Mile 758.0 - LBD 758-754 Densford Bar and Dikes/Hen and Chicks
LBD 758-754 Densford Bar and Dikes/Hen and Chicks
Main Channel vs. Back Channel
Main Channel: 4.75 miles (1 hour at medium water)
Back Channel: 4.91 miles ((1.5 hours at medium water)
(Note: assuming average paddler with favorable conditions and no stops)
The Hen and the Chicks refers back to the Sultana Disaster, which occurred twenty miles above Memphis near a grouping of islands known as the Hen and the Chicks. The river today follows a radically altered course than the river of 1856. This is not the same location, and these islands are not the same islands. But they are found the same distance upstream of Memphis and they have the same size relationship, big island and small islands, and thus have acquired the same name.
Regardless of history or name, these islands make for a wonderful getaway from the main channel, and offer wintertime and summertime protection, and wonderful hidden campsites and swim holes. All sand goes under in high water, when only the highest forest tops of each remain above water.
To get behind the Hen and the Chicks, stay hard river left past the Cedar Point Lower Light RBD 757.8 and jump into the first opening you see behind the first island. There are eight or more “chicks” islands in this archipelago, depending on river level, and as result many possible routes for passage. Follow whatever path attracts your attention. There are wing dams throughout, at high water they will be indiscernible, but at medium water you might scrape rocks or enjoy a modest drop through an opening in the dike. Low water passage is not possible, except for behind the last and biggest island, “the Hen.” Great camping with plenty of bad weather and hot weather protection can found throughout this archipelago. There are many blue holes below wing dams, and huge pools of water behind the islands.