Paddle Pine Creek Gorge - Blackwell to Slate Run (11mi)

As with all of our camping expeditions, I have a plan B, C, and D. But this is Plan A! Given the historical streamflow records, this section of Pine Creek looks like the most favorable blend of stunning views and being deep enough to paddle.

We will drive 25 minutes upstream to the Slate Hill access and leave one cars there to run the shuttle afterwards. Then, that driver will hop in one of the three other vehicles for another half-hour drive up to Blackwell.

The trip downstream should have some mild current and hopefully no walking, so I expect the trip to take between 4-5 hours, including a lunch stop. The guidebook says that there is nothing more than a Class I rapid at any location in this stretch.

As with every trip, you must WEAR, not just carry a USCG Type III PFD. The river bottom is very rocky and may require occasionally getting out, so be sure to wear good shoes.

The one downside is that there is limited parking at both the put-in and take-out. We don't want a repeat of Delaware Water Gap, so we need to leave the campsite at 9:00 to head up to the take-out at Slate Hill. We'll try to use just 4 cars, if possible, so load you boat onto my trailer ON FRIDAY NIGHT.