Launching from the rugged beginnings of Boss Hollow, this 3.8-mile stretch offers paddlers a sharp, intimate connection with one of Arkansas' most demanding creeks. The run embodies a raw, hands-on challenge — a narrow corridor of fast-moving water flanked by steep banks and tangled deadfall that constantly tests your focus and finesse. From the first few hundred yards, the creek barrels over bedrock slides and ledges, settling briefly into small pools that offer spots to catch your breath. This is no leisurely drift; tight slots and quick transitions demand precise maneuvering and an alert eye for hazards.

Entering the heart of this route, the creek exposes paddlers to a string of named torrent features that challenge skill at every stroke. Early on, encounter 'Toilet Bowl' — a boiling slot of converging channels — followed by the 'Baby Boss Slide,' a steep drop punctuated by pin hazards on both banks and a sticky hole that insists on respect. Dense willows line the passage at 'Face Slap Falls,' where the water narrows sharply and drops over a ledge, forcing paddlers to brace for a splash of branches before careening into a fast flume.

Next comes 'Sycamore Slot,' where a massive tree bisects the flow, demanding split-second decisions between a rocky left drop and a slot boof right. This leads into the signature sequence of the run: 'The Boss.' This Class V section compresses 40 vertical feet of descent into just 150 yards, beginning with tight boulder constrictions called 'Performance Evaluation,' then launching onto the steep 'Broken Paddle' slide. The final ledge drops into 'Half a Paddle,' a pocket of turbulent water known for its sticky hole that can catch the unprepared. Knowing the route here is crucial—running the right side of the slide is essential to avoid vertical pin hazards lurking on the left.

Immediately downstream, the water funnels sharply into 'The Undercut,' a deep rock slab with a hazardous overhang that pushes paddlers left just enough to steer clear. Below this, the creek stretches into the 'Cheesegrater' — a continuous shoal of shallow water interlaced with surf holes that grind against your boat’s hull, offering both a playful section and a reminder to stay on your toes. A notable strainer looms shortly after; paddlers must boof over or portage around the root wad snagging the channel.

As the creek merges with Buck Branch, the current swells, doubling the water volume and opening the channel slightly, though the run maintains plenty of class III-IV drops scattered through the remaining two miles. 'Alligator Rock,' a notorious undercut shaped like an open mouth on river right, serves as a vivid caution: while avoidable, it possesses a powerful pull that tests concentration and positioning.

Accessing Boss Hollow demands careful planning. The put-in is a drive-accessible, but rough 4WD trail reached off Highway 7 near a local gift shop, ending where the creek reveals its first challenging slide. The take-out lies near Hurricane Creek, with options depending on water levels; high water may require carrying boats a half mile along the road. Respect private property boundaries and local terrain when parking and portaging.

This creek doesn't just run fast; it pushes paddlers to engage deeply with technical creeking. The tight banks and debris can create unexpected obstacles, urging vigilance and preparation. For those ready to read the water and meet the creek’s assertive personality, Boss Hollow delivers a rewarding, adrenaline-tinged descent that sharpens paddling skills and rewards bold focus. Freshwater flows are best monitored via the nearby Richland Creek gauge, though flows can drop below the ideal rapidly, rendering the run more about cautious scouting than continuous action. A courageous spirit and well-honed technique are essential to fully experience Boss Hollow’s dynamic, untamed whitewater character.