McCoppin Mill Rd (below Rocky Fk Lake Dam) to Paint CreekClass II
7.5 Miles
The Arch
The Arch Photo of Susan Shultz by Tom Uhlman Gauge Information
Rocky Fork Creek
River DescriptionThis lovely class I-II stream is a gem of central Ohio. The stream is mostly flat in the upper stretches, but with swift current. Be on the lookout for strainers. I am not very familiar with this upper stretch, as most boaters put on below.If paddling the upper stretches, there is an old mill dam that must be portaged. I believe it is just downstream of Barretts Mill Road, but check it out first from the road! The usual put in is on river left, just below the bridge on Browning Road. The landowner has been very kind and co-operative with paddlers, allowing them to park on his property on the downstream side of the bridge. It is critical that paddlers be considerate! Do not park on any cultivated land, don't block the driveway or any cars and do not litter. Be as low key as possible. Such kindly land owners are our best friends! From Browning road, the stream continues to be fast moving with small ripples. Many places exist for the newer paddler to practice eddy turns and ferries, but again, be on the lookout for strainers. Shortly after the put in there is a small ledge which can provide beginners with surfing practice. After this ledge the gradient begins to pick up slightly and the scenery changes from low banks and pasture land to higher banks and eventually limestone cliffs. In the region of the 7 caves the cliffs are spectacular, rising sharply a hundred feet or more over the river. Most folks won't believe they are still in Ohio. Bring a camera. There are a couple of minor rapids leading into and out of this section where the beginner paddler can practice surfing and other techniques, but the water through the most beautiful section is flat, allowing for maximum appreciation of the beauty. After the 7 caves area, the cliff receed and the stream starts to return to pastoral scenery. Most new paddlers will take out on river right below the Rt 50 bridge. Again, be aware you are crossing private land! More experienced paddlers will continue on to the Confluence with Paint Creek a few hundred yards below, attempt the class II-III Paint Creek chutes and take out on the primitive roadside rest area on Rt. 50. For details about Paint Creek, see Paint Creek Information StreamTeam Status: unverified
Last Updated: 2007-05-01 20:57:39
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Rocky F nr Barretts Mills O [ OH ] |
Current Conditions
Station Graphs |
| Level Legend: | Running | Below Minimum Recommended Flow | Above Maximum Recommended Flow | Unknown |
| State | River Name/Section | Class | Level | Rel. Level | Updated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OH | Rocky Fork Creek— McCoppin Mill Rd (below Rocky Fk Lake Dam) to Paint Creek | II | 5 cfs | low | 10/2 7:00 |
| AW Gauge ID: | 1503 |
| USGS Station: | 03232500 |
| HUC: | 05060003 |
| Latitude: | 39.2183 |
| Longitude: | -83.3856 |
| Class: | 2 |
User Comments |
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2007-01-08 07:50:48 (638 days ago)
Ron Metzger
There is a river wide strainer to the left of the last island (just prior to the last rapid) - its clearly visible from about 50 yards upstream allowing plenty of time for action to be taken. The river right channel has been blocked by debris for some time so this necessitates a portage at higher water. Word has it that at minimum you can limbo under the log but at 400 cfs it's touching the river surface or below the majority of the way across. There is a small eddy on the island just above it to make a short portage but the water can be moving swiftly here so be careful. The area under the log is mostly clear so it is possible to swim underneath it if you get blindsided by it.
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2006-05-18 08:28:40 (873 days ago)
Karl Whipp
I spoke with the Army Corps of Engineers about how to obtain a special release from Rocky Fork Lake. I had always heard that for $50, any group could get together and get a release scheduled. This is not true at all...or not any more at least. Here is the info that I got...<br />
<br />
The Nature Conservency owns the majority of the land throughout Rocky Fork Gorge. Due to some form of mussles that are living in this stream, The Conservency does not want the lake releasing water into what was originally a natural flow only streambed. So the two groups have worked together to come to an agreement. There are three weekends per year that Rocky Fork will release water. If I recall correctly, these dates are in March, May and October and are specifically for recreational paddlers and beginner clinics through Outdoor Adventure Club in Dayton and a club out of Columbus. There is no longer any way to obtain a special release. The remainder of the year, Rocky Fork runs under natural flow only.<br />
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This is a beautiful stretch of class I-II stream and is certainly worth the time and effort to paddle it. Just dont expect much in the way of whitewater. The scenery is, at points, absolutely breathtaking and is extremely unique to Ohio. Its great for beginners and the nice pools offer up opportunities to work on obtaining a roll.<br />
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Be sure to bring a camera on this stretch of stream...you will want it! And once you are off the river, take the time to visit 7 caves and make a full day out of your trip into the farmlands of Ohio....there is very little else around there other then Rocky Fork lake and Paint Creek lake which are about 10 minutes apart.
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No rapids entered. If you know names, and locations of the rapids please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. 
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