Jacobs Creek

Typical drops on Jacob's Creek

Go anywhere you wanna.

Carolyn is passing under the Pennsylvania Turnpike just west of the Donegal exit. An old 'un-used' dam is visible on the other side of the tunnel. Freeman Fall is ~ 200ft upstream of this dam.

This is the first and largest drop on the river ... if you don't count the dam at the take-out.

There are land owner issues here.<<< We were granted permission to park and launch at the put-in after we asked the landowner on river right next to bridge (in background). We were also granted permission to park on private property at the take-out (Mennonite retreat) after we assured the attendant on duty that we were not CrAzY thrill-seekers AND also promised to not run the dam. This run is noted for many downed trees. We only had to portage 5 times.

would like help cutting out this run. ryanvincent313@yahoo.com let me no

Update as of Sept 18 2004 - run at 1 foot - lower dam gauge

Only three stainers are currently in the creek that are of any concern. The first is at the first large drop (upper section) and may look run-able at high flow creek right - it's not. Portage right side if possible. Don't confuse this with the section known as 'The Death Cave' this left to right move avoids a strainer but is not considered blocked.

The second is at a semi-blind drop in the middle of run (near concrete retaining wall along Turnpike) - it to needs to be walked. Although it might be do-able going right to left with a boof (however, there is a possible pinning rock in that boof line so take care - not recommended). Portage right side - left side suks!

Final stariner is towards the end of the run and is biggest of 3 (has the ROADWAY trailer door stuck in it) and can be walked around or crawled over (if out of boat).

There are a lot of brambles along the shores and in the eddies so watch your hands and more importantly your eyes. There is also part of a turnpike guard rail in the creek mid way but it can be easily missed.

Take care and have fun. Duration to run 3 to 4 hours - even though it is short do to scouting. Oh and don't forget the dams and Freeman Falls. Be kind and polite to land owners.

PS: The effort the lads did on cleaning out this run is outstanding! Kudos to Zach, Dan and the others.

As of Spring 2004 a small group of dedicated paddlers have made a couple passes down through the creek to 'clean out' the debris from dumping, high water, logging and Turnpike construction. Although not completely clear the run is 'do-able' if care is taken with in boat scouting.

Unfortunately the PA Turnpike often has an impact on this section of Jacobs Creek since they parallel each other for most of the run (3 mile hill coming off of Chestnut Ridge).