Octoraro Creek

1. Octoraro Lake to Sleepy Hollow Rd/Lees Bridge Rd(Upper Octoraro)

Reach banner
DifficultyI-II
Length6.8 mi
Avg Gradient9 fpm
GaugeOctoraro Creek Near Richardsmere, Md
Flow Rate as of 19 minutes
74 cfsbelow recommended
Reach Info Last UpdatedMay 20, 2019

River Description

Pleasant run through scenic countryside. Put in at the covered bridge just below the lake. The first 7 miles are the best part, with some Class II ledges.


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Take Out

Distance: 7 mi
Take Out

EP
Eric Peppler

Jun 20, 2018


Twisting, turning, fast moving water through Amish country with plenty of obstructions to dodge. A friend and I (novices) ran this in a canoe with about 3.4ft on the gauge. We never bottomed out, even with how low we sit in the water. The upper Octoraro is a similar run to the Brandywine but has deeper and faster moving water with more obstacles. An upgrade to be sure. Two cautious portages were made past quick moving rapids that lead into potentially dangerous downed trees. These would likely be no issue for a kayaker though. We put in at the lake and got out early after 7 miles at Lee's Bridge on Sleepy Hollow Rd/Lees Bridge Rd with permission from the property owner. We can't wait to return and finish the entire thing!