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Big Piney Creek - 3) Helton's Farm (Treat) to Long Pool Campground (8.4 miles)
Big Piney Creek, Arkansas, US |
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3) Helton's Farm (Treat) to Long Pool Campground (8.4 miles)
| Usual Difficulty | II+(III) (for normal flows) |
|---|---|
| Length | 8.4 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient | 15 fpm |
Photo#11885
Photo of Jack Zwaan by Bob Allen taken ?? @ 3.7
Gauge Information
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Piney Creek at Highway 164 near Dover, AR | ||||
| usgs-07257006 | 1.75 - 5.00 ft | II+(III) | 18h33m | 3.5 ft (rc= 0.5 ) |
River Description
This is a popular class II-III stretch. Most rapids are straight forward class II in nature, but
several offer wavetrains and holes which can easily swamp open canoes, deserving class II+ to III
rating. The 'Mother' (aka 'Cascades of Extinction') is the most difficult and potentially
dangerous rapid about a mile above the take-out. This is a classic Ozark stream, emerald pools,
scenic bluffs, remote setting and nice rapids. USFS Longpool Campground offers tent and RV
spaces, water, heated bathrooms and showers.
Put-in: From Long Pool Campground, travel South for 2 miles to the first road to the left
(East). Follow this gravel road up the mountain for 2.4 miles to the first main intersection.
Turn left (North) at this Y intersection. After 2 miles there is an overlook on the left which
looks down on the river. The 'Mother' and Longpool can be seen from here. Continue another 4
miles on the main road which will drop down the mountain and cross a low water bridge at Indian
Creek. This can be used as a put-in if the level looks good to float down the first shoal. This
creek adds a couple miles of class II+ to the run including some willow jungles. Otherwise
continue across the bridge and follow the road to the left for another 1.5 miles. Take a left (go
straight) at this intersection. This road will pass a cemetery on the left and descend a short
hill to the river valley. This is a private property access and the landowners (the Helton's)
require a $3.00 boat launch fee. Go to the house on the right to pay and access the creek via
their field.
Take-out: Ozark National Forest Longpool Campground. Access from Hwy 7 North of I-40. Turn
left (West) on Hwy 164 and right on Old Hwy 7. Follow the signs to the campground. A $3.00
parking fee is required if not camping.
See action from this river in:
$20.00
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3) Helton's Farm (Treat) to Long Pool Campground (8.4 miles), Big Piney Creek Arkansas, US (mobile)