HomeWhitewaterSouth Fork Mills River

South Fork Mills River: Pink Beds to Turkey Creek Adventure

Southern Appalachians, North Carolina
whitewater
kayaking
pisgah-national-forest
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southern-appalachians
Difficulty: II-III(IV)
Length: 12.1 miles
Gradient:
Current Flow
233 CFS
Best Season
Year-round
Protected Area
Pisgah National Forest
Usage
Moderately used with periods of solitude, ideal for paddlers seeking quiet river time.

Overview

"The South Fork Mills River delivers a rewarding blend of technical whitewater and serene forest landscapes. From challenging class II-III rapids to the imposing High Falls, this 12-mile run in Pisgah National Forest invites paddlers looking for both thrills and wilderness solitude."

South Fork Mills River: Pink Beds to Turkey Creek Adventure

The South Fork of the Mills River offers a compelling blend of wilderness escape and invigorating whitewater, deeply rooted within the protective embrace of Pisgah National Forest. This 12-mile run threads through steep valley walls and dense forest, presenting paddlers with a classic western North Carolina river experience marked by clean, cool water and a variety of technical challenges.

Launching at the end of Forest Road 476, where the South Mills River Trail begins, paddlers enter a wild corridor where nature keeps a watchful eye. The river is quick to engage, presenting class II-III rapids in the opening miles that shake off any complacency—slides, occasional boof moves, and boulder gardens require steady attention and sharp maneuvering. The river’s current seems to dare paddlers forward, offering playful swirls and sudden shifts while trees occasionally clutter corners, demanding readiness for fast decisions.

Approaching High Falls, the water’s roar escalates, marking the edge of a roughly 15-foot waterfall classified as an extreme hazard. While some skilled paddlers have attempted this descent, it’s widely recommended to portage right via the established trail. Below High Falls, the river opens slightly but remains engaging. Here the whitewater mellows into mostly class II read-and-run segments sprinkled with the occasional class III slide and scattered boulder garden. Paddlers glide past key landmarks such as Otter Hole, a scenic spot accented by playful slides, and Copperas Rock, each feature carved into the landscape by persistent water and time.

The scenery here is more than background; the forest leans in, breathing life into every bend. Bird calls punctuate the current’s chatter, and sunlight filters through evergreen and hardwood canopies, dappling the water’s surface in shifting patterns. The South Mills doesn’t dominate its surroundings but dances within them—offering both a playground and a challenge.

Pulling out at Turkey Pen Gap requires advanced planning due to its remote nature. The parking area sits at the end of Turkey Pen Road, accessible only by high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles in most conditions. From here, a short downhill trail winds to the river take out just beyond the Turkey Pen bridge. The landscape demands respect; several visually similar bridges along the route can confuse paddlers unfamiliar with the exit point, so scouting and landmark noting are essential.

Accessing the put-in means navigating forest roads through Pisgah National Forest, passing notable points like the Cradle of Forestry. Paddlers should be prepared for a possible 1-mile portage if gate closures prevent driving the final stretch of Forest Road 476. The trail leading from the end of the road delivers you to the river’s edge where your journey begins.

This river run slows time but demands attention—paddlers often spend 3 to 4 hours on the water. The river invites thoughtful preparation: bring a detailed paper map, dress for variable conditions, and prepare for swift current crossings if exiting on foot. The South Fork Mills River is a wilderness experience that balances calm beauty and technical whitewater, rewarding those ready to embrace its challenges with pristine water and deep forest solitude.

Paddlers eager to explore beyond the main section may consider Thompson Creek, a tributary with steeper slides but frequent portages unsuitable for continuous running. Overall, the South Mills River remains a destination for those seeking a quiet, engaging paddle through one of North Carolina’s most protected forests.

Paddler Safety

Always scout hazards before running, especially High Falls and areas with fallen trees. Carry a map and remember that exit points are scarce; crossing the river on foot can be dangerous due to swift currents.

River Sections

Upper South Mills

II-III(IV)
StartPut-in at Forest Road 476 trail end
EndHigh Falls
Length2.5 miles

The first segment offers compact whitewater with slides, boof moves, and boulder gardens. Fallen logs hidden around blind corners make vigilance a must. Rapids here shift quickly and ask paddlers to maintain constant awareness.

Note: High Falls is a standout challenge; portage recommended. Do not attempt the waterfall without thorough scouting.

Lower South Mills

II-III
StartHigh Falls
EndTurkey Pen Take Out
Length9.6 miles

Below High Falls the whitewater mellows but remains lively. Mostly class II slides and boulder gardens offer scenic paddling punctuated by a few class III rapids depending on water level. The river passes notable points including Otter Hole and Copperas Rock before reaching the take out.

Note: Easier paddling allows for enjoying the forest’s ambiance but maintain focus on scattered hazards.

Paddler Tips

Scout High Falls Carefully

Never attempt to run the waterfall without thorough scouting and confidence. The recommended approach is to portage via the river right trail.

Prepare for Limited Exit Options

The river trail crosses often and currents are strong, so have a detailed map and plan your take out ahead of time.

Bring a Durable Shuttle Vehicle

Turkey Pen Road access usually requires high-clearance 4WD; check road conditions before heading out.

Expect Logs and Strainers

Obstacles appear suddenly on this river; stay alert and be ready to eddy out or portage as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Current Conditions

Current Flow
233 CFS
Status:Current flow is below recommended levels for the South Fork Mills River
Last updated: 2019-05-08

Recommended Gear

High

Whitewater Helmet

Protects against impacts from unexpected log jams and boulder collisions prevalent throughout the run.

Season: All

Medium

Drytop or Spray Jacket

Keeps paddlers warm and dry in the typically cool Pisgah climate, especially useful during spring paddling when water temperatures can be low.

Season: Spring, Fall

High

Throw Bag

Safety essential for self-rescue or assisting others in sections with swift currents or around High Falls.

Season: All

Medium

River Shoes with Good Traction

Needed for secure footing on slippery rocks during portages and when hiking to the put-in or take-out points.

Season: All

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