Upper Bear Creek slices through Dekalb County as a raw, demanding river that rewards paddlers willing to negotiate its rugged character and sharp drops. This 4-mile excursion, from County Road 78 to Canyon Rim Road, offers a pulse-pounding ride for intermediate to advanced kayakers and paddlers prepared for frequent portages and technical challenges. With an average gradient of 72 feet per mile, the creek moves swiftly, pushing water through steep slides and vertical drops that keep you alert from start to finish.

The journey begins near a modest bridge at CR 78, where a private landowner’s attentive watch reminds visitors to tread lightly—parking is best handled discreetly nearby at a local auto body shop upon permission. From there, the creek calls you forward with a medium-sized slide that tests your balance and boat control amid tangled tree limbs lurking near the bottom. Expect to portage carefully around fallen timber that blocks much of the channel throughout the run—preparation for these carries is key to maintaining momentum and flow.

Shortly after, a larger slide awaits, tied together with a striking hazard—a thin cable stretched across the river’s base—demanding sharp awareness and precise navigation. Then comes Fox Falls, a twisting, high-speed slide dropping into a pool where the current dares you deeper downstream. This section climbs into Class IV territory, escalating toward a dramatic finale at the largest drop on the run: a 25- to 30-foot waterfall plunging at a near-70-degree angle. The roar and spray here announce a whitewater climax that tests skill and composure alike.

Beyond this thunderous drop, the river narrows into a half-mile gorge packed with fast-moving boogie water punctuated by a couple of near-Class IV rapids. Bridges arc overhead, marking the transition toward the take-out at Canyon Rim Road, where paddlers can breathe easy after negotiating a demanding corridor of Appalachian creek running taut with challenging features and natural obstacles.

Many sections require scouting and occasional portaging around debris, demanding patience and respect for this waterway’s wild nature and the private lands it threads through. In fact, the local landowners hold mixed feelings toward paddlers, emphasizing a low profile and polite engagement if you plan to visit. This attitude shapes the etiquette here and should guide your planning, especially regarding vehicle shuttles and parking.

In terms of flow, the creek favors moderate levels; flows below 15 cubic feet per second (CFS) push the limits of runnable water, making several rapids technical and potentially hazardous. At ideal flows, the river balances thrilling drops with manageable currents, though the persistent presence of logs and narrow channels demand constant vigilance.

Upper Bear Creek is often a hidden gem reserved for those seeking a raw, technical creek run when higher rivers flood out or more popular nearby paddle spots crowd. Its proximity to nearby Bear Creek and Johnnies Creek opens options for extended runs when water conditions align. If you’re after tight, punchy whitewater in a rugged wooded setting, Upper Bear’s broken gradient and intense drops deliver an experience both demanding and rewarding.

Bring reliable whitewater gear, a spirit ready for rugged, inconsistent conditions, and expect a day filled with physical effort, strategic portages, and adrenaline-charged descents. Novice paddlers should approach with caution or seek guided trips given the complexity and hazards. For skilled boaters, this creek offers a compelling challenge to hone technique, synchronize with the river’s pulse, and enjoy a lesser-traveled creek where the landscape pushes back with every rapid.