Running Water Creek
Katy Lane to Nickajack Lake
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 3.7 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Reach Info Last Updated | January 24, 2020 |
River Description
This run takes about an hour and a half, with constant paddling and features lots of waves and long rapids, especially on the lower end, with only brief sections of flat water. Two 4' - 5' falls/drops and a couple of fun slides are on upper section.
Paddlers will encounter a few large surface rocks that are easy to avoid with a good line. Always go slow and check around bends, especially on the first lap if the water is high, as you could encounter a fallen tree. This creek is massive fun, excellent for beginners, but paddle with someone who already knows the creek. Just plan to make several 5 mile laps.
Recommended level low: 1'6'
High: 2'-3'
Highest that I paddled was 4', but has been paddled at higher levels by class IV boaters.
DIRECTIONS: From I-24, Wildwood exit 169, turn left on Highway 299/134, and go 4.6 miles to the upper put in. The middle put in is approximately 2 miles down at the gauge bridge. A huge plus is that the river is roadside, along Highway 134/I-24, all the way to the lake making for a very easy shuttle and you can pick whichtever section you want to paddle - upper/ middle/ lower.
River Features
Upper Put In
Shallow / narrow channel, very fun - a small beach is there for launching.
Easy parking in the median on the side of the road. Not the driveway!
First Falls
4' Falls - best line, middle, right between the rocks.
2nd Falls
5' again best line middle, right between the rocks - the current will drive you hard to the left and tries to crash you on the concrete - paddle hard right to avoid...
Middle Put In
Put in above or below the bridge - convenient parking on either side of the road.
Gauge under downstream side of the bridge.
i24
Straight stretch, beginning of the Lower Section
Train Wreck
Starts just above the train bridge - Recommended to stop in the pool river right and scout. This is not a good place to swim, because there are large rocks underneath and it is also a long rapid - probably no recovery until the end.
Tree Trap
Trees tend to fall across / into the creek in this area! Approach river right and look left around the corner - you can also get out on this (rt)side if you need to. Stay right of the big hole.
This rapid/area sets you up to go under I-24 immediately following. Approach on the left and then paddle hard to the right - just avoid the big holes.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportIf/when you see a tree across the creek - please get out as soon as possible and walk!!
fotos made at about 2' water level
Straight stretch following Tiger Tail
Also beginning of the Lower Section
Upper put in
Nice waves - long rapid
not a good foto of, because it doesn't give any idea of the length /size of waves - just you see the clothes - lol
swift water