Ledbetter Creek

THE NC classic. Affectionately known as "The Notch" by locals, Ledbetter Creek is often regarded as a true Class C slot canyon - featuring a stunningly narrow and water sculpted section that feels more akin to the PNW than WNC. This route is wet, fun, technical, and could very well be one of NC's first "canyoneering routes" that's actually in the spirit of the sport. Vibrant scenery, waterslides, potholes, and lots of down scrambling makes this a classic for the Southeast and one not to be missed. Ledbetter stays relatively cold, even during the summer months. Those who are particularly tolerant and move fast could potentially manage without, but I'd recommend some degree of neoprene year round.

From the parking, hike up past the picnic tables and cross the railroad tracks. In a couple minutes, you'll hear the creek and see a camp ring on your left, along with a trail headed towards it. Take this trail, which is the Bartram Trail, past the camp ring and to the footbridge that crosses Ledbetter Creek. Once you cross the bridge, the trail ascends 1,000ft to gain the ridge in about a mile. 1.3 miles from the initial footbridge crossing, the Bartram Trail bumps into Ledbetter Creek again. Suit and gear up there (35.29209, -83.67973). If it's humid out, prepare to suffer a bit on the way up. Creekstomp downstream for 0.2miles until you reach the entrance slide to The Notch.

Continue 50 yards downstream to reach The Notch area. *Option 1: Rap 15ft into deep pothole, swim 6ft across, then rap 15ft again over Notch Falls. This ends up needing 50ft of rope. *Option 2: Rap 15ft into deep pothole, re-anchor off log jams, then rap 15ft over Notch Falls after your entire team has entered the initial pothole. This approach is seasonally dependent, and the stability thereof, but it has been both useful in high flow scenarios and detrimental in large groups due to prolonged cold water exposure. R3 - From the top at the anchors R3 - From bottom of Notch Falls, after bypassing intermediate the pothole Continue scrambling downstream a short bit - utilizing partner assists, meat anchors, and/or whatever else is necessary for your groups ability until you reach the head of the 3-tiered Ledbetter Canyon Falls.