Clear Fork,

2. Brewster Bridge to Burnt Mill Bridge

Usual Difficulty	II+ (may vary with level)
Length	10 Miles
Avg. Gradient	14 fpm
Max Gradient	40 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
CLEAR FORK NEAR ROBBINS, TN
usgs-03409500	100 - 4000 cfs	II+	11h00m	150 cfs (rc= 0.0 )

River Description

This run starts off with under Brewster's Bridge. There's ample parking at the put in and good river access.

The first few miles are pretty calm. You will travel through a narrow sand stone gorge before the action picks up. At mile 4 the first rapid of significance will appear. Look for a large over hanging rock on river right. This is Decapation Rock. At lower flows the river forces you to go under the overhang, but at flows above 1500cfs the river is to high to pass under the overhang. This forces you to boof over the big rock in the middle of the river. Scouting is best on river right. If you have to boof this drop, be aware that the hole at the bottom will be very sticky. At levels over 1500cfs I would classify this as a III.

After this there are a few more small rapids before the confluence with North Whiteoak Creek, which comes in on the right. There is some beautiful scenery up North Whiteoak Gorge. Not far down stream there will be a large flatwater section and a sandy beach area on the right with a rope swing. You are now less than 3 miles from the take out. After the beach there are some faster sections of water.

The next rapid of significance is Swimmers Rapid about .7 miles downstream. This is a small ledge that has a large "flipping rock" in the middle. Best run from right to left to avoid the rock. At higher levels the Rapid becomes a riverwide hole. There is a large recovery pool at the bottom.

About 1 mile past Swimmers, there are two campsites on river left. If you look closely you will see trails leading to the river from the campsites. After the campsites there are a few short rock gardens, before the long flatwater paddle to the take out. Beware at lower levels the flatwater section can be dangerous on river right. There have been numerous drownings in the past on these sections. This is not a problem if you just stay in your boat and don't get out to swim.

The take-out is on the left before the bridge. Currently the bridge is closed and you will have to carry your boat and gear across the bridge to your vehicle.