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

Gorilla

Green - 2. Big Hungry Creek to Fishtop Access (NC)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Mud Creek at Secondary Road 1503 near Balfour, NC Upstream Primary
Runnable: ? – ? CFS

Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Gorilla
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

Once a rapid coveted by many aspiring SE gnar-boaters, this classic sequence has changed its tune. With a shed-sized boulder parked firmly on the Notch, one must navigate left or right of it, making tight turns to follow the water and avoid crash hazards.

If you're considering running this sequence, you probably aren't relying on this beta page. It's an easy walk on the left and an easy scout on the right.

The common low flow line is to start left of the large rock, making a hairpin right turn behind it. Sliding down the shelf, boof into the river right eddy. When exiting the eddy, drive hard to try and avoid the right wall, where a tricky pillow starts to form as the level creeps up. A precisely-timed turn back right will send you out onto the right shelf (deemed the Christopher Columbus line). Point back left to cross "the crack", a broken rock shelf in the landing. Don't get too greedy with a boof, as the landing is 99% rock and a flat landing could translate to some back pain.

Some have run the drop right of the large boulder, though it is tricky to avoid the right wall's pillow this way.

As more folks start stepping up for this one, we'll see more creative lines. Just ask the locals about the "Dragon Line"...

Location
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class V+
Mile Marker
1.1 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
2. Big Hungry Creek to Fishtop Access
Green
IV-V(V+) 3.0 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater