Green River in North Carolina

by  yatipope

A self-supported trip created by yatipope

Trip Overview

The lower Green River in south central NC is a dam release type river that is very popular. Actually I am surprised it has been neglected this long as a trip report here on p.net.

I ran it with one turbine releasing from the Duke Power dam upstream. The water takes about 4 hours to reach the put-in at the bottom of Green River Cove rd. With only one turbine running, it is runnable but boney shallow class 2 whitewater. It hardly ever gets over two or three feet deep and there are several pretty tight slot drops that can be kinda tricky.

It is about a 6-mile paddle to the take-out which is a roadside access just before Green River Cove Rd leaves the riverside. With two turbines running, the river is less technical but has bigger waves.

It's a fun little run with good scenery but does have homes along much of the run.

Accommodations:

No real services along the river so get what you need in the little town of Saluda BEFORE you make the epic descent down Green River Cove Rd.

Fees:

None

Directions:

Take the Saluda exit from I-26 just a few miles north of the South Carolina border and go north but immediately take a left on Green River Cove Rd to begin the epic descent down the 17 switchbacks. As you finally reach the bottom you will see the very apparent put-in on the left. The take-out is about 6 miles further down the same road again on the left.

Resources:

DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer

Trip Details

  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location