I first made plans to do this run 6 years ago. However due to a swim, hypothermia and subsequent loss of my boat I was unable to finish my plans of doing the Upper and Middle sections that day in 2004. It is crazy that so many years have gone by. Anyways, this is a fun little run. Some friends of mine from Weaverville have run this run several times while developing into class III-IV boaters. So then this past Memorial day, as we were looking for things to run the obvious option was to return to the Upper New (with my friends who were now more than class III-IV boaters) to complete the run that I failed on all those years ago. Anyways, the run was a complete success this time. Good thing, I would have been scarred for life if bad things happened again on this run… or least I would probably never return to the New River.
This run has some spectacular scenery along with a few good rapids. The first section of the run is class II to III- but eventually leads to a long section of class III- to III+ drops whose length and continuousness give a class IV feel. I think this section of river could take a whole lot of water. I think class III-IV boaters looking to experience a new river with spectacular scenery will really enjoy this run in addition to those looking to extend their day on the Upper Run.
Mi 1.8:
- The rapids get noticeable steeper but still maintain class II to III- nature.
Blind (III-). A blind rockpile has several options, all channels go, just be aware that there is a rock in the middle just downstream of the drop.
Trees (III-). Not at all a hard rapid but plenty of down trees to avoid. Be aware that these trees could move or close out from year to year.
- Long One (III+ to IV-). The most serious rapid on the run will approach on a left turn. It starts with just a fun wave train and then splits around several rocks, we went right and boofed a fun hole. After that we just continued dodging rocks down the right.
Trees 2 (III-). Down the left moving back to the right. Behind the large rock in the river are several trees creating a hazard that is in play if you are too out of control.
Take-out is not far below.
Take-out: From highway 299, in Hawkins Bar take the turn over the Trinity towards Denny. Follow this some 15 miles, at the summit make sure you stay right. not far past the first meadow with houses you will see a dirt road leading sharply back on the right. This leads a few hundred yards down to the take-out.
Put-in: Continuing up to Denny, drive through the town proper. Just on the far side you will see a dirt clearing on your right. This is the put-in (so I have been told).