Information on Big Devils Fork Cr.

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.