Double Bridges to Short Creek

Scarham Creek holds a number of enjoyable rapids between the Shoal Creek confluence at Double Bridges and its confluence with Short Creek, a little over 2 miles downstream. On its own, the short length and lack of easily lapable rapids leave one wishing for more; a combination with upper Scarham or Shoal Creek is recommended to flesh out the run. Class III boulder gardens dominate the creekbed, most of which are boat scoutable with some eddy-hopping ingenuity.  Significant rapids include the put-in slide, Ab's Surprise, Munch Stop, and Terminator, the last of which may approach class V at higher flows. Flow Information: The old USGS gauge on Scarham was removed, so level must be estimated from nearby Short Creek. Look for Short to be running medium for Scarham to run, around 1.4' on the Streambeam gauge (linked below) or 16'' on the old AL 75 bridge. https://www.streambeam.net/Home/Gauge?siteID=1 Access Information: Access logistics are straightforward. The put-in is at Double Bridges, where parking exists on the road between Shoal and Scarham Creeks. Currently (April 2020) the Shoal Creek bridge is out, and the put-in must be accessed from the Scarham creek side. The takeout is at the ranger station on Lake Guntersville on AL 227. After reaching the Short confluence, another 0.8 miles of whitewater remain, and then a 3 mile lake paddle is required to reach your car. More information can be found in the Alabama Whitewater guide: http://www.alabamawhitewater.com/guide/guide\_files2/scarhamlow.htm Original description (2003): Local Expert (Ron Stewart); also David Haynes, River Runner Magazine, August 1990 Class: III (V) see also www.alabamawhitewater.com