2 - Prettyboy Dam to Falls RoadClass I-III
2 Miles
Avg Gradient 10 fpm
Max Gradient 40 fpm
Gauge Information
Gunpowder Falls
River DescriptionCurrently, my descriptions are limited to the section from Prettyboy Reservoir to Falls Road (2 miles). To date, I have not made the run from Falls Road to Phoenix Road (15 miles). I may consider breaking these two sections up, since they are most often run as individual sections.The runs were broken up by the regional streamkeeper in April 2004 Prettyboy Reservoir to Falls Road Bridge Put In Very difficult to put in at the Prettyboy Dam, due to the 100 ft canyon walls and the fact that reservoir personnel frown upon it. I typically put in approximately 0.5 miles downstream of Prettyboy Reservoir. This putin is located approximately 0.5 miles south of the takeout bridge where Falls Road crosses the Gunpowder. When you cross the bridge coming from the North or river left side of the bridge, continue 0.5 miles up the hill. At the crest of the hill on the right side is a small parking area. There is a gated fire road entrance. Follow the fire road until it bears to the right; it then turns into a foot trial. From the gate to the water is approximately a 0.5 mile hike, all downhill. The hike is not bad and the trail is not very steep. Take Out The takeout is at the Falls Road bridge, either upstream or downstrream of the bridge on river right. Do not park at the takeout itself. There is a parking lot approximately 1/8 mile up the hill on the right hand side as you walk South on Falls Road. You should have passed it on your way to the Put In. River Description The first 0.25 mile is Class I-II warmups. The next mile is Class III. The last 0.25 mile is Class I-II. Major Rapids Z-Turn,Class II+ Double Ledge(?), Class III If anyone knows the name of these rapids let me know. I will describe the detail of them later. CAUTION: You need to watch out for Strainers and Fishermen on this stretch. The fishermen are one reason I wait for highr levels, the higher levels keep the fishermen away. This creek is not very wide, and I hate to come hammering through a stretch where there are a few guys fishing. So be respectful and they will respect our position also. Reference Maryland and Delaware Canoe Trails, by Ed Gertler, for more details on this section. Ed Evangelidi testifies: No question that the short whitewater stretch is also the prettiest part of the run. However, on a hot summer day, it is hard to beat the rest of the run. It takes less water to negotiate the shallow spots here and it is in a pretty state park from Falls Road to Big Falls Road. Then comes a stretch through an active quarry with man made Class 2 rapids and finally a very long stretch of fairly easy water but with bikers whizzing by on a nearby bike path and floating tuber congestion in season. The confluence of the creek and Little Falls has a great swimming hole on river left where the cold Gunpowder water mixes with the warmer tributary. StreamTeam Status: verified
Last Updated: 2004-04-04 20:34:34
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GUNPOWDER FALLS NEAR PARKTON, MD [ MD ] |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD | Gunpowder Falls— 2 - Prettyboy Dam to Falls Road | I-III | 1.81 feet | low | 7/24 14:15 | |
| MD | Gunpowder Falls— 3 - Falls Road to Phoenix | I-II | 75 cfs | low | 7/24 14:15 |
| AW Gauge ID: | 7853 |
| USGS Station: | 01581920 |
| HUC: | 02060003 |
| Latitude: | 44.4925 |
| Longitude: | -121.2972 |
| Class: |
No guide books for this stream. If you know of a book that describes this stream please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. User Comments |
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2008-05-31 08:21:20 (54 days ago)
i love this run some friends and i riverboard it when it gets high its a lot of fun Edit
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2007-03-09 10:55:47 (503 days ago)
George Brewer
I have got nothing but the best to say for this little creek. Absolutely beatiful. I have gotten into kayaking probably about 8 months ago and this was def a fun run. Beware of log jam after triplet. I was there the first weekend of march 2007 and it was there. It is easily portaged on the right after the first two drops.
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2004-06-03 01:30:46 (1512 days ago)
tom resch
Group of us from the GBCC ran this section tonight the level was 1.60 on the Falls Road gauge. There were no strainers to worry about and the scenery was excellant. Only my second time down this strecth and cant wait to run it again>
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2004-04-04 20:15:02 (1571 days ago)
Brad Roberts
Greetings:<br />
I wished to pass on info about the Gunpowder at Prettyboy Dam. I just finished paddling it Sat 3Apr 2004.<br />
The level according to the gauge is 2.75 water is being released from one of the 2 tubes and water is cascading over the top. We put in at the dam. There is a strainer that crosses the entire stream , it is approx. 800 ft. from the area that you can launch your boat, but you can't see it until you go around the first bend. <br />
I have been paddling this stream for 4 years and have never been told the names of these drops or rapids, so maybe some one should photograph them, and name them. If you are interested I have a group of people that would like to do this. <br />
Thanks <br />
Stewart Thrasher
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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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