Richland Creek,

Lower Richland

Lower Richland
Photo of Davidbob by Cowper Chadbourn taken Jan, 05 @ 3 ft

Gauge Information

River Description

Falling Water Road is closed by a large landslide and downed timber about 2 miles below the Falling Water Creek Bridge. Must access the campground via the north side of the creek.

Most of the rapids are in the first half of the run, with some reaching class IV/IV+ at higher levels. At optimal levels, it is a great class III/III+ run with pool/drop rapids. As you near the take-out, you will pass a 20-ft tall bluff on river left as you enter a willow thicket. Stay left as the creek braids around an island. The take-out road is here. Going right will likely mean paddling the extra mile past your vehicle to the FS road 1201 crossing.

Put-in: Reached by continuing East on Hwy 16 from Ben Hur for 1.5 miles and turning onto Pope County Road 68 (NFS 1205) and following to the NFS Richland Creek Campground. This road will parallel Falling Water Creek most of the way. This can also be reached by taking Pope County Road 18 (Falling Water Road) farther East off Hwy 16.

Take-out: Reached by continuing across the campground bridge and up the mountain to Dickey Junction. Turn right on Pope County Road 37 (NFS 1201). Take-out is located just after descending the hill and passing the impressive bluff line 'Stack Rock'. Park at the intersection of the next road to the right. This road is a short but steep trail to the river. NFS 1201 will cross Richland Creek about a mile past the intersection, but no parking space is available.