Big Creek

[torpedo]

If anyone has paddled Big Creek which is just north of Searcy can you please share info regarding put-in, take out, optimal level according to USGS gauge, etc... I found some info in Tom Kennon's book but I am curious if anyone else knows more.

Thanks-

[torpedo]

Seriously, nobody has any trips down Big Creek?

[Roger]

Gotta give your post time!! But since you asked, I live on the bluff that Big Creek runs underneath at Hiram, AR. This is between Pangburn and Wilburn. And I've never run it during 6 1/2 years of living here.

No gauge except sight gauges according to Kennon's book. Would like to do it once at least but it's got a nice little forest at the take out which is on McJester Road. You can access at the Big Creek Nature Area which is about four or five miles up Center Ridge Road that hits Highway 110 at the bluff area.

Post if you want a visual and if the time is right I might be able to go. Usually runs after a good rain. Right now, it's primed and any good rain will likely make it go. If nothing else, we can probably help you on the shuttle if possible.

Sorry I took so long to post!!

[JasonK]

Hey T,

I've wondered about Big Creek in Searcy Co myself since we drive over it on AR Hwy 14 about twice a month when we're headed to my inlaw's place, so I've done some digging around on it.

My bro-inlaw's father inlaw used to float it and fish from Highway 74 at Fairview to the Hwy14 bridge as a day trip. The fishing was supposedly fantastic and the scenery beautiful.

There's an ancient thread here:

http://forums.arkansascanoeclub.com/vie ... =1&t=14239

Though it sort of switches between another Big Creek elsewhere, there's a lot about what you're asking. Specifically -see where D. Thrasher talks about running Hwy 14 to Buffalo City (Big Creek dumps into the Buffy below Rush), in he basically vowed to never do it again - he reported that when the water was right on Big Creek the lower Buffy was scary big. There is a road that comes in from Cozahome off Highway 14 and ends up close enough to the Buffalo below the Big Creek confluence that you can supposedly make a short bushwhack portage to cut out the run to the White River. I've not located it yet (was going to but floating over New Year's was just too good to drive around). I've talked to another person who was on that very trip with Thrasher and opted out at the short hike-in instead of heading down to the White.

Sometime you should putter on up from LR and hike into Big Creek from the USFS Leatherwood Wilderness - there's trails that go right down to the creek and they're spectacular (and *no people*).

Anyway - when the water's running a float from Hwy 74 to 14 would be a pretty easy shuttle for sure. Holler if you do it, as I'd love your thoughts on it. I might try it myself after a big big rain this spring.

[torpedo]

I'm actually talking about the Big Creek north of Searcy. It's a tributary to the Little Red River right at Pangburn.

[Roger]

To confuse it a bit more, there's another Big Creek that runs in White County just south of Pangburn and crosses Hwy. 16 before you get to Letona. Put in is west of Letona.

Then there is Big Creek that is north of the Strawberry River in Sharp and Izard County. Lotsa of BIG CREEKS out there!

[JasonK]

I'm actually talking about the Big Creek north of Searcy. It's a tributary to the Little Red River right at Pangburn.

Hahaha... There you go. I've been so intrigued that I inserted my own "county" when I read your original post. Oops.

There goes another chance at a guinea pig... Guess I'll have to round up a few suckers this spring!

Good luck on your search!

[rugger]

I've fished it from Wilburn all the way down to the Red...didnt see anything that would cause rapids in that stretch

[gannon311]

at high water the low water bridge at the put in formes a nice wave to play. if u go in high water do not try to get there from botoof rd. of of mcjester.looks like a short cut but there is another creek u cant cross.

[gannon311]

at high water the low water bridge at the put in formes a nice wave to play. if u go in high water do not try to get there from botoof rd. of of mcjester.looks like a short cut but there is another creek u cant cross.