Cadron Creek Fill me in.

[russhog]

Hello I am new to the board. I just purchased my first Kayak, A Perception prodigy 12. I live near Conway and am interested in learing the best places to float the Cadron. I am interested in Hwy 36 to north of Barney, how is the water? Also around 65. How often do groups get together and float.

Thanks

[Trismegistus]

Close to Conway there isn't a better place to paddle -- from peaceful, tranquil, lazy floats through a tunnel of green to exhilerating Class II+ play the Cadron is a delightful place to paddle. It is beautful country -- mostly free of human occupancy -- bluff lined, forested river banks, and enough caves, grottos and waterfalls to make terrestrial exploration equally as rewarding. Easy shuttles -- usually on paved roads -- make for a number of different trips varying from just a couple of hours long to multi-day adventures.

The stretch from Highway 310 (Pinnacle Springs Bridge/CCO) to Highway 65 is the most popular thanks to a number of nice playwaves, with the runs above (Hartwick Mill Bridge to Highway 65) and below (Highway 65 to Highway 285) also very popular.

But closer to you -- East Fork of Cadron, a major tributary -- also offers a couple of really nice reaches during the wet season (anytime the gauge at Cadron Creek is 4+ feet). From the AWA stream reports:

First my favorite -- Highway 36 to White Oak Bridge/Highway 107 (Mansfield Bluff Run), Class I-II, 9 Miles

Paddling from the Highway 36 bridge (parked on SW corner) to Highway 107 bridge you'll enjoy the unique character of this waterway. During the middle third of the run the river flows through the middle of a large tupelo forest. The river rushes by trees 3-4 feet thick for 2-3 miles giving you the feeling that you are paddling through the woods. Normally when there are a lot of trees mid-stream you're in slack water or bayous. Here you fly by on a continuous cascade of Class I-II whitewater with hardly a pause in the action as you dodge trees and plunge over numerous cascades. In fact the river has a near continuous gradiant. Holes are few, far between and short.

There is an abundant amount of woldlife on this run--deer, turkey, beaver and bear--but you best keep an eye on the water as you may encounter an occassional log jam requiring portage. In some cases there was a possibility of dire consequences for a mistake (like leaving your boat wedged in a logjam). You'll need to be a good judge of what moves you can and can't make so that you don't get swept into a logjam. At lower levels (2.75 to 3.5 feet), this would be a safe run for beginning boaters, but at higher levels (above 4 feet) you might want to call upon an experienced paddler to scout ahead and run lead.

Landmarks: At 1.2 miles the run curves back on itself and approaches Highway 107 (river right). At 6.2 miles Clear Creek enters from river right. At 7.2 miles you'll see Mansfield Bluff (>100 feet) on river right; Rainbow Falls is just downstream on river right. At 8.0 miles Cedar Creek enters on river left.

Difficulty: Although its a Class I-II stream at its current level I'd move its rating up to Class II-III with higher water and recommend that anyone paddling this stretch be able to ferry and back paddle quickly and with authority. Blind turns, strainers, and tricky drops.

Shuttle: From put-in go south 1.1 miles on Highway 36. Go west on Tanyard road 4.7 miles to bridge on Highway 107.

Another nice one is from Highway 107 to Hardin Bridge (Happy Valley Run) - Class I-II, 10 Miles

Flowing adjacent to White Oak Mountain (river left) the East Fork of the Cadron descends into Happy Valley. This stretch is floated more by fishermen than by canoeists because of the many long pools and slower water, especially near the end of this run. One long pool, Blue Hole is said to be the deepest on the Cadron. Several fords cross the Cadron on this run and at optimal levels offer one a chance to stop and play and surf.

Landmarks: At 0.5 miles White Oak Creek enters on river right. At 2.1 mile you'll encounter the first ford, Powell Ford and some the the fatest water as you pass through Wolf Hollow. At 4.4 mile you'll encounter West Ford, at 6.0 mile Red River Ford and at 8.4 mile Cow Ford. All fords can be run at optimal levels. Just before the take-out at Hardin Bridge you'll pass under a powerline.

Difficulty: This Class I-II stream offers few obstacles although each of the fords can prove to be an easily surmountable obstacle at optimal water level.

Shuttle: From put-in go south on Highway 107 4.1 miles and turn west (right) on Marcus Hill Road. Go five miles until road intersects with Clinton Mt. Road (Highway 310). Go left (north-west) to Hardin bridge. Plenty of parking at both ends of this stretch.

The North Fork gets far more usage and that's usually where you will find everyone paddling. But the East Fork still has some of tallest bluffs, prettiest waterfalls, deepest swimming holes and abundant wildlife -- and since it gets far less use you'll likely have the entire creek to yourself on any given day. Unfortunately once the Cadron reaches the delta (below Highway 285 for the North Fork or the Cadron Bottoms for the East Fork) its no longer a spirited Ozark stream -- more of a sluggish trash-lined bayou -- good fishing, yucky swimming.

How often do groups get together to float it? Well anytime the gauge is between 2 and 4 feet (optimal level) you'll likely find people looking to paddle the Cadron. The only exception is when everything else in the state is also at optimal level and then folks will paddle someplace they aren't able to visit as easily or frequently as the Cadron.

There's an old web site we put together several years ago -- certainly in need of an update -- but it might offer you some additional insight. Check it out: Cadron Creek