Stretching over 4.1 miles, the Blackburn Fork’s Warrior section offers a compelling introduction to intermediate creeking with an intriguing challenge: Pall Mall Falls. Just below Inland Lake, the river dares paddlers to confront a horizon line drop that demands sharp focus and respect for its forceful currents. Starting from the House Road put-in, paddlers navigate a series of class II to III rapids before reaching the imposing class V Pall Mall Falls, a rapid marked by technical precision and natural complexity.

Pall Mall Falls unfolds in stages. The entrance drop presents options on both river left and right, inviting a strategic line choice. A swift 10-yard current leads to the crux, where most of the water escapes left through a treacherous sieve, while the right line inclines toward a four-foot descent into a turbulent, boil-filled slot. The rapid finishes with a decisive left-flared boof into a deep pool that seems to swallow the noise of the rushing water, granting a moment of calm before the next challenge.

Portaging Pall Mall Falls is practical and advisable for many, though it requires courteous navigation through private property. The homeowners around the put-in are known to be boater-friendly; treat the area with respect to ensure continued access. Those opting to run the falls benefit from scouting above, as the horizon line approaches quickly and demands attention.

Below Pall Mall, the river continues with seven or eight drop-pool rapids flowing at class II and III level, reminiscent of Town Creek below High Falls. These rapids offer plenty of opportunities to practice boat control, make confident boofs, and enjoy playful current lines. However, caution is necessary around the second drop below Pall Mall, where a hidden sieve guards a slot cluttered with logs and sticks, an unforgiving trap for swimmers and an obstacle best avoided with vigilance.

Monitoring flow conditions is key for a safe and fun run on this section. The connection between inflows from Inland Lake and the Blackburn Fork’s gauge allows paddlers to estimate runnable conditions accurately. When Inland Lake spills and maintains an elevation above 784.25 feet, the correlation suggests that flow rates near 150 cfs or higher signal a runnable river. Experience shows that lower flows push the limits of safety and maneuverability, while high water brings a dynamic, fast-paced environment that may require advanced skills.

Access roads lead to the put-in just off Highway 15 near the Little Warrior Bridge, and a well-known take-out is available at C.R. 15 near Deavers Town Road. Paddlers should prepare for a moderately steep exit with caution due to a mix of small rocks and occasional barbed wire near the stairs beneath the take-out bridge, especially in lower water conditions.

The Blackburn Fork Warrior section blends a sense of wild adventure with straightforward logistics. It's an ideal route for paddlers seeking to enhance their creeking skills amid the southern Appalachian environment. Whether scouting Pall Mall Falls or navigating its downstream rapids, the river pushes forward with steady current and natural obstacles that reward respect and readiness.

Hydration, footwear that grips wet and uneven surfaces, and timing runs when flows are within recommended ranges all contribute to a safe, exhilarating day on the water. The river’s voice—the roar of drops, the chatter of rocks, the whisper of surrounding trees—creates a living landscape that invites you to engage fully, paddle ready and eyes alert.