Spring Creek,

Route 1171 to NC Route 209 in Hot Springs

Usual Difficulty	III-IV(V) (may vary with level)
Length	7 Miles
Avg. Gradient	80 fpm
Max Gradient	100 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
IVY RIVER NEAR MARSHALL, NC
usgs-03453000	200 - 2000 cfs	III-IV(V)	05h49m	117 cfs (rc= -0.0 )

River Description

Spring creek cuts a deep gorge as it drops into Hot Springs. This run really starts off with some good drops. The major rapids begin a few yards from the put-in and when the creek is rally running they are somewhat intimidating. The first mile consists of almost non-stop ledges and boulder gardens. Unfortunately these things can?t keep up forever and Spring creek begins to slow after the first mile. By the end of the second mile, all of the big stuff is done and the creek consists of small ledges or rock gardens. There is one major exception. After Spring Creek emerges from the gorge and reaches NC 209 it has one final big drop. The most dangerous and largest rapid on the creek is less than a half mile above Hot Springs. The rapid drops over 10 feet into a monstrous rocky hole and then slams into a rock wall. Unless you are dead set on running this rapid it seems logical to take out above the final drop and skip the last urban section of Spring Creek. There are no real rapids so if you can get to off the river safely after the NC 209 intersection go ahead and do so. Otherwise paddle down into town and take out.