Broad, both now and well into the future.