Information on Galla Creek
Rating: III-IV *
TDCR: ????
Location: Pope Co., The close proximity to I-40 and 4 mi. shuttle
make this one of the easiest creek shuttles in Arkansas.
Go north off I-40 (exit 88) at Pottsville (just East of
Russellville) on Crow Mtn. Rd. (Hwy. 363). Proceed up the
mountain 2.3 mi. The Bridge is unmarked but would be hard
to miss. There is not a lot of parking so plan accordingly.
Take out at Galla Lake by going back down the mountain and
turning west on Hwy. 64 into Pottsville. Go 1 mi., then
turn north and follow Galla Park Rd. to the lake. The park
gates close at 4:30p.m. Alternative take out would require
a carry around the dam and a short paddle in the dam outflow
to I-40/Hwy.64. Galla Creek can be run in 1.5 to 2 hours
including shuttle.
Area Map
Topo Quad(s): Russellville East
Gradient: 92 fpm (last mile before lake drops 140 fpm)
Length: 3.15 mi. (last .75 mi on the lake)
Season: FLOOD
Gauge: No gauge. Generally would require at least 2.5 in. of rain in
Russellville. If there appears to be enough water at the
put-in, there should adequate water downstream because there
are several small branches that enter downstream.
Hazards: The major hazards are trees. Several of the rapids require
maneuvering thru trees in class III situations. Some of the
drops are semi-blind with slots. Deadfalls are common.
Description: Galla Cr. was first run in April 1992 by Charles Chevaillier
and Bob Silkensen and then again in May 1995 after a 4 inch rain
by David Wilbanks and Dale Barton of the Russellville area.
The second run was in November 1996 after a 2.8in. rain.
The total drop is 220 ft. The initial 2/3 mi. drops 60 ft.
and is mainly characterized by fast water through trees, but
the visibility downstream is fairly good. At one point the
creek bends left and under a tree which has grown from the
left bank onto a rock in the middle of the bend; portage on
the left. The next mile drops 140 ft and is very similar to
a smaller, steeper Richland Creek with trees. The canyon
gets noticeably deeper and several waterfalls and small
streams enter. It is difficult to believe that you are only
about a half mile from the interstate! There are several
class III rapids in this section and a couple of IV's. One
(Boof Lube) has a tricky class III entry, followed by a
tight line right through some trees, over a small hole, slide
left, and a quick 7 ft. boof right into poorly padded,
fast water (whew!). The bottom portion of the creek still has
several class III drops and a few require some must make
slot moves. The action only stops at the lake. Thanks
go to Dale Barton for the description of this great little
creek run!
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