Put In

Big Elk Creek at the New London Township put-in is a whitewater access point on a substantial stream system in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This is a large river classified as stream order 6 with significant gradient and flow characteristics suitable for paddling. The creek originates in headwater areas and drops over 2,600 feet across its 30.92-mile length, creating an average gradient of 84.7 feet per mile, which indicates consistent moving water and whitewater conditions.

The access location sits at relatively low elevation (1.8 meters) and is positioned 54 miles upstream from the river mouth. With an average flow of 379.51 cubic feet per second and velocity of 1.86 feet per second, paddlers should expect moderate to strong current conditions typical of whitewater rivers. The drainage area of 89 square miles supports consistent water flow, though conditions will vary seasonally with precipitation and snowmelt patterns.

Paddlers using this put-in should be prepared for current-dependent paddling and evaluate conditions before launching, as the stream's gradient and order suggest technical sections and obstacles are likely present throughout the creek system.