First Creek
Gheils Road to Todds Fork
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 2.8 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 40 fpm |
| Gauge | O'bannon Creek Near Loveland Oh |
| Flow Rate as of 25 minutes | 4 cfs |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 17, 2011 |
This run is a delightful and scenic Class II-III run. It starts off as a very mild class I stream for the first mile and a half, with two probable portages due to bad strainers. Chances of paddlers hiking and cleaning this creek are highly unlikely, so expect these trees to stay put for some time.
About a half mile after passing the first bridge, the creek finally starts to pick it up a little bit. When you see a gigantic mustard color mansion on river left, the first ledge appears. It's a small double ledge that is easily run anywhere. Not long after that, the first horizon line comes into view. This is the largest drop on the creek. Easily run with 3 or 4 fun lines, a sweet boof is located just left of center.
The creek continues with boogie water down to the next big ledge. When you see the next bridge, you'll know it's coming. A visible horizon line is apparent and you should have the line picked out ahead of time. This drop is the bad one you've probably already scouted while running shuttle. You've probably already decided whether or not to run it, too. There is only one safe way to run this drop, (other than sliding up on the right bank and pushing yourself over the ledge) and that is down a noticeable spout on river right. If you don't run it there, you're probably gonna spend some time in the hole. A ten foot log was seen on one occasion, doing cartwheels in the hole for over twenty minutes. Get your boof stroke on 'cause you're gonna need it. This is a good place to set safety if you're gonna try running this thing at higher levels.
The run is almost over. There is just a half mile of non-stop action with some small ledges and a couple of fun surf/play spots. Enjoy!
The ledge is a riverwise horsehose shaped falls. The drop can make a nasty hole at super high water. There is an excellent access point here.
Jan 13, 2013
While there are no river wide strainers there can be annoying or dangerous ones.
Jan 21, 2012
The tree is gone from the river right side but at very low flow you can see what the landing zone looks like.
Dec 7, 2011
The falls is located upstream of the Morrow Catholic Cemetery. A trail leads down to the river here. The drop is a slide with no real threats at normal water levels.
Dec 7, 2011
The best rapids are below Cemetery Falls to the takeout. This is the first rapid of any note. Most of the river goes into a narrow are on the right.
Dec 7, 2011
It is hard to see but there is a tree in the drop on river right. You can see 2 twigs sticking up but this is a full sized pine tree.
