Big Piney Creek,

3) Helton's Farm (Treat) to Long Pool Campground (8.4 miles)

Usual Difficulty	II+(III) (may vary with level)
Length	8.4 Miles
Avg. Gradient	15 fpm

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)	01h13m	2.31 ft (rc= 0.2 )

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:


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