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

Chief

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
Chief
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

This rapid's quality is directly proportional to flow. In other words, if the level is low, you'll be bouncing off some rocks. Many will opt to begin walking gorilla from this point by eddying left after Zwicks. Be cautious of pin hazards in every line.

I like to think of this rapid as four doors. From left to right:

Door 1 lands on a rock. Potential for a run exists at high water, but we're talking marginally scary flows.

Door 2 will be a bad option for normal flows as well.

Door 3 can be run at medium flows and higher, generally with a right to left drive. You might be able to boat scout, but I suggest looking before leaping.

Door 4 (far right bank) is an option at any flow, just look for a small piton in the first ledge at low flows. Turn left after the first small ledge.

Below Chief, there is another small rapid before gorilla. If the flow is high, you may not be able to effectively eddy left before gorilla after this drop. Exercise your own judgement here.

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