The Rocky Broad River’s lower stretch offers a demanding paddle that commands respect and preparation. This section, spanning just under three miles, once challenged paddlers with a Class IV to V boulder garden rapid sequence that erupted with raw river energy. However, the story here has recently shifted — dramatically altered by the destructive force of Hurricane Helene in late 2024. The hurricane reshaped the river’s entire valley, washing away roads, homes, and the rapids themselves, leaving behind a landscape both unrecognizable and in flux.

For paddlers eyeing the Rocky Broad, this stretch currently holds a tentative place in the adventure lineup. Reconstruction projects and river restoration efforts are underway, with the North Carolina Department of Transportation actively rebuilding access roads through 2027 and preparing to restore sections of the riverbed with input from the Army Corps of Engineers. Until these efforts stabilize the corridor, the rocky muscle and technical complexity that once defined this run are muted or erased, making current paddling attempts ill-advised and risky.

Before the upheaval, this segment challenged with a rapid succession that tested paddlers’ precision and strength. Apple Orchard Slide, once known for its teasing rooster tail effect, signaled early technical choices. The Banana Hammock required a clean line left to avoid punishing sieves on the right. Further along, a series of unnamed or sparsely described rapids demanded sharp focus — culminating in Walker Falls, a fearsome Class V+ feature infamous for its sieve hazards and history of serious incidents, requiring a mandatory portage on river right. The river pushed paddlers with relentless gradient, averaging 132 feet per minute over a 2.8-mile corridor, keeping adrenaline sharp and eyes locked on the constantly shifting bedrock and channel.

Access points anchored the trip. The put-in lies along Route 64/74, setting the stage for immediate engagement with the river’s pulse. The takeout at Chimney Rock Village River Park offers a convenient and scenic landing into town, where paddlers can transition from wild water to riverside amenities in moments.

Until the restoration is complete, the Rocky Broad lower section stands as a lesson in nature’s power and the delicate balance of river stewardship. Adventurers planning to paddle here should stay updated on flow gauges — the Broad River at Highway 9 near Chimney Rock is the official readout, though recent flow data suggests conditions remain unreliable. Safety, access, and respect for the ongoing environmental and infrastructure recovery are paramount.

This section’s future remains uncharted, as hydrology and engineering efforts will rewrite the water’s contours and hazards. For now, the Rocky Broad teaches humility and patience; a river shaped by both its wild spirit and the scars left by forces greater than man. Paddlers can watch this space and prepare for a return someday to a river that will demand every ounce of skill it once did, under a new guise shaped by nature and necessity alike.