Stone's Creek offers a raw, concentrated dose of whitewater adrenaline right in the heart of North Carolina’s Triangle region. This short but fierce section runs from a small dam entry point to just above Pleasant Green Dam on the Eno River, presenting a steep, intense drop that challenges even experienced paddlers. Measuring only a tenth of a mile but commanding a staggering 200 feet per minute gradient, this rapid demands respect and precision.

Surrounding the rapids, the Eno River’s clean currents whisper excitement against the bedrock channel, its rocky floor carved sharply by time and water. The drop, locally nicknamed “Joe Deppe Falls” after a respected state park ranger and paddler, cuts through the creek with an uncompromising velocity that dares you to take it on. Some refer to the main chute as “420 Falls,” a nod to the informal culture that flares up nearby, but beyond that, the water speaks for itself—pushing forward with an unforgiving edge.

Paddlers approach the start by parking at the Pleasant Green access lot along Pleasant Green Road, then trekking a short, 100-yard trail beside a fence to reach the put-in below a small dam and under a bridge. Here, the water gathers just enough momentum to launch into a three-minute rush through turbulent waves and jagged ledges, navigating a bedrock channel scoured with sharp drops and hydraulics. The current pulls strong and fast, challenging boaters to stay alert and balanced before exiting on river right onto the calm waters of the Eno River, just before the Pleasant Green Dam.

Though brief, Stone's Creek packs a technical punch. The ledges and drops combine for roughly a 30-foot vertical plunge, with a final cascade that tests paddlers’ ability to read and react quickly. Expect exposed rock, swift currents, and a hydraulic below the put-in that requires caution. This run isn’t for the faint-hearted but rewards those prepared with a clean, powerful ride and a glimpse at the steepest drop in the region.

Conditions vary significantly with water levels; this rapid truly comes alive only after steady rain swells the Eno. When the water is right, the crested waves and sharp gradients offer a playground for advanced maneuvers and precision boat control. At lower flows, the rocks emerge plainly, making the route precarious and less runnable.

For those seeking a quick but exhilarating whitewater experience close to Durham, Stone’s Creek delivers. Keep your gear solid, your timing perfect, and be ready to shuttle quick—because at less than a tenth of a mile, this intense drop is perfect for a repeated run. Pack water, stay aware of hazards like the hydraulic near the put-in, and remember that quick hucks require sharp skills.

Planning your visit means timing your trip around weather and river reports, parking responsibly at Pleasant Green access, and approaching the run with a clear grasp of its physical demands. With its steep pitch and short length, Stone’s Creek offers an adrenaline jolt ideal for those looking to push their limits in a contained stretch of river that surges fiercely, then quiets fast, nestled within the larger flow of the Eno.