A good stretch of Class I and II rapids just over a half mile in is followed by a Class III near the US 15/501 bridge. More Class Is and IIs follow.

Just before the midpoint, the Rocky flows into the Deep. On the right is the White Pines Nature Preserve, a Triangle Land Conservancy property so-named for the towering pines that grace its steep north-facing slopes. Note about 100 yards upstream of the confluence an old cable system river right: that’s how kids used to cross the Rocky to get to school. Ah, the good old days.

The remainder of the trip on the Deep, which becomes considerably wider after joining forces with the Rocky, includes more Class I and II rapids.

For a complete description of this stretch, including hazards, consult “Paddling Eastern North Carolina” (see below).

More info, including maps and access: “Paddling Eastern North Carolina,” Paul Ferguson (2007, Pocosin Press).

Getting there from downtown Raleigh

Photo: The Rocky meets the Deep
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Rating: Class I-II, III
Length: 8.6 miles
Drive: 25 minutes from downtown Raleigh
Put-in: Chatham Church Road
Latitude: 35.3741
Longitude: 79.1211
Take-out: Old US 1
Latitude: 35.3706
Longitude: 79.0559
Time to complete: 3 hours
Gauge: USGS Deep River at Moncure
Minimum flow: 200 cfs
City:
Moncure
State: NC