Sandy Springs Hollow
Headwaters to EFLB (2 miles)('Mystery Creek' - 'Upper EFLB')
| Difficulty | III-IV+ |
| Length | 2.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 180 fpm |
| Gauge | Little Buffalo |
| Flow Rate as of 52 minutes | 2.85 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 3, 2017 |
River Description
Note: The combination of Steep banks and storms tend to clog the creek with wood from time to time, so keep look out.
Put-in: Go North on County Road 8872 from Hwy 16 for 1.7 miles and take the road to the right to descend the hill. At the bottom, follow to the left and park at the end. (elevation ~1850). This road is no longer maintained and may have wash-outs as it descends the hill.
Take-out: Option 1) Carry up the road at the put-in for the standard EFLB run. This road is passable for an ATV.
Option 2) Paddle down the main East Fork Little Buffalo to Murray. This run will be kickin' and offer some big water features near the bottom. Be on the look out for Johnson's Falls.
The creek is the cousin of Barberry Creek which is located on the West side of Heydenrich Road and joins Sandy Springs/EFLB at the standard putin for the East Fork Little Buffalo run.
Sandy is mainly boulder drops with a few bedrock drops, Barberry is mainly bedrock drops with a few boulder drops.
Highlight is 'Rooster's Two Step'. Stairsteping 12+ foot waterfall with a curving slide entrance.
See more info on the Ozark Whitewater Page for Sandy Springs Hollow (aka Mystery Creek).
River Features
Put In
Swimmin' Hole
The bedrock ends at the entrance to the gorge over this 5-ft autoboof waterfall/ledge into a small pool. The majority of the creek is boulder rapids from here on down.
Sandy's Squeeze Box
The first large boulders in the creek signal this double drop. First is a choice for the tight slot in the middle or on the right followed by the wider bottom slot.
Sandy's Crack
Most of the flow funnels into a shale/slate crack against the left wall. Watch out for the sharp rock.
Rooster's Two Step
Creek turns to the left then drops off a 3-foot step into the 10-12 foot waterfall.
Several good class IV boulder drops from here to the confluence with the upper EFLB.
Take Out
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