Rocky Run to Johnsonburg 9.9 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
I 13/18 Small (63/126) B/B 2.0-2.9
Wilcox Wilcox
Topographic Maps: Wilcox, Ridgway
County Maps: Elk
Description: This stream flows through a wide valley on the eastern edge of Allegheny National Forest. The 3 miles above Wilcox is small enough for downed trees to be troublesome. Below Wilcox, the stream is open with sufficient size to minimize obstructions and meanders slightly in its due southward course. US Route 219 and a Conrail railroad track follow the stream and often dominate the scenery. [Reported 1997]
Difficulties: Paddlers may want to look at the first US Route 219 underpass on the north edge of Johnsonburg. The sheet piling and appearance of this curved water channel are imposing from the water but offer no difficulty to the informed paddler.
Shuttle: The put-in is on Horner Road about 3 miles above Wilcox. Take US Route 219 to get to the take-out at ball field between US Route 219 and river just below the paper mill in Johnsonburg. For a 3 mile shorter trip put on at the mouth of Wilson Run in Wilcox.
Gauges: Wilcox. This gauge should read between 2.0 and 2.9 feet (2003 rating table). This corresponds to a flow of 125 to 415 cfs. The Ridgway gauge further downstream will probably read above 4.5 feet.
Normal Wet Period: The Wilcox gauge is above 2.0 feet 32% of the time and above 2.9 feet 5% of the time.