Big Laurel Creek

Made possible by

Photos

Image for Big Laurel Creek
Image for Big Laurel Creek

About

Summary

Big Laurel Creek is typically a nice intro into creeking with relatively soft and forgiving runs; however, after a good rain, more holes start to appear and this creek can become a lot more technical.

Recommended by

Written by

Dan Morris

Destination Distance From Downtown

26.2 miles

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

3

Time To Complete

3 Hours

Seasonality

Spring-Fall

Dog Friendly

No

Fees Permits

None

Land Website

Link to Website

Review

Big Laurel Creek is a great intro to creeking, offering a fairly narrow run with lines that are very soft and forgiving. Big Laurel offers reasonably continuous Class II & III rapids over a 3.7-mile run; however, there are still plenty of times in-between when you can regroup or take a beverage break. 
The put-in for Big Laurel is in Hurricane, NC and the take-out is at the bridge in Hot Springs on the French Broad River (second half of Section 9). 
Big Laurel is a natural flow river and requires a fair amount of rain; it is runnable from 6" up to +2.5' however the bigger it gets the more holes start to appear and more technical it becomes. A very forgiving trail follows the entirety of the river which allows easy scouting from the shore or a trail hike for the shuttle-bunny.
If you're looking for an intermediate paddle through some beautiful Western Carolina wilderness, the Big Laurel Creek is the perfect option. And the Iron Horse Restaurant and Tavern is a great place to grab a burger & beer after a day on the water. 

Similar Local White Water Paddling Spots

See all

French Broad River Paddling

Nantahala River White Water Paddling

Nolichucky Gorge

Big Creek - White Water Paddling

More Asheville Activities

View Asheville

More Big Laurel Creek Activities

Asheville Recommendations

White Water Paddling

South Fork of Mills River
White Water Paddling

Big Laurel Creek
White Water Paddling

Green River
White Water Paddling

Nolichucky Gorge

Local Asheville Stories

Location

Big Laurel Creek

US-25 N/US-70 W
Hot Springs, NC, 28754
35.91207, -82.756362

Get Directions