Run Map

Run Time Estimate

Put-in

Take-out

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Whitewater timing varies with scouting, portages, and group pace. Use as a planning baseline.

Description

Texas Whitewater described Cherokee as 'probably the third best whitewater creek in the state' (after Crabapple and Mexican) and described a 'nonstop playground' of whitewater features, but unfortunately that no longer appears to be the case. As of July 2025, paddlers report that most of the first 6-7 miles is now flat water impounded by must-portage low-head dams and low-water crossings, which would likely become deadly with thousands of cfs. These hazards have been catalogued below. Most if not all of them did not exist when Texas Whitewater was written. The book suggests parking on the south side of the bridge at the put-in to avoid landowner issues. Difficulty rating and recommended level are taken from the book. Distances and gradient measured using GIS tools in 2015. Use the LCRA Hydromet for Cherokee Creek at Bend to determine whether Cherokee is runnable. The book recommends 5.5' minimum on this gauge and suggests that if the low-water crossing at the takeout is covered, then the creek is runnable.