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Description

Starting at the Jamesville Reservoir and continuing to a fishing access just before Rt. 481, Butternut creek is mainly a tight class II+ run. This is punctuated by Dunlop falls, a double-drop just below the bridge at Solvay Rd, and a small dam just before Jamesville Rd. Both are easily scouted and can be portaged on river left. There have been numerous run-ins with the owner of the A-Frame style house at Dunlop Falls. The best option is to scout the drop from the bridge in street clothes and run it quickly and quietly. Ultimately the river acesses are all public land making the run completely legal despite the fact that he owns both sides of the river at the falls. ( Update: The property now has a new owner who has been extremely friendly to kayakers. Please be friendly and help protect access) The run can be done as a whole, or shortened to putting in above Dunlop Falls at Fiddler's Green Park, and taking out at the fishing access at Jamesville Road to get more laps in on the drops. At high flows be sure to check the dam drop by Jamesville Road. A nasty hole forms at the bottom. Trees are the largest hazard on this tight run. Be on the lookout and bring a saw or hatchet. Tip from the locals: There are no public bathrooms anywhere nearby. You'll have to make a run to Dewitt if nature calls. Syracuse Area Runs: Butternut Creek Chittenango Creek (Cazenovia) Chittenango Creek (Chittenango) Fish Creek E. Branch (Taberg) Limestone Creek (Edwards Falls) Oriskany Creek (Oriskany Falls) Oriskany Creek (Clinton) Owasco River (Outlet) Salmon River (Section 1) Salmon River (Section 2) Google Map of New York Whitewater New York Whitewater Paddlers Facebook Group

Waterfalls (2)

Difficulty

Class I-III+(IV)

Length

2.0 mi

Rapids

Access Points

Shuttle Info

1. From the Jamesville exit on 481 head south towards Jamesville 2. The takeout will be located at the DEC fishing access by the 481N offramp 3. Turn left onto Solvay Rd and pull into the gravel parking lot immediately on the right. Scout the dam drop below. This is an alternate takeout for quick laps. 4. Continue on Solvay Rd and take the first right. Pull into the parking lot to scout Dunlop Falls. This is the alternate put-in. 5. Backtrack to your last turn and continue up the hill to your right. 6. Continue until you hit 173. Make a left and then quick right to continue upstream on 91/Pompey Rd. 7. Turn right into the Highway Dept Depot as the Reservior comes into view. 8. At the gate turn left into the fisherman's access parking lot.

Jamesville Reservoir to Route 481

Gauge Conditions