For the put in, drop your boats off at the end of Dr. MLK Jr. Dr. and then drive back down the street to park in the Food Lion Parking lot. You can access the creek a little less than 100 yards downhill from the end of the street. The county is working on a greenway access in the area at some point, so there may be a better option to put in in the future. There is no USGS gage to know if this is running, but first check
lake levels. If the lake is around 216-220 ft and you see no rocks upstream at Hanks Chapel Rd, it is running. If lake levels are high, you will need to scope out upstream a bit from Hanks Chapel Rd. to inspect. Do not put on if you see rocks upstream, because it will not be any fun. Two inches of rain in the drainage area should be good if you're planning ahead and
Tick Creek, although not very close would be a somewhat good indicator if it is spiking at I'm guessing 300 cfs or more.
Robeson Creek is an ideal run for the adventurous paddler who is not yet ready to take on a high-water Haw or other local river when heavy rain has hit the area. The rapids are straightforward, never reaching beyond class II but this would still be enjoyable for intermediate level paddlers since some maneuvering is required and good play waves can be found throughout the run. One does need to vigilant and prepared to portage in a few places making this maybe not the best place to paddle for a total beginner. The first one comes at approximately one mile in at an old mill dam. Portage river left and carry through a break in the wall to put on below. There is some surfing to be had in the outflow of the dam, which has the most powerful current of the whole run. It will be largely flat for the next couple of miles with the occasional rapid and some surfing waves.
At 3.6 miles in, you will reach an island where the creek curves hard right following a gradual bend left past the island with most of the flow going to the left channel. Go left to follow the flow and this will be the start of the mostly continuous rapids till the end (about 2 miles). Be very cautious of wood throughout, but especially once rapids begin since this is where most strainers were seen on our trips. There is some parking at a pull off at Hanks Chapel Rd bridge, but most will probably want to park at the lake boat ramp lot, which is just past the bridge and will avoid any mud before loading back up. Also, be aware of private property along the entire run. Portaging will be necessary due to the likelihood of strainers but be respectful and keep a low profile. If all of the logistical challenges sound discouraging, just know that the run is still worth it and comparable in fun/frustration to other small rivers and creeks in the area.