I understand you can paddle the French Broad river through the Biltmore
estate grounds with a permit. If you drive further west, the Nantahala
river is a good class II-III river. Below the falls near Nantahala
Outdoor Center, there is some good flat water paddling. Another good
paddle is from Fontana lake down Hazel creek to the abandon town of
Proctor which was cut off by the forming of the lake in the late 40s.
The town is frozen in time and is inaccessable to most. Check out the
following link: http://www.kayakguide.com/HazelCrk.htm.

Price lake is right on the parkway. Its not very extensive, but a nice
beautiful place to paddle. Its quite spectacular during fall colors.

Lake Lure is also a pretty place. The lake is quite large and snakes
through the mountains. You can reach it easily from Chimney rock which
has some really spectacular cliff side hiking trails I would highly
recommend.

Te Canaille wrote:
The wife and I are heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway soon. We thought about taking our WW canoes ( or others) to do a bit of
paddling along the way. We wouldn't mind deviating 10 or 20 miles off the parkway for some decent day trips. Class I-II is preferred
with a class III along the way tolerated. We can opt to take tripping canoes instead if calmer waters are more abundant. We like a
really scenic river as much as a WW one.
We'll be starting at the southern end of the Parkway, in N.C. and head north. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

John