Normal height of the guage is typically between 2 and 5 feet. Paddling is not very good as the level drops below 3 feet. Paddling becomes very good as the level raises above 4 feet. The creek is within its banks in most places at levels up to 5 to 6 feet. It starts to get out of banks in spots at 7 feet and is out in many by 8 and nearly everywhere at levels of 10. At a level of 15 feet most everything is underwater and great care must be used to avoid getting lost.

Note that these levels are subjective and depend on where you are paddling within the Park. The muddiest paddling is when the creek level falls from over 10 feet to about 3 feet and you have to portage up a steep muddy bank. I have been in mud up past my knee and have seen others up to their waist. Loosing shoes is common in this situation.

Lee Olson
Palmetto Paddlers Membership Officer