Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
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The Horse Shoe access point is a 1.7-acre river park located on the French Broad River in Henderson County, NC, offering a convenient launch for kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats. Developed in partnership with the NC Wildlife Resource Commission, the facility features parking, a floating pier, and a boat ramp with a 14-percent grade suitable for backing jon boats into 6-7 feet of water. The access is easy to find: turn off US 64 and drive downhill about 100 yards to the parking area and kiosk.
This section of the French Broad River is characterized by slower, shallow waters ideal for paddling—a welcome feature given the river's significant size (8th-order major river draining 5,040 square miles). The surrounding landscape of trees and farmland provides scenic paddling, and the relatively modest gradient in this area makes it manageable for recreation. Nearby camping options include White Pine South Group Camp, Wolf Ford Horse Camp, and Wash Creek Horse Camp, all within 10 miles.
Note that basic facilities are limited due to the sandy floodplain soils; bathrooms and advanced amenities are not available on-site. The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is nearby if you're interested in exploring the area beyond the water.