State Game Lands #39 to Pecan 8.5 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
I-II 23/28 Tiny
(31/52) A/A
mouth
of stream Rouseville
Topographic Maps: Polk
County Maps: Venango
Description: This is an extremely beautiful run through a hemlock valley with an understory of moss, ferns, and skunk cabbage. The gradient, though high for a Class I-II stream, is steady. The creek runs over many small gravel bars and rock gardens. It is only about 25 feet wide at the put-in but widens on the way down. The only sign of civilization is an old iron furnace ruins. [Checked 2004]
Difficulties: About 3 to 4 miles within the run there are several Class II ledges.
Shuttle: To get to the put-in, go north from Pearl on State Route 3013 (old State Route 8) for 0.1 miles, and turn left/west on a dirt road (Slatertown Road). Follow this road for about 2.2 miles to the river following the signs to State Game Lands #39. To get to the take-out at Pecan (Mays Mill), return to old State Route 8 (State Route 3013) and turn left/north. Just after the road crosses the creek high up, go down to creek level on a dirt road on the right named Pecan Valley Road. This take-out will have you paddling 2.5 miles on the Sandy Creek.
Gauges: Rouseville. This gauge on nearby Oil Creek will probably read between 4.5 and 6.5 feet. Eyeball it at the put-in. There will be more water soon after the put-in so do not shy away if it looks minimal.
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.