C-Forum

I know skill level has a lot to do with it, but are they durable enough to handle most Western North Carolina rivers. Nothing above, say, Wilson Creek or Big Laurel? Or even low water class 2/3 runs?

I'm in the NE, but we have rocks too.
I'll say that if you plan on bouncing down rocks, get plastic.

Guess I could always bounce down rocks in the buttboat. The Millbrooks should be okay on less creaky runs, shouldn't they?

I've paddled my Blink on the Lower Green, Chattoogasection 3, 3 1/2 at low water, class 2-3 creeks.i would take it on Upper Green except walk Bayless Boof.

Upper Green is one I had in mind. I'm 66 and even my big old Jackson creeker kills me going up the hill.

Wendy, which class 2-3 creeks?

Millbrook canoes are plenty tough. You'll be happy with one as long as you paddle it with occasional encounters with rocks. Not meant to be a sled on wet rocks though. They are very nimble. I paddle mine on the NH Swift Pemi and Warner with no issues. You can look up river info on AW to get an idea

If you are wandering about durability the Lower Green and Chattoga at lower water are like creeping. I've run Jonathan Creek, West Fork Pigeon class 2-3 section in the Blink. If you paddle it like you would paddle Royalex you are good to go. No splats or intentional repetitive rock encounters in a no plastic boat. Also I would not use a bulkhead in a glass boat unless not paddled at lower water levels. Katz can speak up, but the long line of foam on the bottom will prevent the glass from flexing when a rock is encountered.

Wendy,
I'd be paddling mostly Upper Green, FB9, Nolichucky, Nanty, Toe Gorge and Upper Dan @ Kibbler Valley. I won't even ask about Wilson.

I've had my Millbrook on these SE rivers;
Chatooga sec 4 , Little from the Sinks to the Elbow, middle Tellico as low as1.2. Daddy's creek @1.5, Obed, Big South Fork. All these were no problem or caused damage. However did Tremont with bad results though

If I took the boat to the Upper Green I would walk Bayless Boof as the risk of injury to the boat would be high. I have a 7 pound Bakraft I paddle the Upper Green so the take out hike is oh so easy.