Orleans to PhelpsClass II-III+(IV)
4 Miles
Avg Gradient 50 fpm
Old Mill Falls
Old Mill Falls Photo by Harry A. Marinakis, M.D. Gauge Information
Flint Creek
Orleans to Phelps II-III+(IV)
River DescriptionFlint Creek is a shallow, seasonal creek in the Finger Lakes Basin, with origins in the steep ridges of Italy Valley, Southeast of the Southern end of Canandaigua Lake. The creek is characterized by a series of technical Class-III-IV ledge drops through the village of Phelps.There are numerous stopper pourovers, shallow holes and surf waves associated with these ledge drops. At high water (Stage 4.5 feet), Flint Creek is a fast & furious Class-IV run with serious consequences and close encounters with strainers. More than a few people have been spanked hard at high water, with the loss of numerous paddles and boats. The normal putin is on Wheat Road, just off NY-488. The normal takeout is on Mill Street, just off Flint Street. An alternate putin a couple of miles upstream in Orleans at Mill Road, just off NY-488 (Lat/Long coords: 42.91967, -77.11363)--it gives the paddler at least one good rapid ("Single Drop") and about five more good playspots--including Shroo Hole, one of the finest playspots on the whole dang crick at high water. An alternate takeout is at the Old Mill at Route 96 (Lat/Long coords: 42.95815, -77.06013). Driving Directions: Check out the map for roads and rapids. From the NY Thruway, take Exit 43 (Manchester, Rte. 21). After the tollbooth, take a Right onto Rte. 21. Almost immediately, you'll come to lights. Take a Left onto Rte. 96. Head about 6-7 miles into the town of Phelps. Just before a bridge, you'll see a liquor store on your right. The bridge is over Flint Creek, just downstream of Old Mill Falls. Park in the nondescript parking area across the street from the liquor store. You'll either take out at the Falls or a quarter mile downstream at Mill Street. (See the map.) To the putin: Head west on Rte. 96. Take a Left at the lights onto Rte. 488. (For the shorter run--appropriate if you're pressed for time) After a mile and change on 488, bang a Left onto Wheat Road. Park along the road and putin at the bridge. (For the longer run--you get more play this way, especially if it's running at a beefy level!) Stay on Rte. 488 South past Wheat Rd. In Orleans, take a Left onto Mill Rd. Park on the river-side of the road; head toward the river, under the small bridge, and putin at the confluence with the small brook.
Flint Creek is best known for the vertical 11-foot high dam and Old Mill Falls (class IV/IV+) that is readily visible from the Route 96 bridge in downtown Phelps.
Lat/longitude verified by GPS. StreamTeam Status: verified
Last Updated: 2007-01-08 22:01:35
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