What water level is good for paddling Loyalsock Creek — Forksville to Loyalsockville?

This section is generally runnable at 150–3,000 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 Loyalsock Creek levels?

We read USGS gauge 01552000 — 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 Loyalsock Creek — Forksville to Loyalsockville 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 Loyalsock Creek here?

Typically April–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 Loyalsock Creek — Forksville to Loyalsockville?

This reach is about 17 miles, roughly 6.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Loyalsock Creek — Forksville to Loyalsockville: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class II17 mi · ~6.5 hrLoyalsock CreekPennsylvania

Verdict · updated Oct 17, 11:30 AM UTC

Good to paddle

Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.

Estimated range

243 cfs

1.4 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 01552000

Runnable 150 – 3,000 cfs

01503,0003,570

What this means today

At 243 cfs Loyalsock Creek is inside the runnable range but only 93 cfs above the 150 cfs floor, so it is sitting at the shallow end of what this reach runs at. A dry few days would take it under.

Over the last 24 hours it has gone from 201 cfs to 243 cfs, 21% up. Daily means over the past 7 days have run between 130 cfs and 317 cfs, 58% higher at the end of the week than the start.

Paddling Forksville to Loyalsockville

Loyalsock Creek at Forksville to Loyalsockville is a 17-mile Class II run in Pennsylvania — bouncy wave trains and the occasional small rapid. Most paddlers put in at Forksville, PA access and take out at Loyalsockville, PA access, a trip that runs about 6.5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 150–3,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and Loyalsock 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 01552000 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 April–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

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class II
Length: 17 mi
Float time: ~6.5 hr
Best months: April–June
Put-in: Forksville, PA access ↗
Take-out: Loyalsockville, PA access ↗

Reading USGS gauge 01552000 — Loyalsock Creek at Loyalsockville, PA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Loyalsock Creek — Forksville to Loyalsockville?: This section is generally runnable at 150–3,000 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 Loyalsock Creek levels?: We read USGS gauge 01552000 — 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 Loyalsock Creek — Forksville to Loyalsockville 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 Loyalsock Creek here?: Typically April–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 Loyalsock Creek — Forksville to Loyalsockville?: This reach is about 17 miles, roughly 6.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 2,780 cfs