Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Rapid NC Class III+

Stairstep Rapid

Big Laurel Creek - Hurricane to Hot Springs (NC)

Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 250.0 – 2,000.0 CFS

Upper limit for best boatability uncertain. Please help your fellow boaters with a comment or report.

Photo
Stairstep Rapid
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

Stairstep is the 1st horizon line after Pinball. The first 3 steps are not large, but by the 4th one you need to be lined up properly to run the big drop into the hole (not a keeper). This is followed by a succession of fairly large breaking waves. Stairstep gets harder with higher water levels; above a foot it is fairly beefy.  Next to the 1st step there is a large boulder in the center of the river (boaters will pass to the right of it) with a fairly large eddy behind it. A lot of boaters catch this eddy. You can do so but be aware that there is a sieve at the lower end of that eddy that a few people have been sucked into. Fortunately all flushed out until December 2019.  On Dec 15 April Morton was swept into the sieve, which also had a log in it. The members of her group responded quickly but were not able to extract her in time. 

Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class III+
Mile Marker
1.0 mi
Directions
View Full Run
Hurricane to Hot Springs
Big Laurel Creek
III-IV 3.7 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater