The Big Branch is a favorite among many paddlers for its intense nature. It's essentially a large boulder run in a gorge with many class V rapids - the largest drop being about seven feet. A few points of interest include: Cave Drop, Mushroom, and Sieve Rapid, There is a hole at the bottom of Cave Drop and a piton rock to the left. Try to get right of the big boulder at Mushroom and be cautious of the pin spot in the middle of Sieve Rapid - there is usually a good chute on the left. When in doubt, scout. Once parked at the put-in, there is a short hike down a trail to the river. At the take-out, one will need to hike back up to the road and back-track to the bridge. Be sure to check water levels before going. Note that sometimes in early spring there has been a gate blocking the entrance for vehicles, causing one to hike.