Description: This 4 mile stretch of river flows through the Hill Forest, the NCSU forestry school's demonstration forest. The scenic river is nearly undeveloped offering views of large rocky bluffs and abundant wildlife. The Flat is only 15-20 minutes from Duke and, depending on the water level, this section of can range anywhere from a meandering class I-II run to a full-on class IV whitewater ride. The river is usually runable after big rain events and responds very quickly to rain. The Flat does not hold water very long, so be sure to watch the gage and remember that the water level can drop a foot or more over the course of only a few hours. Just after leaving the put in at the low water bridge, you will encounter a wave train and then some flatwater. After approximately a mile, things start to get more interesting, with several rapids that consist mainly of small holes and waves that can become fairly substantial at levels above 5 feet. The river has one last hoorah as the water falls over an old dam. Run on the river left side of the obvious channel.

Directions: Map

To the Take Out: From Rt. 70 Bypass / Rt. 85 in Durham, take Exit 176B and go north on Duke St. about 2 1/2 miles to where it merges and becomes Roxboro St. Continue on Roxboro St. for about another 6 1/2 miles (9 miles all together). Turn right onto Bahama Rd. (watch for signs for the town of Bahama and Lake Michie and a traffic light at intersection). Go east on Bahama Rd. 3.3 miles, cross over the lake and turn right into Lake Michie Boat House area (there is parking on the left after the bridge up Wilkins Rd., but I've seen signs there saying they want all boat launches from the Boat House).

To the Put In: Turn left out of Boat House area and go 1.4 miles west on Bahama Rd. Turn right onto Quail Roost Rd. Go about 2 1/2 miles to it's end at Highway 501(Roxboro Rd.). Turn right onto Highway 501 and take first right onto Moore's Mill Rd. Go 1/10 mile to State Forest Rd. (first road on right - after dirt driveway). Turn right onto State Forest Rd. (immediately turns to gravel). State Forest Rd. is not marked, but there is a hand stenciled sign saying "Hill Forest" on the corner. There is a wooden 1-lane bridge crossing the Flat River about a mile down the road. The road is very narrow and there are no real shoulders. Parking is best on the far side of the bridge where the road widens a bit. The surrounding land is the property of NC State University and they have several access gates just off the road. Make sure you do not block these gates when you park. Access to the river is easy from either side of the bridge.

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