Neshannock Creek 1-31-12
 

Today I was able to get out of work early and get the kayak out with the temps in the 50's
So I head to New Wilmington Pa to try a short section of the Neshannock Creek, and Gorge.
I started on St RT 208 in Valiant PA and went to Lakewood Neshannock Falls rd bridge. This section is about four miles. Gage was 5.17 ft
The first 2 1/2 miles are nice calm with good current with little wave trains.
Once to get in front of the gorge the fun begins.
There are two sets of class 2 rapids in the gorge ( Listed on American Whitewater web site) that I was unable to take any pictures, because I had to really work to get threw it. Lot's of fun!!!
After I popped out of the gorge there are some really nice wave trains that range from one foot up to three feet high. I caught most of those until my pull out at the bridge.
When I was driving back to get my bike I saw another kayaker getting ready by the begining of the gorge, so I stopped. It was Paul and new member of the club and his new dagger kayak. He is the one who told me about this section back in October on the Loweville run.
Great Run, I really want to get others on it. ( Jon, JP, Dennise and other thrill seekers)
Thank Paul for good info
Mike Danko
ps got some pics

From the pix and your report, it sounds like a nice run. Any idea how long it holds water or if it's tough to catch up? How much above paddling zero do you estimate 5.17 feet to be?

The Big Neshannock does not have a gauge, but www.americanwhitewater.org correlates the water level with the gauge in Transfer on the Shenango. So far this correlation seams to be pretty good. Also there is some nice water down stream to New Castle.