North Chick
Class III.3-V
12+/- Miles
Avg Gradient 100 fpm
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Need Directions?
Click on the map below that was provided and donated by
Thank you Randy Hale for all of your hard work
Not that this will make any sense - but I've built a database of creeks. This makes it very easy to update. So if you can get or if anyone using the website has updates - GPS Locations, Trails (like the spots on Cooper and Cain) I can place them on the map pretty easily.......
Randy
For localized map of North Chick click on the map picture to blow it up
Article by Matthew Wallace:
North Chickamauga Creek, also known as the North
Chick, is a true gem in the South-East. It is a
class III- IV + gorge that flows through a
pocket wilderness 20 minutes outside of
Chattanooga. The creek is beyond doubt one of
the classics that flows off Walden’s Ridge. The
Chick provides a paddler the seclusive sense of
an authentic wilderness setting and the
conveniences of a city close by.
The most common way of accessing the North Chick
is by paddling Cain Creek. This method provides
the paddler a few extra class IV-V rapids before
arriving at the Chick. Missing only one rapid
the paddler will fall into the North Chick.
Personally, this is my favorite way to access
the Chick. This method provides a true
headwaters-to-canyon mouth experience.
Beginning at the confluence with North Chick and
Cain, the river is nothing more than a class
III+ boogie. The first significant rapid on the
run is North Chick Falls. This rapid can be
identified by a series of large boulders and an
island that juts out in the middle of the river.
The left side of the island runs into the falls
while the right side provides a creaky slide.
If a person decides to run the falls, it would
be best if they scouted the area from the center
of the island. After North Chick Falls there are
more class IV boogies that will be encountered.
Here is a Picture of
North Chick Falls from the Old School
video "Southern Hair"
Footage donated by Mike "Louie" Lewis
V
slot, the second major rapid, can be noted by
several falls and an outsized boulder on the
left side of the river. There are two possible
lines for V slot: the river left sneak or the
river right line. The left sneak always
promises an end with an entertaining boof.
However, if someone wishes for a more dicey
route, the right line will take you through the
trashy hole V slot. To scout V slot, I suggest
taking a look from river right. This will give
you the best idea as to how the rapid runs.
As
you boogie down past V slot, be on the look out
for Cooper Creek entering the Chick on the left
side of the river. Cooper Creek provides a good
Hike and a chance to huck Bed Time for Lothar
which is only about ¼ of a mile up the trail.
Following Cooper is Cyclops. This rapid is a
six foot drop ending with a rough hole that is
backed up by a rock on river right. Depending on
the person’s experience they can either boof
left of the hole or take the far right hero
line. For those with the lower level of
experience, the rock would provide an easy seal
launch. For the more experienced boater, the
far right path will take you for a spin.
However, this direction demands the need to
scout out the rapid. After Cyclops, there will
be more boogie until you reach Baby Sweets
Here is a Picture of Cyclops from the Old School
video "Southern Hair"
Footage donated by Mike "Louie" Lewis
At
Baby Sweets, the fourth major rapid from the
confluence, it is best to ride down the river
right tongue and then take river left. Taking
river left allows the boater to avoid the sticky
river wide hole which lies immediately after
Baby Sweets.
The last significant rapid is El Roberto. This
rapid can be denoted by a large boulder on river
left and a vertical canyon wall on river right.
El Roberto provides two lines to avoid the hole
in the rapid. The boater can run river left and
eddy out in front of a boulder then ferry out
below the hole or they can go straight down the
wall on river right and skirt the hole.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that when taking river
left, a lot of water flushes through on the
opposite side of the boulder at the eddy. Due
to the nature of the beast care should be taken
when attempting river left. Once past El
Roberto, the river mellows out to a class III
read and allows everyone to run some boogies
filled with plenty of fun boofs and sticky
holes.
The final section of whitewater, Bowling Alley,
is the rapid that will cap off a perfect day.
This section is a class III-IV boulder garden
boogie that is commonly ran as a hike-up section
for those just developing their creeking
skills. After the rapid is finished, you will
find yourself at the take out.
North Chickamauga creek truly has something to
offer for paddlers looking for a great run and
is a must do that is located on Walden’s Ridge.
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