Paddle Trails

Bear Creek Paddle Trail

Dover Road to Dan Road (Section 1)  Map

Distance: 1.8 miles

Rating: Class I and II Whitewater. Experience Required
This section can be paddled at levels of 1.5 ft or higher, as indicated by the Hwy 705 gauge.  This section contains up to Class II+ whitewater.  At good water levels, this is the best whitewater on Bear Creek.  The Dover Rd. put-in is on private property.  If using this put-in, please be respectful and ask permission if that’s possible.

Dan Road to Brown’s Mill Road (Section 2) Map

Distance: 1.9 miles

Rating: Class I and II Whitewater. Experience Required
This section starts with some easy Class I rapids and ends with approximately 1 mile of flatwater behind the Brown’s Mill Dam.   Approach all dams with caution.

Brown’s Mill Road to Highway 705 Access (Section 3)  Map

Distance: 5 miles

Rating: Class I and II Whitewater. Experience Required
This section can be paddled at levels of 1.5 ft or higher, as indicated by the Hwy 705 gauge. There are several rapids on this stretch in the first 2.5 miles. While paddling the long stretch of flatwater enjoy the scenery and look to your right to see Buzzard Rock, a prominent landmark on the Bear Creek Hiking Trail. At 3.9 miles you will need to portage a dam.  Take out at the concrete spillway 0.1 mile above the dam, portage down the road 0.1 miles and put in below the dam on the right. Continue downstream to the Hwy 705 Access. There is one last bit of whitewater, Gunworks Rapid.

Highway 705 Access to Reynold’s Mill Road Access (Section4 and 5) Map

Distance: 3.7 miles

Rating: Flatwater
1.8miles downstream is the old Carter’s Mill dam. Approach with caution at levels of 1 ft or more. Do not be tempted to run the washed out portion on the right. Portage the dam on the left. Approximately 0.25 miles below the dam are old rock and concrete foundations from a long ago washed out bridge. This is a great photo spot. Continue 2 miles to the Reynold’s Mill Rd. Access. There is a wooden dock just below the bridge on the left.

Cabin Creek Paddle Trail

Pine Grove Church Road Access to Spies Road Access (Section 1)  Map

Distance: 7 miles

Rating: Class I and II whitewater
This section can be paddled when the Hwy 705 gauge is above 1 foot.  Paddle upstream.  There was extensive gold mining in this area in the 1800s.

Spies Road Access to Bear Creek Highway 705 Access  (Section 2) Map

Distance: 2.3 miles

Rating: mostly flatwater except for the Class II Gunworks rapid on Bear Creek
This section includes a portage around a dam at about mile 1.2.  At the dam, Cabin Creek intersects with Bear Creek.  Portage the dam on the right .1 miles down the road and put in below the dam on the right on Bear Creek.  This is not a take-out point. Continue down Bear Creek thru Gunworks Rapid to the Hwy 705 Access on your left.

Deep River Paddle Trail

Deep River guide

Paddling Safety Tips

• Being safe on the water always starts with wearing your lifejacket (PFD).

• Never go boating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Avoid paddling alone. If you must, always leave a trip plan with someone.

• Know your skill level and avoid weather or water conditions that exceed your skill.

• Dress appropriately when paddling in cold weather. Hypothermia can be deadly.

• Constantly scan for potential hazards and changing weather conditions.

• Avoid having loose rope in or dangling from your boat. They can rapidly become entrapment hazards

• Designate a “sweep” boat to bring up the rear and make sure you don’t lose stragglers.

• Watch for down limbs and trees which are entrapment risks.

• Be extremely cautious when approaching dams. Do not be tempted to run any dam.

• Always be prepared for the unexpected flip.

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Bike Routes

Pottery Loop

For map, click here:

Parking available in the Fidelity Bank Parking Lot located on the corner of Middleton St. and Salisbury St. in Robbins.

Pottery Loop Directions:
West on Middleton St.
Straight at the light on North Moore Rd, Mile 0.2
Left on Reynold’s Mill Rd,  Mile 2.8
Turn right (Still on Reynold’s Mill Rd), Mile 4.3
Continue straight at intersection on Cedar Hill Rd,  Mile 6.0
Continue straight at intersection on Busbee Rd. Mile 8.8
Turn Right on HWY 705 (turn left on Hwy 705 for rest area), Mile 12.0
Left on Dover Church Rd., Mile 12.3
Left on Dan Rd., Mile 14.4
Right on Bascom Chapel Rd., Mile 16.8
Left on Spies Rd. Mile 18.0
Left on Talc Mine Rd., Mile 22.1

END AT STOP LIGHT
23.6 MILES

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Hiking Trails

Bear Creek Trail

The trail begins at the end of Water Plant Rd. in Robbins, and include a quarter mile loop along the banks of Bear Creek as well as an additional 4 mile loop.   A map is posted at the trail head.

Bear Creek Trail Map

For a map to the trailhead, click here: