River Arts District Update: Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Water Recreation in the RAD area.
The French Broad River has long been a centerpiece of Asheville’s outdoor recreation, particularly in the River Arts District (RAD). However, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in September 2024 brought unprecedented challenges to this vibrant section of the city.
The hurricane’s force flooded approximately 80% of the RAD’s buildings, causing significant damage to businesses, art studios, and infrastructure. The river itself was not spared—floodwaters carried massive amounts of debris downstream, leaving the waterway unsafe for recreational activities.
Current River Conditions & Safety Advisory
Due to lingering debris and unstable riverbanks, the City of Asheville is currently advising against water recreation in the RAD section of the French Broad River. Hazards such as submerged debris, shifting sandbars, and weakened riverbanks make activities like tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding dangerous at this time.
Ongoing Cleanup & Restoration Efforts
The city, local, state and federal agencies and environmental organizations have launched significant efforts to restore this stretch of the river, including:
• Debris Removal: Asheville GreenWorks, which we support through giving a portion of our proceeds to and volunteer groups are working tirelessly to clear fallen trees, metal, and other debris from the river and its banks.
• Bank Restoration: The structural integrity of the riverbanks has been compromised by severe erosion, and projects are underway to stabilize these areas and prevent further damage.
• Infrastructure Repair: Local businesses and organizations are collaborating on plans to rebuild and revitalize the RAD. Many of the galleries have reopened and are receiving visitors.
These initiatives are crucial to restoring the French Broad River’s health and ensuring its safety for future recreational use.
Our Response & Plans for 2026
At Zen Tubing, safety is always our top priority. Given the current conditions in the RAD section of the river, we have made the difficult decision to pause our tubing operations in the RAD area at 608 Riverside Drive for the 2025 season. We are actively monitoring cleanup and restoration progress and are optimistic about reopening in 2026.
In the meantime, our Flagship South location at 1648 Brevard Rd. will be open on May 16th and fully operational! This stretch of the river offers a safe and scenic tubing experience, allowing you to still enjoy floating on the French Broad!
Looking Ahead
The River Arts District has always been a hub of creativity, resilience, and community spirit. The ongoing recovery efforts reflect Asheville’s dedication to preserving this beloved area, and we are grateful to everyone contributing to its restoration.
We appreciate your patience and support during this time, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the RAD location in 2026. Until then, come float with us on a safe and beautiful stretch of the river at our Brevard Rd. location!
For updates on river conditions and our operations, follow us on social media.