Water Level

As your trip draws near, it is very important to know what conditions you will face.
In the winter and spring months heavy rains can produce dangerously high water while in
the summer long periods of drought can turn your favorite whitewater run into a long
portage. Although the lower Cadron River can be paddled year-around, the upper
North Fork of Cadron Creek can only be paddled in the spring or after a rain storm.
In planning your adventure on Cadron Creek please consider the following:

Below 1.70 Feet

A Drag - Literally. At this level the one cannot paddle without pulling their canoe through some of the shoals--a
most tiresome ordeal. Paddling is no longer an enjoyable pursuit on the upper reaches of Cadron Creek but
the fishing is exceptional. Many anglers will go tubing and wading to reach their favorite fishing hole. If
wading and tubing is not appealing the "Bogaloosha" of lower Cadron Creek provides a deep dark delta
paddling voyage even during the longest drought. The absolute minimum for paddling is 1.50 feet.

1.70 Feet to 2.00 Feet

Easy - Route-Finding Needed. This is the lowest level for enjoyable paddling and allows even beginners to
enjoy the scenery of Pinnacle Springs and other Class II runs. At this level you will find that a sit-on-top kayaks
to be the boat of choice as it will slide through even shallow water with ease. This water level is usually
encountered in June and July when getting wet and swimming is at its best. A nice quiet float.

3.50 Feet to 5.00 Feet

Difficult - This is the highest level in which Cadron Creek can be run safely by an intermediate paddler. Many
of the rapids and shoals below Batesville Mountain are "washed out" by standing waves that can swamp an
open boat. The main current may swing under bushes, branches and overhangs. Unless you have had prior
experience on Cadron Creek or on Class III whitewater you should avoid paddling Pinnacle Springs and Cove
Creek Run. And be prepared to get wet...and cold.

2.00 to 3.50 Feet

Medium - This is considered by many to be the most ideal level for paddling on Cadron Creek The rapids are
exhilerating and generally unobstructed. This is a good level for novice and intermediate paddlers to improve
their skills and enjoy the scenery Cadron Creek has to offer. Above Pinnacle Springs Campground this is a
wonderful level for a family or church outing.

5.00 to 7.00 Feet

Difficult and Dangerous - Just short of flood stage Cadron Creek should not be paddled at this level unless the
paddler is well-versed in self-rescue and well-equipped for all types of emergencies. The river is very pushy at
this level and standing waves can literally stand a boat on end. Moreover there are very few eddies that allow
for an easy recovery. Cadron Creek Outfitters will not provide boats or equipment for rent at this
level. Shuttle services will be provided solely at our discretion.

Over 7.00 Feet

Difficult, Dangerous and Disasterous - At this level your intelligence must be questioned. This is a river in
flood--big, pushy, and certainly dangerous. We do not recommend that Cadron Creek be floated at levels
above 7.00 feet. Floodstage floating demands expert paddling skills, bomb-proof self-rescue skills and an
intimate knowledge of Cadron Creek. At floodstage there are many deadly and unavoidable hazards--river
wide hydralics, logjams, moving strainers and exploding waves--and your prior knowledge of what lies
downstream will largely determine if you are to survive the experience.

Current Water Level