Snow Creek Whitewater

Early spring, 2011, a few local Stokes County river boaters asked the owner of Sheppard Mill if he would work with them so that they could see what it was like to float Snow Creek with the benefit of a mill pond "flush". You see, an instream mill pond such as the one at Sheppard Mill, must be flushed regularly to prevent sediment build-up. Draining the mill pond at Sheppard Mill down to it's original creek bed takes about 3 hours with the mud gate open 100%. During that time the creek rises about a foot and becomes a class II wilderness whitewater creek. Swift water, narrow channel and strainers make this a unique adventure run for the experienced whitewater boater. Which is not to say that recreational kayaks are inappropriate here - they are fine with the exception of one class III+ rapid with a developed portage. Experience is the critical factor.
This page is intended to provide the technical information regarding the creek, safety, and pond flush releases provided by Sheppard Mill.