The Global Paddling Community

Play-Creek: Western North Carolina, Green River Narrows

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What's it like

Bride of Frankenstein is a small cartwheel hole at the beginning of the Green River Narrows (class IV). It has a rock slab on hole right that makes cartwheeling down the line very easy. Smaller boats are ideal, but know that if you continue down you should be very comfortable in it for steep creeks. The creek on the whole drops over 500 feet per mile, with the middle mile (the monster mile) drops 600 feet.

The most famous rapids on the creek are Gorilla and Sunshine, both rated class 5.3 by American Whitewater. Further down past Sunshine is a nice river wide ledge drop called Lunchstop that is perfect for wavewheels, and there are lots of splat places, and other cartwheels. Some people are doing moves off of Gorilla, which is a 25 foot drop, and only 4 feet wide. This river is quickly becoming known more for its playspots than just being a steep creek, and people are taking playboats instead of creekers. For your first trip, it is a good idea to be with people that have done it before, and in a boat that you are very comfortable in. Be honest with your skill level.

How to get there

From Asheville North Carolina: Take Interstate 26 east to exit 22 "Upward Road". Turn to the left and cross back over the highway. Go for a mile or so, until you see a church on your right. After the church, look for "Big Hungry Road", turn right on this road. Follow this road, veering always to the left at any curves. When you reach Gallimore Road on your right, turn there. Go to the end and drop your boats off.

This area has serious access issues, do not park there because it upsets the landowners and she will tow your car. Drive it back up the hill to Big Hungry and park on the side of the road. Jog back down. The put in is on the left of Gallimore Road past the Forest Service gate. Follow the path down the hill about 10 minutes to the river. Bride of Frankenstein is the first significant rapid after a touch of warm up. If there has been a good amount of rain, you can run Big Hungry Creek into the Narrows. The put in for this is on the left of Gallimore, but before the creek. (the put in for the narrows is past the creek). Walk down to the river and paddle the creek about a half a mile and it will empty into the Green River right at the put it.

After Bride of Frankenstein here is the list of rapid names: Frankenstein, Pincushion, Whale Tale, Boof or Consequences, Squeeze AKA Go Left, Zwicks Backender, Chief, Pencil Sharpener, the Notch, Gorilla, Problem Child, Nieces Pieces, Power Slide, Rapid Transit, Nutcracker, Groove Tube, Sunshine (then a large un-named section) then Lunch Stop, another large un named section, then Toilet Bowl, and Hammer Factor. After Hammer Factor there is a small drop on the right locally called LFY (Little F* You) and the take out is down on the right.

Directions for the take out: From the put in, return to Interstate 26 east to exit 28 "Saluda". Go to the bottom of the exit ramp and turn to the left. Cross back under the highway and continue on. On the left after the highway turn onto Green River Cove Road. This is long and narrow, it winds back and forth down the gorge. At the end of the switchbacks there will be a small bridge, and you know you are close to the take out. (also the put in for the class I-II section) On the left there will be a large sign saying "Fishtop Access Point". Park and the river will be on your right.

More info

Leland Davis

Locals

Team Whitewater Destinations, Team Perception, lots of locals from Asheville, Brevard, Clemson and Boone.

Events

There is a race on the Green River Narrows in November or December.

Info sources

Perri Rothemich