Licking,

2. Ridgely Tract to Dillon Falls

Dillon Falls

Dillon Falls
Photo of Anthony Small taken 10/15/2000 @ 376 CFS

Gauge Information

River Description

Steve Kreim wrote:
Combs and Gillen describes Dillon Falls as a 1/4-mile Class I-II rapid consisting of many 6-12" ledges. This is an accurate description with the exception of the last three (3) ledges which consist of 2ft, 3ft and a river-left 4ft drop respectively. A recent Ohio Department of Natural Resources publication has increased the classification of this rapid from Class I-II to Class I-III.
The usual line is river-left. The American Canoe Association schedules several Whitewater Rescue Recertification courses during the Spring, where releases of 1,900 CFS (7.0 ft on the USGS gauge) are scheduled (consult the ODNR web page for release dates). At this level and higher, Dillon Falls becomes a legitimate Class III. Levels of 9.50 feet on the USGS gauge translates into a flow of 5,000+ CFS. This occurs several times a year after periods of heavy rain. The three aforementioned ledges produce very powerful river-wide hydraulics and paddlers should exercise good judgment.