3/15/23 Exploratory Paddle, Upper Little River, Highway 401 Bridge to Titan Roberts Bridge

Five of us decided to paddle the above-referenced river, since none of us other than Omer had. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with the overall experience. We encountered downfall primarily from timber being clear cut on adjacent property during the first mile or so. In places the timber was cut next to the river without any buffer, resulting in some trees falling in the river. There we were able to get through without portaging. Further, downstream there was occasional downfall, requiring some of the group to portage one or two times. Overall, I didn't think the downfall was significant. In my opinion the river is scenic and clean, absent of any development other than an occasional house or barn. This is section 2 and part of section 3 in Paul Ferguson's book.
There is good parking at the put in (35.33515,-78.78402) but maybe 50 yards to carry your boat to the river. There is a nice access at the bridge on Ross Road (35.33393,-78.74699). The access at the Titan Roberts bridge (35.32659,-78.72379) is a different story. There we took out just downstream of the bridge, river right, then up the bank, along the guardrails to our vehicles, which had been parked in the edged of a cleared farm field and then move to the end of the guardrail because of the narrow shoulder of the road and the guardrails.
Downstream from the Titan Roberts bridge the river flows into the Cape Fear River, about one mile from the take-out at the Erwin Park.
There isn't a water gauge on this river. I considered the gauge on the Lower Little River at Manchester. which showed earlier that morning 8.21 feet/384 cfs. On our trip, the water level was good, with good current in places, but easily handled.
From the Highway 401 bridge to the Ross Road bridge the distance was approximately 4.6 miles and from there to the Titan Roberts bridge about 2.7 miles for a total of 7.3 miles.
This paddle wasn't posted since we hadn't paddled this section and didn't know what to expect. Now we do, so hopefully we will have some more opportunities.
The weather was cool or to some maybe cold (about 32) and windy when we put-in, but it was sunny and warmed nicely probably to the upper 50s. Paddlers were: Omer Register, Andy , Scott , Gene and Van . Thanks to Gene for clearing the way with his saw, to Andy for the shuttle/pictures all for pitching in and making this a good paddle.