Route 1171 to NC Route 209 in Hot Springs

Spring creek cuts a deep gorge as it drops into Hot Springs. This run really starts off with some good drops. The major rapids begin a few yards from the put-in and when the creek is really running they are somewhat intimidating. The first mile consists of almost non-stop ledges and boulder gardens. Unfortunately these things can't keep up forever and Spring creek begins to slow after the first mile. By the end of the second mile, all of the big stuff is done and the creek consists of small ledges or rock gardens. There is one major exception. After Spring Creek emerges from the gorge and reaches NC 209 it has one final big drop. The most dangerous and largest rapid on the creek is less than a half mile above Hot Springs. The rapid drops over 10 feet into a monstrous rocky hole and then slams into a rock wall. Unless you are dead set on running this rapid it seems logical to take out above the final drop and skip the last urban section of Spring Creek. There are no real rapids so if you can get to off the river safely after the NC 209 intersection go ahead and do so. Otherwise paddle down into town and take out. Here are some correlations: The multiple numbers represent the level at the beginning and the end of the day. 4/6/13 Spring Creek 9 inches FB 8000-5000 Ivy 500 - 400 1/12/14 Spring Creek 12-13 inches FB 10,000 ->8000 Ivy 1000->500 2013-01-19 Spring Creek 18 inches FB 13,000 Ivy 1100 - 700