| Difficulty | II+(III) |
| Length | 4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 18 fpm |
| Gauge | Rocky R at Us 64 Near Siler City, Nc |
| Flow Rate as of 51 minutes | 2 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 5, 2026 |
This is a nice run to try when the Lower Haw is at flood. It is a bit harder than the Middle Haw and a bit easier than the Lower Haw. At good flow levels there is one class III ledge and bunch of class I to II+ rapids along this stretch. There are lots of small play features - bring the playboat if you have one.
Before starting, check out the run from the 15/501 bridge over the Rocky River. This bridge is about 7 miles south of Pittsboro. After crossing the bridge, turn into the drive on the left and park on the old road right of way that parallels 15/501. You can then use the bridge to take a look at the river. If you see a lot of rocks downstream from the bridge, it is probably too low. The class III ledge can be seen upstream from the 15/501 bridge in the distance. There is also a visual gauge on the river right downstream bridge support. There is a goat trail down to the river you can use to look at the visual gauge. A good minimum is probably -6 inches. The run is fun at 6 inches to 1 foot. At 2 feet, bank sweepers are common and the river washes into the trees in numerous places. There are lots of great play features at around 2.5 feet. Many of the small features probably start to wash out above 3 feet.
The put-in is where Chatham Church Road crosses the Rocky River. This is a one-lane dirt road with a steel trestle bridge, with decent pullouts on both sides. Access trail is river-left. The takeout is just before the Rocky River confluences with the Deep River, in TLC's White Pine Preserve. You have to hike about 10 minutes up a well-maintained trail to the parking lot.
From the put-in there is about 2/3 a mile of flatwater for a nice warm-up. You will see a small deck/dock on the left and then the river bends to the right. Just after the bend, class I rapids begin. It starts with some pretty mild ledges. There are some small waves to surf just to warm up a bit. After a few ledges, there is a larger rapid. This rapid is a 4-5 foot ledge. O
...Formerly referred to as the 'Big Ledge'. The left side is side surfable but will pound you around if you get lazy. It is pretty sticky above 2 feet on the paddler gauge and you need to try to work to river left in order to flush out, but beware of the logjam below. Any flipping will generally result in the rapid attempting to rip your paddle loose and banging your hands along the rocky bottom. Easier lines mid-channel and river right. There is a surf spot center-right at levels from -3' to 1.5'. Above 2 feet this is a fun wave, but it is hard to catch.
This surfing ledge is just below Knucklebuster and seems to just get better with higher flows. Decent eddy service on river-left.
Yet to be named. Good side surfing ledge.
This jumble of boulders creates multiple lines with personalities that change with flow ranges. At lower ranges, there's limited options and a slot. Medium flows create a counterclockwise weak whirlpool in the main rapid, which is fun to ride if you're expecting it. This washes out at higher flows but the water gets squirrelly and play gets interesting. There's one or two boof lines with at least one rock to cut your knuckle on (Cory T. 2015).