Little Elk Creek, Pennsylvania, US

Old State Road to Francis Road

Three Foot Falls-Frank 2

Three Foot Falls-Frank 2
Photo by Ted Engelhardt taken 02/08/12

Gauge Information

River Description

Little Elk is the biggest tributary stream of Elk Creek. Don't let the high gradient and Class III rating fool you; it is mostly due to constant whitewater keeping you on your toes the whole time. The first .25 miles are pretty easy with a warm-up Class II and then the creek begins to get steeper with a fun 3 foot waterfall. About a half a mile from the takeout is a 9 foot sloping ledge followed by a wide and very gradual 12 foot ledge leading into some holes that get big when the water is up. After this point the run is constant Class II boogie water until you get to Francis Road. There is a concrete stream bottom here which drops about 6 sloping feet and ends in a 3 foot waterfall. If the water is near the max level, there is a lethal whirlpool that forms just below the falls and would be nearly impossible to get out of. To portage, you must trespass on private property on the right in order to get to the takeout or continue into the lower gorge down to Girard.

Parking is a bit of an issue here.  Park on State Road .25 miles from the take out.  Go west on Francis Road from the bridge to the intersection.  Turn right on State Road and park just past the second house on the right where there is a big enough shoulder.  When you take out you have to climb a steep bank.  You may want to leave your kayak by the road and walk up to your car.  You can then put your flashers on and strap your boat on while sitting on the road.  Traffic is very low on Francis Road.