Information on Big Devils Fork Cr.
Rating: III-V *
TDCR: 8786
Location: Newton Co.; Go south, downhill from Iceledo Gap to Hill
Cemetery (4WD required). Drag downhill about 0.1 mile to
put-in. Creek looks too small at put in, but do it anyway.
Take-out is at Richland Creek Campground.
Area Map
Topo Quad(s): Moore
Gradient: 190 fpm (not counting Richland)
Length: 2.4 mi. plus 1.5 mi. on Richland
Season: FLOOD
Gauge: Water should be nearly flush with Richland Campground bridge
or above 6 ft on the ACC Bulletin Board gauge. Also, look for
1.5" or more rain at the Deer and Ben Hur rain gauges, as
posted on the ACC Bulletin Board. Rain must have fallen
within the last 6 to 12 hours for a run. At very high levels,
expect a solid class V run for 4 miles.
Hazards: severe undercuts, difficult rapids, overhanging branches,
strainers, waterfalls
Description: First known descent of this creek was on April 11, 1995
by Cowper Chadbourn, Charles Chevallier, Andy Hicks, Nathan
Kline, and Joe Warren (of Galveston), with the exception of
Big Devil's Fall (one of the Twin Falls) which was first run
by Nathan Kline on April 29, 1995. This run begins as a
creek so tiny that you will think you have made a mistake,
but it quickly builds in intensity. The run has many tough
class III to IV rapids sprinkled with a generous helping of
strainers and undercut rocks. The highlight of the trip is
the run of the Twin Falls near the confluence with Richland Cr.
Depending on water level, you may either run the Big Devils
(left) side, or access and run the the Long Devils side via a
short carry. As of December, 1995, of 20+ runs divided
between the Twin Falls, only two or three "pitons" have
occurred, all on Long Devil's Falls (river right). Keep your
speed up and try to launch well into the pool, running either
of the falls slightly left of center. Be prepared for a "big
water" run through some of Richland's most difficult rapids
after the confluence (IV+ at these levels). All rapids have
been run, although the boulder jumble just below the first
waterfall has been marginal for water levels encountered to
date. Big Devils Fork, like its sister creek, is an "experts
only" run. The extremely tight course, high gradient, and
numerous hazards combine to pose a significant risk of life
and limb for even the most experienced boaters. Thanks go
to Cowper Chadbourn for information on this great Ozark hair
run.
See Lance Jones' Pages for more info on Big Devils Cr.
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