New York State Line to Warren 15.0 miles
Class Grad Size
(Area/Volume) Scene/Pol Level
A-I 5/7 Medium C/B
Russell
Topographic Maps: Jamestown
NY, Russell, Warren
County Maps: Chautauqua NY, Warren
Description: This creek is a wide flatwater slug until it reaches Russell. Here the tempo picks up and there are some Class I rapids, and interesting channels. [Reported 1999]
Difficulties: At Warren State Hospital there is a beached dam, which can be run right of center if the water is not too low. It would be wise to check it from creek left first. There is a second dam in Warren, just upstream of the US Route 6 Bridge. This should be portaged on the left by exiting at a paved ramp 50 yards from the dam. Then slide your boat along a tight path between the fence and the creek to a point below the dam.
Shuttle: To reach the put‑in, take US Route 62 north from Warren. At State Route 1015 near Akeley, turn right/east. Cross the creek and turn left/north following State Route 1015. Go about 3.5 miles on State Route 1015 to Fentonville, NY. Take the first left turn out of Fentonville and follow to the launch area. To reach the take‑out, return to US Route 62 and follow into Warren. When you reach the intersection with US Route 6, go straight across to the back of the Market Street Plaza Shopping Center. At this point the creek joins the Allegheny River. The put‑in is on NY State Game lands and all boats must be licensed in New York. If not licensed and you do not want to chance it, shorten the trip by 3 miles and launch alongside US Route 62 just upstream of Akeley.
Gauge: Russell. We do not have enough information to report runnable levels on this section. The shallowest part is downstream of the dam by US Route 6. If this is passable then the section is okay.
Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons. Since this section is medium-sized, it should normally be runnable approximately December through May.