Rocky Fork Creek, Ohio, US

McCoppin Mill Rd (below Rocky Fk Lake Dam) to Paint Creek

The Arch

The Arch
Photo of Susan Shultz by Tom Uhlman

Gauge Information

River Description

This lovely class I-II stream is a gem of central Ohio. The stream is mostly flat in the upper stretches, but with swift current. Be on the lookout for strainers. I am not very familiar with this upper stretch, as most boaters put on below.

If paddling the upper stretches, there is an old mill dam that must be portaged. I believe it is just downstream of Barretts Mill Road, but check it out first from the road!

The usual put in is on river left, just below the bridge on Browning Road. The landowner (Highlands Nature Sanctuary) has been very kind and co-operative with paddlers, allowing them to park on his property on the downstream side of the bridge. It is critical that paddlers be considerate! Do not park on any cultivated land, don't block the driveway or any cars and do not litter. Be as low key as possible. Such kindly land owners are our best friends!  Please leave as few vehicles here as possible as this area is frequently used for hikes for patrons of the sanctuary.  Permission can usually be gained to park here at the office near the old 7 caves off cave road.  Be aware that it's a privilege extended to us to use this site and not a right.

From Browning road, the stream continues to be fast moving with small ripples. Many places exist for the newer paddler to practice eddy turns and ferries, but again, be on the lookout for strainers. Shortly after the put in there is a small ledge which can provide beginners with surfing practice. After this ledge the gradient begins to pick up slightly and the scenery changes from low banks and pasture land to higher banks and eventually limestone cliffs. In the region of the 7 caves the cliffs are spectacular, rising sharply a hundred feet or more over the river. Most folks won't believe they are still in Ohio. Bring a camera.

There are a couple of minor rapids leading into and out of this section where the beginner paddler can practice surfing and other techniques, but the water through the most beautiful section is flat, allowing for maximum appreciation of the beauty.



After the 7 caves area, the cliff receed and the stream starts to return to pastoral scenery. Most new paddlers will take out on river right below the Rt 50 bridge. Again, be aware you are crossing private land! More experienced paddlers will continue on to the Confluence with Paint Creek a few hundred yards below, attempt the class II-III Paint Creek chutes and take out on the primitive roadside rest area on Rt. 50. For details about Paint Creek, see Paint Creek Information