Canadaway Creek

Hamlet/Cassadaga Road to Laona                 9.0 miles

Class           Grad                    Size (Area/Volume)                  Scene/Poll             Level

III-IV        67/100                                                                          A/A                                          

Topographic Maps: Dunkirk (NY), Cassadaga (NY), Hamlet (NY)

County Maps: Chautauqua (NY)

Description: The water level at the put-in is supplemented by input from a steady influx of side streams for the first 3 miles. The start of the shale canyon is noticeable as the stream stops meandering and is confined in the narrowing gorge. Unlike Twenty Mile Creek and Chau­tauqua Creek, which increase their gradients as they enter their canyons, on the Canadaway the bottom drops out. A 35 foot falls (Arkwright Falls) requires a very difficult portage (see Difficulties) that may be problematical at high water levels. It is followed by two more difficult ledges just as houses come into view. The second ledge is Shumla Falls. The last 2 to 3 miles of the trip are accessible by road and contain enjoyable chutes, rapids, and ledges. A final ledge along New York Route 60, near the take-out, should also be scouted. [Reported 1988]

Difficulties: A 35 foot falls appears just above a left bend; the only possible carry is on the left with shale cliffs above the falls on that side; this portage requires ropes. At low levels it is possible to beach on a mid-river sandbar and walk down to the take-out for this carry; at high water this could present a serious problem. A pair of ledges that occur just after houses come into view should be scouted and perhaps carried, as should another ledge along New York Route 60. A 40 foot falls under the town bridge in Laona has a nearly impossible portage. This is downstream of the suggested take-out.

Shuttle: The put-in is on New York Route 60 just outside Cassadaga. Turn left before (not in) town. Follow this road 4 miles to the put-in between Cassadaga and Hamlet. Take out well above the 40 foot falls that is immediately under the town bridge in Laona. An alternate shuttle is New York Route 60 to New York Route 83. Follow New York Route 83 about 4 miles to the crossroads at Arkwright. Turn right and go 3 miles to the put-in at the bottom of the hill.

Gauges:

Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons.