Big Laurel Creek

submitted by Adam Swett

I really like Big Laurel creek. It is one of my favorite runs in the area as the put-in is only an hour from my house and many paddlers I know also enjoy it. My guess is that this creek is class III IV but in the top section at Stairstep rapid there is a bad, dangerous sieve, so please go with paddlers who know it well and always watch out for wood!

So far I have run Big Laurel below zero and above a foot, but people run it higher. I’d like to run it at 2 feet but I have seen it flash from 3 inches to 3 feet in an hour, so paddlers really have to use caution when putting on. One thing that’s nice about Big Laurel is that there is a trail on river left from top to bottom in case anything goes wrong.

I really like taking the Nirvana down Big Laurel but I think I’m ready to half slice it in my Antix. The Nirvana provides stability, speed, safety, and huge boofs! It’s really fun to run Frank Bells and Kayaker’s Ledge out on the French Broad, but use caution as both can be tricky at low and high water.

The trail I mentioned earlier is also a great hike if the family wants to join you for the day. It’s relatively flat and the scenery is spectacular! Your take out will be in Hot Springs which is a super fun place to hang out after your paddle. There are several great restaurants, a brewery, a very cool vibe. My wife Sarah, our dogs and I spend a lot of time there. We love the French Broad, Big Laurel Creek, and Hot Springs any day of the week. See you out there!