Black

We list the put-in as Gabbro (Baker) Falls for continuity with prior section.

Boaters may wish to look at this falls before boating, but access to the river below may be more awkward than some will prefer to bother with.

As a result, actual put-in may be far more convenient at Black Jack Road.

From the put-in below Gabbro Falls, the river is narrow and channelized tripping across boulders as it heads to the parking at the base of Black Jack Ski Area. As it passes under a bridge (variably labeled Black Jack Road or Indian Head Base Road) Jackson Creek comes in from the right, and the Black takes a sharp left. For the next nearly 3/4-mile the river is flanked by railroad (river-right) and the base of the ski hill (river-left) as it runs through random riffles and shoals.

After leaving the base of the ski area, still running alongside the railroad, the river encounters a bit of an island (river-left). Rock gardens lie at the head of the island, and a minor ledge lies before the end of the island. At some favorable flows, this may form an easy playable feature.

As the river crosses under the railroad, Abitosse Creek enters from river-right, and the Black takes a bend to the left. Flatwater is broken up by occasional light riffles and rips.

As the river veers right, away from the railroad tracks, it trips across some minor rips, and as it twists back to the left, Kallander Creek enters from the left. Downstream, an island splits the flow and a short stretch of waves will be encountered.

As the river heads to and passes under Moore Road, more shoals, riffles, and waves are encountered before things return to flatwater.

As you approach Hedberg Road, Powdermill Creek comes in from river-left. (It has a short 'stupid boater tricks' run, mostly for Powdermill Falls. See that description here: Powdermill Creek.

The USGS gauge for the Black (drainage 200 square miles) is located immediately downstream of the Hedberg bridge.

Downstream, flatwater is broken by occasional minor riffles and shoals.

A rocky stretch leads to a slightly more significant rock jumble which may (at some flows) cause more turbulence (and possible play?).

As the Black takes a jaunt to the right, Sixmile Creek enters from river-left. Continued flatwater, broken by minor shoals and rips.

As Sapsucker Creek enters from river-right, the Black veers to the left and encounters one of its longer stretches of light riffles and rips for this section.

Montowibo Creek enters from river-right.

This confluence may not be apparent from the river. There appears to be a few small islands at river-right, and may actually be a high-water channel of the Black, forming a large (~14 acres) island. If so, DO NOT GO TO THE RIGHT! You will miss the take-out at the Narrows!

This location may not be readily apparent from the river. Make certain to have a close look by walking down to the river (when setting shuttle) so that you can identify this location when you arrive in your boat!