Tennessee whitewater - Little River, Great Smoky Mountains, Blount County
Blount
county,
Elbow to Townsend section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.
CLASS II-III 2.6 miles
Correction: The run described here is actually from the Elbow to the Y. It is incorrectly labeled Elbow to Townsend.
There is another run from the Y to Townsend, but there is a low level Dam about 2 miles from the Y that has to be portaged. This run is about 4 miles. It has Class 2+ rapids at the start and gradually gets easier till it is Class 1 as the trip approaches Townsend. Says Jim Knowles
This is a very scenic run. The Little River run through The Smoky Mountain National Park along Little River Road. The put-in is 2.6 miles
from the Y driving towards the Sinks. You should go with a group of experience paddlers that have run this section before. There is a rapid called Mary's Rock that is Class 2+ rapid with a deadly undercut rock that has nearly trapped unaware paddlers under water. This rapid
should be portage by most paddlers. Advanced paddlers should not have any difficulties making the S-turn that is required to successfully run this rapid. There are probably 8-10 Class 2 rapids to go along with the 5-6 rapids that are Class 2+ or 3. This run is is runnable in the wet season (Fall to Winter). You need a minimum 600 cfs on the Little River Maryville gauge. Says Jim Knowles
This section of Little River in Blount County is 2.6 miles long and is a class II-III section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. The nature scenery
of Blount County and the playfulness of the water are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. This is not the only paddling section in this river system, there are others too. No need to look hard for hotels, but do book a room before you come because it is a very
popular destination. The starting location is a short drive from Sevierville, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. Getting some good exercise and just hanging out with mother nature have people coming from far and near. Whitewater rafting
and kayaking spots in Tennessee are harder than the national norm, so if you're not from around here don't forget that many runs in this state are not easy. This is a short paddling stretch so no need to bring snacks. The Great Smoky Mountains scenery is wonderful. For all you
camping people there are campgrounds nearby. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way this area has a large number of paddling rivers.
Briefly about the general area: Near Little River you find the Anthony Creek Trail which is a splendid hiking
trail, and while you're here at Little River, checking out Cedar Bluff is a must. Little River is a wet place that gets a great deal of precipitation; the month of March is the wettest with most of the rain; the driest month of the year is October. During the warm days of summer
highs here at Little River get into the 80's with overnight lows in the 60's. High temperatures during the winter are normally in the 40's, and night lows in the 20's for Little River. If you want a great time in the great outdoors just come on up to the Great Smoky Mountains.
It's always fine to stop at Cave Spring, and a glorious site is Orchard Hollow. If you come to this river you will have a good time for sure. Going for a hike on the Vista Trail is always a good adventure.
The Econo Lodge Parkside is ideally located within 20 miles of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, on the peaceful side of the Smoky Mountains. This hotel is convenient to Maryville College, the University...
3 miles away
Failure to cancel 15 days prior to 4 PM EST day of arrival date will result in forfeiture of deposit. Deposit must be received at time of booking and must include first night stay plus tax. Credit car...
All Tennessee Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in Tennessee.Books about whitewater paddling on Little River, Tennessee List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Little River, Tennessee.Find a whitewater outfitter in TennesseeWhitewater Basics If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.Outdoors Recreation Near Sevierville, Tennessee Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Sevierville, Tennessee, the metro area neareast to Little River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
These outdoors activities are available near Little River.
Little River - West Prong, Blount
County
, 2 miles away, Class III-IV - 3 miles long (Confluence with Laurel Creek to West Prong of Little River)
Little River, Sevier
County
, 3 miles away, Class III-IV+ - 3.5 miles long (Sinks to Elbow)
Little River - West Prong, Blount
County
, 3 miles away, Class III-IV - 6 miles long (Cold Water Knob to Cades Cove Road)
Little River - Middle Prong, Blount
County
, 5 miles away, Class III-IV - 3 miles long (Lynn Camp and Thunderhead Prong Confluence to Tremont Institute)
Little River, Blount
County
, 5 miles away, Class II - 10 miles long (Townsend to Dam at Melrose)
Thunderhead Prong, Blount
County
, 5 miles away, Class IV - 1.5 miles long (to confluence with Lynn Camp Prong)
Lynn Camp Prong, Blount
County
, 6 miles away, Class IV-V(V+) - 3 miles long (to confluence with Thunderhead Prong)
Little River, Sevier/Blount
County
, 8 miles away, Class II-III - 7 miles long (Bridge at Elkmont to Sinks)
Cove Creek, Sevier
County
, 9 miles away, Class II-IV - 1.5 miles long (Cascades)
Little River, Sevier
County
, 13 miles away, Class III-IV - 2.2 miles long (Huskey Gap Branch to Elkmont C.Highway)