Little Red, Archey's Fork

From Randy Dodson: 'Roger Head and I ran Archey today from Hartsugg Cr. to Clinton. While it does have some fun drops on it, I wouldn't rate any of it class II+. Easy II's at the most. A couple of places required good boat control.  The scenery was class V. We were constantly surrounded by tall mountain ridges and bluffs, and in one place there were 3 mammoth size boulders in the middle of the creek leaving us with the choice of which ones we wanted to paddle between. Also many of the bluffs were different than what you might be used to on other Ozark streams. Definitely one the prettier rivers I've paddled. Just wish it were a little more challenging. Will have to go back and tandem it with my son.'

From John Svendsen: 'Best shoals are above Hartsugg. If you put in at Castleberry Creek, my favorite lower Archey put-in, you'll encounter better whitewater albeit one of my favorite shoals - a true Class III given its gradient, length, etc. is still further upstream. And if you want more gradient and a real creek feel -- and less drop pool -- you gotta go above Highway 254 and put-in up at Chimes. The lower section does offer some beautiful scenery and some great playwaves especially on some of the shale beds. Lastly, by taking out at the ball park you can drive right down to the rivers edge -- Joe T. will even let you camp on the land behind the Huddle House if you'll ask permission.'