Hickory Creek challenge

Trip Overview

this was way more challenging than I expected. I had done lower hickory creek, from Old Alton bridge to Lake Lewisville a few months earlier, so I went to try farther up Hickory Creek after rainy season. There was many snags that I was barely able to get through. A construction barrier fence in one spot crossed the creek and collected brush, and I had to precariously climb over. A couple of pipelines across the path made it challenging. Lots of log jams. Lots of low water spots where I had to drag. Lots of water mocasins. It was an adventure and I had a great time, but there were moments where I wasn't sure what the hell I had gotten myself into, or how I was going to get out of it. There weren't any major currents, but a few spots got tricky where the current picked up and got into tight corners and snags. I believe there was 1 very small concrete spillway I had to portage around. Had to portage to get around some of those pipelines.

the put in was great - a low water crossing on a farm road - you can go street-view on C Wolfe Rd to see what I mean

due to all the challenges I was too exhausted after about 7 hours and 10 miles, and dragged myself out at a pretty un-ideal spot right off of Hickory Creek rd. near Country Club road. There were no viable take outs earlier, at 377 or 35W. It might have been possible to get out at Bonnie Brae, but not ideal.

Do it if you want a challenge. maybe take a buddy. beautiful, mostly tree covered, out of the way, quiet stretch of river though. saw bobcat, snakes, deer, racooon, heron, hawk, turtles, possum - lots of wildlife on this trip.