What water level is good for paddling Big Piney Creek — Longpool to Hwy 164?

This section is generally runnable at 150–800 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Big Piney Creek levels?

We read USGS gauge 07257000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Big Piney Creek — Longpool to Hwy 164 good for beginners?

This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Big Piney Creek here?

Typically March–June, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Big Piney Creek — Longpool to Hwy 164?

This reach is about 6 miles, roughly 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Big Piney Creek — Longpool to Hwy 164: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class II6 mi · ~3.5 hrBig Piney CreekArkansas

Verdict

Level unavailable

We can’t read this gauge right now, so we can’t give a verdict. Check the USGS gauge page directly before relying on any estimate.

Estimated range

No current reading

USGS gauge 07257000

Runnable 150 – 800 cfs

0150800930

Paddling Longpool to Hwy 164

Big Piney Creek at Longpool to Hwy 164 is a 6-mile Class II run in Arkansas — bouncy wave trains and the occasional small rapid. Most paddlers put in at Longpool Recreation Area and take out at Hwy 164 (Dwight), a trip that runs about 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 150–800 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and Big Piney Creek gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 07257000 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable March–June. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

7-day flow trend is unavailable for this gauge right now.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class II
Length: 6 mi
Float time: ~3.5 hr
Best months: March–June
Put-in: Longpool Recreation Area
Take-out: Hwy 164 (Dwight)

Reading USGS gauge 07257000 — BIG PINEY CREEK NEAR DOVER, ARK ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Big Piney Creek — Longpool to Hwy 164?: This section is generally runnable at 150–800 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Big Piney Creek levels?: We read USGS gauge 07257000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Big Piney Creek — Longpool to Hwy 164 good for beginners?: This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Big Piney Creek here?: Typically March–June, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Big Piney Creek — Longpool to Hwy 164?: This reach is about 6 miles, roughly 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

No reading