Sevenmile Creek
Sevenmile Park: Trail 8 to US169 (2.4-5.3 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 5.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 45 fpm |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 2, 2022 |
River Description
Quick Facts
Location: Midway between Mankato and St.Peter
Put-in: 44.28364 -94.07699
Take-out: 44.26226 -94.02905
Shuttle Length/DriveTIme: 5.2 miles/8 minutes.
Video Link: (Clickable Link >>>) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13K0noqX7tI
Put-in elevation is approximately 942
Take-out elevation is approximately 758
Total drop is approximately 184'
Gradient: Average: 37 FPM; Max Full Mile: 60 FPM
IMPORTANT NOTE: Gradient values should always be used for general comparative purposes only! Differences (even up to 15-20% and more) mean very little in the grand scheme of whitewater! Similarly, class/rating can mean relatively little. Far more important than either gradient or class/rating should be other less-quantifiable 'character factors' such as: (1) continuous versus pool/drop, (2) wide-channel with multiple routes versus narrow channel with essentially one route, (3) straight-shot routes versus complex technical maneuvering-required routes, (4) gradual river banks versus rocky shores or steep-walled gorges, et cetera. Never rely solely on class/rating to decide if you should run a river/rapids!
Character: Fairly continuous current and low-grade rapids; technical maneuvering skills mandatory due to everpresent deadfall and logjams.
River banks: Heavily wooded
Typical width: 15-30 ft. (any decent-sized branch/stick caught on a rock in the flow can block a substantial width of the creek)
Drainage area at put-in: 14.3 square miles
Drainage area at take-out: 36.3 square miles
Drainage increase: 154%
General Description
Midway between St. Peter & Mankato, Sevenmile Creek runs through Sevenmile Park. Depending on flow (and boater's inclination) this can either be done as a carry-up from within the park, or as a longer run with vehicle shuttle
...River Features
Upper Put-in (Drainage Area: 14.27 sq.mi.)
Those who wish a longer run (and who wish to avoid the carry-up and do a vehicle shuttle) might start from County Ditch Number 46A.
Put-in on the upstream (west) side of County Highway 13 and run through the culvert.
DAM! (PORTAGE!)
A dam around ths location should be portaged ... river right.
Short Put In
For those wishing to do a carry-up from the 'Back Lot', just beyond the fourth bridge, look for a trail down to the creek just before a hill.
(Other put-ins are possible for shorter or longer hikes.)
Confluence with Minnesota River
Because of trees blocking the creek (prior to Hwy.169/Sioux Trail), it is recommended to take out well upstream.
If/when those obstructions are gone (by natural or human remedy), boaters could continue to the confluence with the Minnesota River.
Since the majority of the gradient is upstream, it is doubtful how worthwhile the additional distance would be.