Red Clay Creek, Delaware, US

Marshall Bridge Road to Rt. 41

Usual Difficulty	I-II (for normal flows)
Length	10.5 Miles
Avg. Gradient	14 fpm
Max Gradient	14 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
Red Clay Creek near Kennett Square, PA
usgs-01479820	250 - 5000 cfs	I-II	03h42m	48 cfs (rc= -0.0 )

River Description

A small stream similar in character to its larger neighbor the Brandywine. Both rivers suffer from an abundance of dams, the result of Delaware's early reliance on waterpower to jump start its industries. If it wasn't for the 7 dams that need to be portaged, Red Clay would be a fine Class II+ run.

Put in in PA at the confluence of the East and West Branches of Red Clay Creek. The run takes you through Yorklyn, and down a pleasant valley with Rt. 82 running parallel a good deal of the way. The takeout is at a bridge 200 yards above 41. There is a park here that was the site of Delaware's old prison.

There is some whitewater below this section, but there are also the last 2 dams and very trashy conditions. The final takeout is at a small park at the end of Netherfield Rd. near the mouth of the river. Below here, tides become a problem.

Railroad tracks that parallel the river as well. These are still in use as the Wilmington & Western, a scenic steam train ride. The terminal is very near the takeout. You could probably do some good scouting from the train!