Dan River: Section 4

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, check with the nearby Dan River Company. http://www.danrivercompany.com/

For more information, including maps, access, suggested route and hazards, check check out “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 Greensboro

Photo: LifeInMayberry.com

/—/

Rating: Class I, one II
Length: 8.5 miles
Drive: 1 hour 15 minutes from downtown Greensboro
Put-in: NC 704 (Hart access)
Latitude: 36.3087
Longitude: 80.1793
Take-out: Moore’s Springs Campground Access
Latitude: 36.2540
Longitude: 80.1730
Time to complete: 3.5-4 hours
Gauge: USGS Dan River near Francisco
Minimum flow: 125 cfs
City: Danbury
State: NC