Back Creek (South R. trib)

Sherando Lake to South River

Difficulty	II-III
Length	9.1 mi
Avg Gradient	30 fpm
Gauge	South River at Harriston, Va
Flow Rate as of 1 hour	62 cfsbelow recommended
Reach Info Last Updated	July 21, 2024

River Description

Small stream which drains the west side of the Blue Ridge, running into the South River, which runs into the North Fork of the Shenandoah. The upper section above Rt. 610 is more difficult.

River Features

Put In

Access PointDistance: 0 mi

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Take Out

Access PointDistance: 9 mi

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Trip Reports

Ken Dubel

Mar 11, 2003

I paddled this stream yesterday. The 200 cfs minimum flow on the South River at Harriston does not appear to be accurate. Flow yesterday there was 542 cfs and Back Creek was below paddling zero, even for this I'll-scrape-down-anything paddler. For a region-wide event, I'd put zero at 1,000 cfs at Harriston.

Looks like a fun little creek with more water though. Strainers will show up suddenly, particularly on the upper part.