Crab Orchard Branch - Crab Orchard Falls


Crab Orchard Branch, Virginia, US

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Crab Orchard Falls

Usual Difficulty IV(V) (for normal flows)
Length 0.25 Miles

Gauge Information

Name Range Difficulty Updated Level
POWELL RIVER AT BIG STONE GAP, VA
usgs-03529500 3000 - 20000 cfs IV(V) 01h04m 211 cfs (rc= -0.2 )


River Description

This micro creek is a trib of the Guest River Gorge near Coeburn VA. Use the same parking access as you would for the Guest to get to Crab Orchard Branch via the Guest River Gorge trail. From the parking area, it is about 1 mile to the trailhead for Crab Orchard Branch. Look for a small footpath cutting away from the main trail to the left, if you cross a small bridge turn around because you just missed the trail by a few steps.

Crab Orchard is a good high-water alternative when all of the other creeks are SCARY high. Its short length makes it a great spot to run laps on its main drop. After scouting your way, get ready for a FUN ride. This falls drops about 25'.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to have someone at the bottom right of the falls with a rope so any potential situations can be averted here. It wouldn't be a pretty sight chasing boats/bodies out to the Guest at high water.
This drop can be hucked all day long when the creek has the water, so enjoy it if you catch it running!

 

Lat/longitude coordinates are approximate, from TopoQuest.


StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2010-11-21 12:00:51

Brandon Dale and Simon Haviland on a side adventure

Detail Trip Report  Brandon Dale and Simon Haviland on a side adventure  Crab Orchard Branch, VA(2.18MB .jpeg)


Gauge Information

Gauge Description:

Look for the Powell gauge to be 3000 and rising. This should only be used as an indicator. Also check the Guest paddler gauge on the middle piling of the Rt 72 bridge, should be reading 3' or higher for a run.

Gauge Information

Name Range Difficulty Updated Level
POWELL RIVER AT BIG STONE GAP, VA
usgs-03529500 3000 - 20000 cfs IV(V) 01h04m 211 cfs (rc= -0.2 )

RangeWater LevelDifficultyComment
3000 -20000 cfs barely runnable-high runnable IV(V)

Report - Reports of Crab Orchard Branch Crab Orchard Falls and related gauges

Reports give the public a chance to report on river conditions throughout the country as well as log the history of a river.

Reports

When River/Gauge Subject Level Reporter
Crab Orchard Branch [VA] Brandon Dale and Simon Haviland on a side adventure n/a

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Rapid Summary

Mile Rapid Name Class Features (Legend)
0.5Crab Orchard FallsIV+Hazard Waterfall

Rapid Descriptions

Crab Orchard Falls (Class IV+, Mile 0.5)
20-25' falls. Run this drop center or right center. Do not go left. The drop is backed up by a large slab of rock not too far out from the lip of the falls.


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 Crab Orchard Falls, Crab Orchard Branch Virginia, US (mobile)