First Descent of Upper Chickalah Creek

[FarPastGone]

Big props to everyone that got out and explored with this recent rain event, espcially the crew that fired off the monster of Newton. A couple of us (Ben Maguire, Bill Herring, Cole Bailey, Ryan Spanke, Zach Williams, and I) finally got to run Upper Chickalah Creek, which Noel Parker and I found and cleared out about half a year ago (although apparently others have cleaned in the past with intentions of running it). It is another creek off the side of Mt. Magazine and is a few drainages over from Haags Hollow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QURnhuOgqLU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;).

Anyways, with all the rain, this thing finally ran. I have seriously been skunked (and skunked others) three different occasions trying to see this thing with enough water. It could have used a bit more, but it is a great run. Sort of like a living creek version of Lake Norrell, with a couple bigger drops for good measure.

I am still working on puting the beta together for gradient, distance, and put-in/takeout, so I will post that when I get around to it. If I remeber correctly though, I think the creek is 200+ fpm for the first section. This is just the first mile or 3/4 mile of the creek, and there is actually a mile or two of really great boulder drops downstream that we did not run due to never getting a chance to clean it out. The hike-out was a a couple hundred feet out of this narrow steep gorge, then a 1/4-1/2 mile hike to the road.

Here is the video; there was a lot of water and excitement about there being a lot of water, so the language isn't exactly PG.

http://vimeo.com/22998219" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- Matt

[Heath]

nice find matt, props to you guys getting out there and finding some new stuff.

[SteveGabbard]

Very nice!

[Cowper]

(although apparently others have cleaned in the past with intentions of running it).

I wonder who would do such a thing?

(no I don't)

[Fish]

The hike-out was a a couple hundred feet out of this narrow steep gorge, then a 1/4-1/2 mile hike to the road.

That's a couple hundred vertical feet. We really need to get the rest of that creek cleaned out! :)

Seriously, that's one of the all around coolest creeks I've ever gotten to run. A very fast bobsled ride around sharp corners, over boofs, and dropping waterfalls.. It's basically a creek boater's playground unless you end up upside down in which case you may have your nose rearranged. Also it's in the best true canyon I've seen in the Ozarks hands down. Even has a seriously b**chy drop in the middle to keep everyone honest. :shock:

Props indeed to the group who ran Possum Trot. That is some legit hair of the first degree. I don't know whether to be sad that I missed it or happy that I didn't go and walk a bunch of drops. One hell of an adventure for sure!

- Fish

[EMTyak]

Awesome video! Sure does look like an amazing run!

[waterhog]

nice one matt chalk up another run in ark

[shelbyjohnson]

Really enjoyed the video - thanks for sharing. Like how the final minutes of edit fast forwarded thru the hike out. That was really terrific.

[canoe]

Cool, loks a lot like a smaller Big Devil's Fork. dale

[ARzach]

Really enjoyed the video - thanks for sharing. Like how the final minutes of edit fast forwarded thru the hike out. That was really terrific.

I'm glad it was fast-forwarded. I was nervous I wouldn't be able to show this video to my Mother. Thankfully, Matt sped it up so that it's not even noticeable that my a$$ is in full moon, to keep the team-morale on the up and up during the hike/lightening dodge out.

[Ate My Lunch]

I have many hero's in this sport/hobby, and you guys just made the top of my list!

[panicman]

nice find guys. another creek run within an hr or so of my house.

[L.A.paddler]

Super sweet vid Matt! Looks like you guys tore it up!

[Lazer]

We looked at that one several years ago and tried to catch it a couple times but never worked out with the water timing. Props to you guys catching it.

The data I have is that it is averages 220 fpm for the first 1.2 miles. A quarter mile is at 340 fpm equivalent.


From what I remember, the creek enters lots of wood and willows below the bedrock/slide drops and didn't have much else in the terms of quality drops. There is a road (was gated at times in the past) that crosses a little was below the bedrock section. Might make taking out easier if the wood/willow section is cleared out.

[bird dog]

Where are the access road(s).