Big Reed Island Creek

I 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.

Lang on BRI

Tommy on BRI

Cindy on BRI

Not a very demanding stretch seriously. You will be fine in a rec boat without a skirt. a couple of nearly unavoidable strainers last time I went, but other than that pretty safe.

This is the best stretch of BRI that is worth running. Gauge used to be a minimum of about 1 foot at the bridge at Silverleaf Rd. No USGS gauge. Class (II+ - III). Not for a novice!