Ischua Creek (Franklinville to Hinsdale)

This creek, a favorite of locals, winds through wooded areas and farmland among hills. Route 16 parallels the stream providing many access points, but it’s far enough away to maintain a remote feel on the waterway. An active railroad follows the west bank of the creek. The water flows through a stone-lined streambed making it a very pretty run. In one stretch we passed 5 deer standing in the creek. The water in this creek moves, even in mid-July. Expect many riffles and chutes, especially around islands, interspersed between flat, deep sections. We (wimps that we are) would not be comfortable paddling here in spring conditions. In mid-July we had to drag across a few shallow spots, but it was a small price to pay. In spring some of the downed trees we drifted through would have become dangerous strainers. Gravel bars along the way offer inviting picnic spots.