Nice class II+ alternative to the standard put-in on the
Big Piney, adding a couple miles to the standard run and entering above the first play ledge on the Big Piney.
Creek is 2-miles long an enters the Big Piney 3/4 miles below the Helton's Farm put-in. The mileage above is for the entire run to the Long Pool Campground. Gradient numbers are for Indian Creek.
Note: This section often contains some serious willow jungles. Several entrapments have occurred on this stretch, especially at high water levels.
There are some Forest Service roads that parallel the creek upstream if the water is high enough. This can add some additional class II+ miles to the run.
Put-in: From Long Pool Campground, travel South for 2 miles to the first road to the left (East). Follow this gravel road up the mountain for 2.4 miles to the first main intersection. Turn left (North) at this Y intersection. After 2 miles there is an overlook on the left which looks down on the river. The 'Mother' and Longpool can be seen from here. Continue another 4 miles on the main road which will drop down the mountain and cross a low water bridge at Indian Creek.
Take-out: Ozark National Forest Longpool Campground. Access from Hwy 7 North of I-40. Turn left (West) on Hwy 164 and right on Old Hwy 7. Follow the signs to the campground. A $3.00 parking fee is required if not camping.