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

Pinball

French Broad - 9. Barnard to Hot Springs (NC)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
French Broad River at Marshall, NC Upstream Primary
Runnable: 700.0 – 7,000.0 CFS

1200 is a reasonable minimum for the section from Stackhouse to Hot springs

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

After the pool below ledges the river is split by a large beautiful island - a perfect camping spot. The rapid on the left is Pinball. Apparently named for the technique used by some rafts to get down this side. Most boaters will start about 15-20 ft off the left bank and follow the flow until they come to Decision Rock. Unless the river is very low, you won't actually see Decision rock but it forms and obvious sizeable pillow about 2/3 of the way down the rapid. At levels below 3,000 cfs, your decision should be to go to the right of the rock as the left side has sieves. Above 3,000 the left side is covered. The photo show a boater passing Decison rock at 1850 cfs. Skilled boater can catch several eddies on the way down Pinball. The last one on the right sets you up for a nice little chute between a couple boulders. 

Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class III
Mile Marker
3.2 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
9. Barnard to Hot Springs
French Broad
III-IV 8.2 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater