Big Reed Island Creek
1. Route 58 to US Route 221
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 13.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 21, 2024 |
River Description
Big Reed Island Creek downstream of Rt. 58 contains some moderate whitewater in a pretty micro-gorge as it approaches the Laurel Fork confluence. Laurel Fork almost doubles the flow and there's a nice rapid just below this with some big waves. Above and below this the creek is pretty but milder and there are more cabin intrusions. For a good run on the upper section you'll probably need close to a foot on the Silverleaf Rd. bridge gauge as a minimum. Take out as far upstream on River Rd. as you can as there is mainly flatwater the last couple of miles to the Silverleaf bridge.
This reach should probably be divided in two parts; the upper section with most of the whitewater from Rt. 58 to River Rd/Silverleaf; and then a milder section from River Rd/Silverleaf to Rt. 221.
See also Lower Big Reed Island Creek.
See Also:
Classic Virginia Rivers, Ed Grove (1992 ed), p. 288.
Exploring Virginia's Waterways, Ed Gertler (2022 ed.), p. 326.
River Features
Put In
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Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportI have used the Smith River at Woolwine as a surrogate gage. Each 100cfs increment equates to about a foot on the Silverleaf Rd gage. Been watching the relationship for 20 yrs.
1/2 ft on the Silverleaf gage is enough to run downstream to Rt 221
Looking upstream at the confluence of Laurel Fork (left) and Big Reed Island Creek (right)
Big Reed Island Creek above the Laurel Fork confluence at 6' on Silverleaf gauge
Big Reed Island Creek above the Laurel Fork confluence at 6' on Silverleaf gauge
Big Reed Island Creek above the Laurel Fork confluence at 6' on Silverleaf gauge
Started at Silverleaf with the gauge at the bridge well below 1 ft. Water wasn't even on the bridge pillar gauge. Lots of rocks just below surface to maneuver through/slide over. I was floating a Necky Rip rec kayak, my friend was in a Perception Carolina 13.5 touring kayak We both enjoyed the scenery and the challenge of the falls. I would like to have more water to run the Silverleaf to 221 stretch again.
See the pics attached: The first set of falls, went river right. Second set of falls, went river left, then back to center to exit. Third set and most intimidating, went down the middle channel, which was pretty easy to ride.
Use the Chestnut Creek gage as a surrogate. I would not run this unless it was running at least 125 cfs.
Tommy on BRI
Lang on BRI
Cindy on BRI