A good stretch of river for the new whitewater paddler. Much of the Class I action is the result of widely spaced gravel bars, according to Paul Ferguson in his “Paddling Eastern North Carolina.” Around the 5 1/2-mile mark you’ll find more Class I action and a Class II rapid in a rock island.
The take-out is a small creek, river right, that feeds into the Moore’s Springs Campground. Make a weekend expedition out of your paddle by spending the night, then exploring the adjoining Hanging Rock State Park. If you need to arrange a shuttle, or want to rent kayaks and/or go kayaking with a group, check with the nearby Dan River Company.
For more information, including maps, access, suggested route and hazards, check out “Paddling Eastern North Carolina” by Paul Ferguson, or check out the Piedmont Trails site here.
Basic Information:
Location: 3647 North Carolina 704 Hwy W, Lawsonville, NC 27022
Rating: Class I, II
Length: 8.5 miles
Put-in + GPS Coordinates: NC 704, Hart Access. Approx. GPS coordinates at 36.520731, -80.295136
Take-out + GPS Coordinates: Moore’s Springs Campground Access, Approx. GPS coordinates at 36.457459, --80.210289
Time to complete: 3-4 hours.
Gauge: USGS Dan River near Francisco
Minimum flow: 125 CFS