Corbin Creek

Corbin Creek is a small stream that flows northwest off of Tray Mountain before converging with the Upper Hiawassee. This is quintessential micro-creeking. At the put-in, the amount of water would not seem adequate to float a boat. However after rounding a couple of bends and dodging numerous trees, the creekbed soon becomes solid bedrock which allows one to slip and slide down the mountain 500 vertical feet in the first two miles. The rapids are one bedrock slide after another, interspersed with four abrupt drops. Be prepared to deal with a substantial amount of rhododendron and fallen wood. The first falls is soon after the put-in so keep an eye out, it is a large double drop that is choked with logs. This falls, if cleared of wood, could be a runnable class V. Portage on the right. Tentatively calling it the Hair of the Dog (ask John Mcrae why someday). Continue ducking and dodging the overhanging rhododendron and keep an eye out for the next three cascades as you run multiple class III/IV drops and slides. The 2nd (or 3rd, I can't recall) falls has a large log jam at the top. Portage left or right. If cleared of wood, this could be a fun double drop, perhaps class IV+. The 2nd or 3rd falls is a 10-15 foot drop that lands on rock and has a tricky approach. Maybe runnable, could hurt. We portaged on the right on a slippery cliff that made me nervous, perhaps portage on the left instead. The last falls, tentatively called Squeeze Play, is runnable but tight. We portaged on the right. After two miles the gradient eases up significantly and there are some pesky shallow shoals to negotiate. Don't worry, more water is joining up soon. Just before the confluence with Brier Creek, there is a cable across the river with signs declaring 'No fishing, No hunting, No trespassing;' now the fun begins. You are in a fishing and hunting camp. Paddle through quickly and quietly and if you see anybody, be as friendly and understanding as possible. Soon the creek meets up with th

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