A. Jones Mills 16.0 miles
to Indianhead Lake on
State Route 381
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
I-II 13/20 Tiny
(33/55) A/A
Melcroft White
Bridge
Topographic Maps: Seven Springs, Donegal, Mill Run
County Maps: Westmoreland, Fayette
Description: From Jones Mills to Melcroft the creek is fast-flowing and narrow. There may be downed trees. There is a Class I rapid just below Champion, and a ledge or low runnable dam just above Melcroft. From Melcroft to State Route 653, the creek is slightly bigger. It flows over gravel bars, mostly straight shots, not many eddies. Not far above State Route 653 the Class I-II rapids begin. Between State Route 653 and the lake at State Route 381, the river is an honest Class II. This is a nice trip. It is pretty except for a shantytown on the left bank just above State Route 653.
Through out this section the Mountain Watershed Association, a conservation group dedicated to Indian Creek, has a number of water reclamation projects in place and under development to address the acid mine run off. Additionally there is the Indian Creek Valley Trail (bicycle/cross country ski - old railroad grade) that runs from Champion to Indian Head. The trail continues unimproved, from Indian Head until it meets State Route 381 at the Mill Run Reservoir. [Checked 2003]
Difficulties: There is a series of rock dams in conjunction with the summer homes about halfway down the run.
Shuttle: The river runs roughly along State Route 381, so you can pick a trip according to your tastes.
Gauges: White Bridge. We do not have enough information to report runnable levels on this section. Under the State Route 653 bridge is the shallowest part, so if you can get through there, the level is adequate. The Ursina gauge on nearby Laurel Hill Creek will probably read above 2.0 feet.
Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons. Since this section is tiny, it should normally be runnable only after a heavy rain or during spring snowmelt.
B. Indianhead Lake 4.9 miles
to Youghiogheny River at Camp Carmel
B. Indianhead Lake to Youghiogheny River
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
V-VI 57/80 Small
(125/208) A/A
mouth
of creek White
Bridge
Topographic Maps: Mill Run, South Connellsville
County Maps: Fayette
Description: The character of the river swiftly changes from a valley stream to a let's-get-down-off-the-mountain stream. The gradient is very steep and the rapids are big and technical. [Checked 2003]
Difficulties: One rapid ("Terminator") has a dangerous undercut rock (Class VI) and should be scouted carefully on the right. It is near the end of the run soon after Ratler Run comes in from the right. Most people choose not to run it. There are several other dangerous rapids. Scout carefully.
Shuttle: Put in on the reservoir near State Route 381, paddle across along the left bank. Carry around the dam at the end of the reservoir. Give the dam wide clearance as it is extremely dangerous. The creek runs into the Youghiogheny River about 3 miles upstream of South Connellsville. South Connellsville is the closest good take-out. Alternately, take out at Camp Carmel on the left side of the Youghiogheny.
Currently (2003) the Mountain Watershed Association is working on access to an old railroad grade on river left, that will improve boater access to the gorge section.
Gauges: State Route 653 Bridge. We do not have enough information to report runnable levels on this section. There is a painted gauge where State Route 653 crosses the creek (slightly off the direct route to the creek, but well worth checking). One reporter ran the creek at level of 3.2 on this gauge and found the level low but OK. The Ursina gauge on nearby Laurel Hill Creek will probably read above 2.0 feet.
Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons. Since this section is tiny, it should normally be runnable only after a heavy rain or during spring snowmelt.