River Arts District: 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
River Arts District Operations Update
At this time, Zen Tubing is not operating in the River Arts District (RAD) section of the French Broad River.
The RAD corridor is currently experiencing active river obstructions and infrastructure work. The Metropolitan District is rebuilding in that area, with two separate sections of the river temporarily obstructed. In addition, construction related to the I-26 Connector project is taking place over the river in the same stretch. Ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene have also contributed to our decision to pause operations there.
Importantly, the River Arts District is downstream from our South Asheville location on Brevard Road and does not impact our South operation.
South Asheville Location
Our South location remains open and operating as normal. This section of river is clean, scenic, and flowing beautifully. Guests can expect the same relaxing float experience they’ve come to enjoy.
We will continue to monitor progress in the River Arts District and will provide updates as conditions allow for future operations there.
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 this season. We are actively monitoring cleanup and restoration progress and are optimistic about reopening in the future.
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 the future. 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.