Flowing through a quiet stretch of Eastern North Carolina, the Tar River from NC Route 96 to Route 1203 offers an experience that blends peaceful rural landscapes with pockets of lively whitewater adventure. This 6.3-mile segment winds underneath a solitary bridge and cuts through forested hills standing between 60 and 150 feet above the river, revealing rock-studded slopes and occasional cliffs that keep paddlers alert and engaged. The water narrows regularly, tightening into swift corridors between rocky banks which dare you to test your paddle skills.

Though the river runs a manageable width of about 50 feet or less, it spreads into several channels around wooded islands at times, introducing a playful complexity of currents and strainers. Strainers and submerged debris are constant companions on this run, demanding vigilance without overshadowing the enjoyment of the journey. Most of the whitewater excitement is concentrated below the Granville County 1622 (Cannady Mill Road) bridge, where rock gardens and ledges create a patchwork of Technical Class I through III rapids.

One of the defining features is the rapid known locally as 'Schoolbus.' Positioned roughly 3.7 miles downstream from the put-in, this narrow passage becomes a straightforward Class II at lower water levels, flowing between rocky walls with a steady push. When the river swells beyond five feet, it bursts into action with vigorous waves and holes that nudge the classification up to Class III, demanding respect and experience. This rapid has shifted subtly from past descriptions, shaped by floodwaters in recent years, reminding paddlers that nature’s blueprint is always in flux.

The remainder of the run transitions mostly to flat water, perfect for catching your breath while absorbing the quiet of the surrounding deciduous forest, alive with sounds of birds and the rustle of wildlife. At times when Little Fishing Creek feeds in with high volume, the river flow jumps noticeably, a variable not always reflected by the primary gauge. This means paddlers should consider these influences when planning their excursion.

This corridor sees steady use by local hunters during the fall, evidenced by tree stands lining the riverbanks. A splash of blaze orange is recommended during hunting season for safety’s sake. The area lacks immediate commercial services, so preparation is key: bring plenty of fuel and supplies before setting out.

Access for this run is straightforward but rural. The put-in lies at the Highway 96 bridge, while the take-out is marked by the Green Hill Road Bridge. The shuttle route between these points passes through quiet country roads: after launching, head south on NC Route 96, then follow a series of county roads featuring Cannady Mill Road and Gray Rock Road, crossing county lines until reaching the take-out at Franklin County 1203 (Greenhill Road). For paddlers wanting to skip the flatter initial miles, Cannady Mill Road also offers an alternate put-in that concentrates the whitewater portions.

Whether you’re testing technical lines in the rock gardens or enjoying the calm stretches beneath lofty forest hills, this segment of the Tar River delivers a whitewater run with a healthy dose of nature’s openness and challenge. Pack your essentials for safety and pace yourself through the shifting moods of the river, and you’ll find an engaging ride shaped by local character and the steady push of the currents.