Cadron Creek (Hwy 36 -> Hwy 107)

[ummechengr]

Hey guys,
Brand new to the forum. Me and my wife are planning to paddle some of your gorgeous AR water Saturday (5/18) and after doing some research on americanwhitewater.com, settled on the Hwy 36 to Hwy 107 section of Cadron Creek.

It'll be our first time on this creek (we're from a small town north of Memphis) and I wanted to reach out to you guys and ask about what options are available as far as outfitters (to shuttle a person from takeout back to putin), as well as parking at the takeout.

Any information you can provide on this would be greatly appreciated. Look forward to meeting you guys out on the water!

P.S. We don't need to rent from an outfitter, just shuttle, as we have all our own gear.

[Cadron Boy]

You may wish to reconsider. Now I love that stretch of the East Fork -- I'm the one that even wrote the description for the americanwhitewater.com site -- but this isn't the best introduction to Cadron Creek. Rather, let me recommend the North Fork of the Cadron for your first trip. Let me also recommend any reach from Highway 124 to Highway 285 within the "heart" of the Cadron -- the Pinnacle Springs Run being one of the more popular reaches.

The North Fork is primed, we had a good rain today (1+ inch at 11pm), it is still raining and the creek should be offering near optimal levels (or higher) tomorrow (Friday) and should hold through the weekend. The East Fork takes a little more precipitation to reach optimal levels but is also likely to be a "go" this weekend -- albeit with more water it can also become a fast-paced obstacle course that is not suitable for long boats or canoes as it is very tight and tortuous in places due to standing timber, overhanging limbs and strainers. Moreover if you're looking to meet some of our local paddlers and make some new friends - then please note that you'd likely be the only folks on the entire upper East Fork come this weekend -- it simply isn't that popular. Again, I love the East Fork but it is an acquired taste and not really suitable for an introductory experience.

My recommendations -- all on the North Fork:
1) Highway 124 or Hartwick Mill bridge to Highway 310 (Pinnacle Springs Bridge),
2) Highway 310 to Highway 65 (short, the "Pinnacle Springs Run") or Highway 285 (long), or
3) Highway 65 to Highway 285.

That said -- if you need a shuttle this weekend give me a call (501-993-1650) -- I'll be glad to set up any shuttle you so desire be it on Middle, East or North Forks of the Cadron.

FYI : 1) Watch your speed in both Greenbrier and Guy -- you speed, you will get caught! and 2) If you like adult beverages for after the trip, you best bring them with you -- its a dry county.

[ummechengr]

Thanks a bunch Cadron! I'll definitely be giving you a call later to set things up. I'm thinking the 3rd suggestion (Hwy 65 - Hwy 285) looks like a nice trip.

[Jim Krueger]

Thanks C. B. , I was hoping you'd chime in since these folks were coming in from a ways-away

Best Regards
jim