N. Sylamore Creek?

[Shep]

Wife and I spent the weekend exploring North Sylamore Creek WMA. Well worth it! The trail between Barkshed and Gunner Pool was especially nice. We were discussing the possibilities of canoe camping it, and I know I must not be the first person to have this thought!. Based on the levels I saw on Saturday and Sunday, I would guess that it's pretty much class 1 all the way down, with good access to some established campsites. I'm thinking 2.75 ft or 100-150 cfs on this gauge might be perfect: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/uv?site_no=07060710" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anybody with more knowledge? any trip reports out there for this stretch? Looks like AW has >100cfs as the "good" range. Anyone put in upstream from Barkshed?

[dbschlotterbeck]

This is one of my favorite floats in the entire Ozarks and well worth the effort to catch at a good level and even better to canoe camp on it. The scenery is spectacular and some of the best bluffs and gravel bars in the state. As you can see, it does drop out fast, so early season is best, and high optimum at Barkshed put-in is helpful for overnights. There are quite a few fun little drops, but nothing over II and the creek moves at a good pace. Though the level did drop, we were able to paddle on down to Blanchard without any issues. Sorry, not sure what the level was when I floated it. If you are worried about the level dropping, consider floating past Blanchard Springs the first day. It adds some volume to the creek. Paddle on down to Hwy 5 the next day. I've wanted to check above Barkshed also, but am unsure about access points. Watch for bears and have fun.

[dogpatch]

Ditto what the previous poster said. One of my favorites also when you can catch it, which is not often. Scarcely anyone floats it cause when it's up everyone is on Richland, Hurricane, Hailstone, etc. It's all National Forest watershed and is the clearest water in the Ozarks that I know of. Has some nice waterfalls and easy surfing spots. Could be worth a listing on the OWP.

[ROBERT GEORGE SCHARNHORST]

great little creek, but it falls out pretty quick. did it acouple of springs ago. i dont think it gets much attention. atleast not much on this page. last time it was talked about i was doing the talking. lots of nice ripples, wildlife, some waterfalls, very very senic. there is a wright up about it in toms second book ( a canoeing & kayaking guide to the ozarks).