DEEP River
The Deep River is a fantastic destination for paddlers seeking an immersive outdoor experience. It offers a diverse range of paddling opportunities beginning in the Piedmont region until its convergence with the Haw River. Paddlers can enjoy a mix of calm waters, exciting rapids, and beautiful scenery along the river’s course. The Deep River is renowned for its abundant wildlife, with opportunities to spot various bird species, fish, and even river otters. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or a multi-day expedition, the Deep River provides an idyllic setting for paddlers of all skill levels to connect with nature and explore the stunning landscapes of Piedmont North Carolina. The Deep River is a North Carolina State Trail with land and water accesses along its 125-mile length from Jamestown to Moncure. More is coming to the Deep River during its 5-year plan to make progress on land and water accesses.
DEEP RIVER TRIP IDEAS
These paddles are great for the whole family. These segments are also great if you are new to paddling and looking to get a taste of the paddling world! These segments will be under 2 hours and will have few if any rapids, no dam portages, and are generally calmer areas to paddle in a canoe, or flat water kayak. When its possible, we pick accesses that have bathrooms and formal river accesses. Want to learn more about paddling with the family? REI has an amazing guide.
These segments will have a great payoff for the hard work you put into paddling. These routes will range from beginner to intermediate depending on rapids and length. Always bring extra water, snacks, and safety supplies. Check out the homepage for a packing list and safety information. Don’t forget to tag @Piedmontlegacytrails or #Piedmontlegacytrails in your pictures!
These are the sections for you! These segments will cover our Advanced level of paddling with class 2+ rapids. These sections will typically require gear like whitewater kayaks, sprayskirts, helmets, and skills like the ability to wet exit your boat. If you are paddling in advanced rapids, consider taking a swift water rescue course at the White Water Center or Landmark Learning or Cape Fear River Adventures.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
11) HWY 421 Bridge- Kayak Launch to Deep River Park
Put in: 421 Bridge – 9800 Boone Trail Rd, Sanford NC 27330
Take out: Deep River Park / Camelback Bridge Landing- 3485 R Jordan Rd, Sanford, NC 27330
This may be the easiest float to do. The put-in and take-out points are easy, and the entire trip takes about an hour and a half to float. This is a beautiful float with lots of scenery, including paddling under two very old train bridges. The 421 Kayak Launch features a kayak slide for your boat as you walk down the steps. The take out at Deep River Park / Camelbak Bridge is a concrete ramp on river left.
- Miles: 2.6
- Hours to Paddle: 1.5
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Highlights: Short and sweet, kayak slide at put in
SIGHTS WORTH SEEING
10) McIver Landing to HWY 421 Bridge- Kayak Launch
Put in: McIver Landing – Kayak Launch 14680 US 421 South, Gulf, NC 27256
Take out: HWY 421 Bridge – 9800 Boone Trail Rd. Sanford NC 27330
This is another great kid and adult-friendly float that can be completed in about 3 hours. This is a beautiful float with lots of big elevation and rock gardens along the steep river banks. There are also lots of deep holes for bass fishing. You can also extend this float by an hour by continuing on to Deep River Park.
- Miles: 4.2
- Hours to Paddle: 2+
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Highlights: Rock gardens, steep riverbanks
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Southwest Park offers a kayak launch for paddling on Randleman Lake. No swimming is allowed on the lake since it is a source for drinking water. If you plan to paddle you can rent boats from the Southwest Park marina for a fee during their open hours. Check their website for more information!
- Miles:
- Hours to Paddle:
- Difficulty:
- Highlights:
DEEP RIVER INTERACTIVE MAP
The Deep River is in blue. Click on each number to see details of each paddling segment.
PRINTABLE BLUEWAYS GUIDE
- Visit USGS
- Scroll to the nearest water gauge to your put in.
- Check the “Daily Discharge, Cubic Feet Per Second”
- See where that number fits within the suggestions below.
- Minimum: 175 cfs – You can paddle most sections of the river. Anything lower and you will go on the best walk you ever took with a kayak! Low levels on the river will move slower, adding time to your paddle.
- Medium 900 cfs Whitewater kayaking can begin, and the river flow is quicker, causing your trip time to lower. This can increase rapid classifications (Ex: Class 2 to Class 3 etc.)
- Maximum: 3,000 cfs – The river is dangerous and even expert paddlers should stay off the water.
DEEP RIVER ACCESSES AND TRIP DETAILS
ONLY AVAILABLE ON DESKTOP OR TABLET.
VISIT INTERACTIVE MAP FOR INFO. DATA AVAILABLE ON DESKTOP OR TABLET.
| River | Put in Access Name | Put in Address | Put In | Take out | Hours to paddle | Miles to next takeout | Difficulty | Notes |
| Deep | 01) High Point Lake | 602 W Main St, Jamestown, NC 27282 | – | – | – | – | – | Paddling not suggested |
| Deep | 02) Southwest Park Boat Launch (Randleman Lake) | 6309 Southwest Park Dr, Greensboro, NC 27407 | – | – | Lake Paddling | Lake Paddling | Beginner | Southwest Park offers a kayak launch for paddling on Randleman Lake. No swimming is allowed on the lake since it is a source for drinking water. If you plan to paddle you can rent boats from the Southwest Park marina for a fee during their open hours. Check their website for more information! |
| Deep | 03) Randleman Lake Marina | 7123 Adams Farm Rd, Randleman, NC 27317 | – | – | – | – | – | Paddling not suggested |
| Deep | 04) Deep River Nature Trail Randleman Parks and Recreation | 117 Presnell St, Randleman, NC 27317 | – | – | – | – | – | paddling not suggested |
| Deep | 06) Bridge at Cedar Falls | 35.75203784886735, -79.73214727557738 | – | – | 2 hours | 4.3 miles | Advanced | No public access. |
| Deep | 07) Riverside Park Franklinville | 35.74378029670297, -79.69246148918195 | – | – | – | – | – | Paddling not suggested |
| Deep | 08) Allen H Leonard Memorial Park | 2026 Leonard Park St, Ramseur, NC 27316 | – | – | – | – | – | Paddling Not Suggested |
| Deep | 08) Allen H Leonard Memorial Park | 2026 Leonard Park St, Ramseur, NC 27316 | – | – | – | – | – | Paddling Not Suggested |
| Deep | 09) Carbonton Canoe and Kayak Access | 35.51974830085978, -79.34751491117551 | Right | Left | 3 hours | 6.2 Miles | Beginner | This is a kid- and adult-friendly float that takes about 3-4 hours to complete. There is a small island about halfway down, but check the weather first because the area is prone to flash flooding. |
| Deep | 10) McIver Landing Canoe Park | 14680 US 421 South, Gulf, NC 27256 | Left | Right | 2 hours | 4.2 Miles | Beginner | Sights worth seeing: This is another great kid- & adult-friendly float that can be completed in about 3 hours. This is a beautiful float with lots of big elevation and rocks along the steep river banks. There are also lots of deep holes for bass fishing. You can also extend this float by an hour by continuing on to Deep River Park. |
| Deep | 11) HWY 421 Bridge- Kayak Launch (Boone Trail Kayak and Canoe Access) | 35.54574692629385, -79.25271772885715 | Right | Left | 1.5 hours | 2.6 Miles | Beginner | Family Friendly: This may be the easiest float to do. The put-in and take-out points are easy, and the entire trip takes about an hour and a half to paddle. This is a beautiful section with lots of scenery, including paddling under two very old train bridges. |
| Deep | 12) Deep River Park (Cumnock/ Camelback Bridge) | 3485 R. Jordan Rd, Sanford, NC 27330 | Left | Right | 3 hours | 5.8 Miles | Beginner | This is another easy & accessible float to bring kids on. You will pass by the old lock and dam, as well as the Endor Iron Furnace. There is a class-1 rapid at the lock, and you can take-out on the right side of the river for lunch. If the river is very low (300 cubic feet per second), you can actually see the timbers on the lock before you reach the Furnace. The second half of this float is good for bass fishing. The take-out point is on the right side of the river heading downstream. |
| Deep | 13) 15-501 Bridge – Kayak Launch | 4906 Hawkins Ave. Sanford NC 27330 | Right | Take out only | Take out only | Take out only | Take out only | Take out only |
Special thanks to Chad Spivey for sharing his paddling expertise on the Deep River!
DEEP RIVER RENTALS
Endor Paddle
3485 R Jordan Rd, Sanford, NC 27330 919-628-7827 Rentals: kayak / Tube / Shuttle
GetOutdoors Pedal & Paddle
1515 W Gate City Blvd. Greensboro, NC 27403 336-294-3918 Rent or Purchase: Kayak / SUP
Disclaimer: This information is used entirely at the reader’s discretion and is made available on the expressed condition that no liability, expressed or implied, is accepted by the author or publisher or any of its associates, employees, branches, or subsidiaries for the accuracy, content, or use thereof. River channels are dynamic features and thus change frequently; the boater must be aware that hazards exist and be wary of them. Paddling poses significant potential hazards, including the risk of injury or death, and each person participating in this activity needs to understand the risks involved, obtain the necessary training, and take all the needed precautions. This guide provides general information on the topic of paddling, and by providing this information, we do not assume any liability for its use.
