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Lame Johnny Road/CSP Road 4 provides whitewater access to French Creek in Custer County, South Dakota. French Creek is a substantial stream classified as a large river (Stream Order 7) with significant flow averaging over 2,300 cubic feet per second. The creek features a notable gradient of 6.6 feet per mile average slope with a total elevation drop of 779 feet across its 118-mile length, creating dynamic whitewater conditions suitable for paddlers seeking moving water experience.
The access point is located in the headwaters region of French Creek, approximately 2,192 miles upstream from the river mouth. With average water velocities of 2.63 feet per second and steep gradient, paddlers should expect swift currents and active water conditions. The drainage area of 1,237 square miles indicates reliable water volume, making this a more consistent paddling destination than smaller tributary streams in the region.