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Cumberland, Big South Fork - The Confluence to Leatherwood Ford
Cumberland, Big South Fork, Tennessee, US |
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The Confluence to Leatherwood Ford
| Usual Difficulty | II-IV (for normal flows) |
|---|---|
| Length | 6.2 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient | 20 fpm |
| Max Gradient | 40 fpm |
Honey Creek Overlook
Honey Creek Overlook
Photo by Brandon Hughett taken 04/22/07 @ 1200
Gauge Information
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH FK CUMBERLAND RIVER AT LEATHERWOOD FORD, TN | ||||
| usgs-03410210 | 400 - 5000 cfs | II-IV | 00h19m | 2300 cfs (running) |
River Description
Big South Fork of the Cumberland is one of the hidden crown jewels of the Cumberland Plateau in
East Tennessee. Formed by New River and Clear Fork near Oneida, Tennessee, this class II-IV run
offers a big water adventure through a cliff lined gorge that is accessible only at a few points.
Bring a playboat, river-runner, canoe, or raft. This run is truly a wilderness whitewater
adventure.
Put-ins and Take-outs
There are several take-outs and put-ins for the Big South Fork. The run documented on this site
is from the confluence of New River and Clear Fork to Leatherwood Ford. It is 6.2 miles in length
and will take 2 to 4 hours (or longer) to complete.
The main take-out is at Leatherwood Ford where heated changing/restrooms are available. This is
the most accessible take-out on this run with paved roads all the way. There is one additional
take-out at the O&W Railroad Bridge. This take-out eliminates the last 2 miles of the run,
which consists entirely of flat water with two class II rapids. If you put-in at the Confluence
and take-out at the O&W Railroad Bridge, the run is only 4.2 miles and takes about 1 1/2
hours to complete. This run consists of almost all the class III and IV rapids on the entire Big
South Fork. The O&W road is in much better shape now than in years past. In the spring of
2004, the Scott County Road Department graded, graveled, and ditched the road. Since that time,
it has developed several potholes but is still in descent shape for a Scott County back road.
Confluence to Leatherwood Ford Shuttle Information
From Leatherwood Ford take SR 297 east for approximately 7 miles. You'll come to Coopertown
Road. Make a right and go approximately 4 miles. Turn right on Verdun Road. Go 1.2 miles and make
a right on US Hwy 27. Go 1.2 miles and make a right at the airport sign (formerly a Subway
existed here). Cross the railroad and take a left on Detour Rd. Go 1 mile and make a right on
Airport Road. You'll then go 1 mile where John Long Road will veer left by some oil tanks.
Stay on John Long Road till it ends at the Confluence put-in parking lot. This road is 4.8 miles
in length.
O&W Railroad Bridge Access
The O&W Railroad Bridge can be accessed from Verdun Road. About halfway between SR 297 and US
Hwy 27 on Verdun Road is the Edgewood Estates entrance. This is where O&W Road begins in a
sharp curve. The bridge is approximately 8.6 miles. The easiest access is upstream from the
bridge on river right.
The Canyon Section Run
Two miles upstream from the O&W Railroad Bridge is the Pine Creek put-in. You'll know the
put-in by the gated road that drops off beside O&W Road. This put-in is just above
Maria's Rock which is the start of the Canyon Section. This playable two-mile section offers
big wave trains at around 3,000cfs and is great for those who don't want to run the entire
Big South Fork section. Multiple runs on this section can be fun, fun, fun!
Shuttle Map
Here is a link to a Big
South Fork area map. The roads mentioned above are very detailed on this map.
Additional Information
For additional information about paddling the Big South Fork, checkout A Guide to Paddling in the Big South Fork.
Other Area Runs
Clear Fork Brewster
Bridge to Burnt Mill Bridge 10 miles Class II+
Clear Fork Burnt Mill
Bridge to the Confluence 4 miles Class II-III
Cumberland, Big South Fork Leatherwood Ford to Station
Camp 8 miles Class I-II (IV)
Cumberland, Big South Fork Station Camp to Blue Heron,
KY 19 miles Class II+ (IV)
North White Oak Creek Zenith Mines to Leatherwood
Ford 7.8 miles Class II
Pine Creek Bend in Road
to Big South Fork 0.85 miles Class IV-V
White Oak Creek Hwy 52
to Clear Fork 6 miles Class I-II (III)
Here is a link for all information on the Big South
Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Contact the streamKeeper: Brandon
Hughett, Knoxville, Tennessee
Editors
Rapid Summary
| Mile | Rapid Name | Class | Features (Legend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | Google Map of Big South Fork |  | |
| 0.0 | The Confluence |  | |
| 0.0 | Confluence Rapid | II+ | |
| 0.2 | Undercut Rock Rapid | III |  |
| 0.4 | Triple Wave/Boof Rapid | III | |
| 0.6 | Big Rock | II | |
| 0.8 | First Drop of Double Drop | III+ |   |
| 0.8 | Second Drop of Double Drop | III+ | |
| 0.9 | Washing Machine | III | |
| 1.0 | The Ell | IV | |
| 1.2 | Oh Sh*t | III | |
| 1.6 | Honey Creek Rapid/Kreckels | III |  |
| 1.8 | Hand of God Rock | I | |
| 2.2 | Rion's Eddy/A*s Kicker | III+ | |
| 3.0 | Canyon Section | III+ | |
| 3.3 | The Sieve | III | |
| 3.4 | Jake's Ledge Hole | III+ | |
| 3.5 | Canyon Rapid a.k.a. Moonshoot | III | |
| 4.1 | Deliverance Rapid | III | |
| 4.3 | O&W Rapid | III | |
| 6.2 | Leatherwood Ford Take-Out |  |
Rapid Descriptions
Google Map of Big South Fork
Google Map of Big South ForkNew River and Clear Fork meet at the confluence to form the Big South Fork. Access to the confluence is by hiking 1/4 mile down a trail from a parking lot at the end of John Long Road.
Confluence Rapid
Confluence RapidThis rapid, sometimes refered to as Diagonal Wave, has a nasty undercut rock on river left. The standard line is right of center, then drive back toward center.
Triple Wave/Boof Rapid
Triple Wave/Boof RapidBoofing opportunities exist at this rapid. Simply line up left of center and BOOF!! The other line is run from right to left through 3 waves.
First Drop of Double Drop
First Drop of Double DropDouble Drop is the first of three rapids known as "The Big Three". The main line is on river right with a series of two drops. Catch an eddy on river right above the first drop then ferry across and drop off beside a rock on the left side. This will land you in a boiling eddy where you will then paddle aggresively down the center to run the second drop with a little left angle.
The alternate Double Drop line is extremely far river left. This line is a class II read and run line that lands in a large eddy.
One of the better play spots is located just above this rapid. It is a low-angled, fluffy hole that is great for today's short boats.
2nd Drop of Double Drop
2nd Drop of Double DropYou must paddle aggresively at levels below 1000 cfs due to a pin rock that sits about two feet of the right bank. The second drop will surf you into the rock where water will pile up on your stern. Then, you are jambed into the crack stern down. Several paddlers have gotten pinned vertically in this spot.
Washing Machine
Washing MachineWashing Machine is known for it's twisting and sticky action at levels below 1000 cfs. It's a 10ft wide chute that drops into a twisting hole. An alternate route can be cheated on river left over a small ledge. However, this ledge can develop into a nasty hydraulic above 1,500 cfs. At levels above 1000cfs, the sticky hole in the main line disappears and the rapid is simply run from left to right.
The Ell Swallows Kayakers
The Ell Swallows KayakersThe Ell is the last rapid of "The Big Three". Start from an eddy on river right to boat scout this one. Look for a rock on river left where the river curls from left to right. This marks the final drop and is where you want to aim. Drive hard toward this rock a little left of center while the river tries to pull you to the right. Then, get ready for a ninety degree turn to the right for the final drop. If you flip in this one, tuck hard at levels below 2000cfs due to "Cheese Grater Rock" being only a few feet or less underwater immediately downstream. The center and right side of the final drop is a large hole that can be sticky.
This rapid is run on river left down a chute. Start left of center, then drive back right.
At flows above 8,500 cfs, this rapid turns into a river wide terminal hole of death.
Honey Creek Rapid/Kreckles
Honey Creek Rapid/KrecklesWork your way down the left bank to find an awesome play hole. Just downstream, the river bends to the right where a long, wave train begins. Enter the wave train in the center then drive left into a large eddy to avoid "Punch in the Nose" which can be a monster wave hole. Next, ferry out of the eddy into the last half of the wave train to run the final drop right of center. Then drive back left across boiling eddies and swirls.
Just above Honey Creek Rapid on river left is an access point. The trail will take you straight up the side of the gorge to the Honey Creek Overlook.
CAUTION: The last drop at the end of the wave train includes a rock, just left of center, that has a sieve under it. A boater once bumped into the upstream side and was sucked under to resurface on the downstream side. Additionally, there are multiple sieves in and around the large river right rocks after this drop. I know of at least one boat that has been eaten by these sieves.
The last part of Honey Creek Rapid creates a terminal hole above 9,000cfs.
Hand of God
Hand of GodYou'll have to look upstream to see this rock. It makes you wonder who might have created the Big South Fork gorge.
There's a cave under this rock that you can paddle through at 400cfs.
Dave Wilson caught in the hole at Rion's Eddy
Dave Wilson caught in the hole at Rion's EddyCanyon Section
Canyon SectionJust upstream, there is an access point from O&W Road at Pine Creek that is popular for those who are camped at the O&W railroad bridge and are only running the Canyon Section.
The Sieve
The SieveThis rapid turns into a terminal hole at 10,000cfs.
Jake's Ledge Hole
Jake's Ledge HoleThe other line is on river right beside an undercut rock. Just line up left of the rock and paddle straight through.
Canyon Rapid
Canyon RapidAfter a long pool, which is the original JakeÂs Hole, is a sharp bend. This is the start of Deliverance Rapid. Simply go down the center and enjoy the waves.
This rapid got its name back in the day when commercial rafting was on the Big South Fork. When the rafts would come around the bend, a local would streak the customers and run.
O&W Railroad Bridge
O&W Railroad BridgeThe O&W Railroad Bridge can be used as a take-out thus, eliminating the last 2 miles of flat water. There are also several camp sites at both ends of this bridge.
After an awesome run on one of the plateau's best rivers, you will find that the twin bridges at Leatherwood Ford is a welcome site to see.
is in dire need of a river cleanup.
I portaged almost every major rapid. I enjoyed the flow at ~950 cfs or ~6.5 ft. much better 2 weeks
prior. It was a beautiful sunny day didn't see anyone else on the river. Put in near burnt mill
bridge maybe 1 mile downstream along the trail. overall was still an excellent day on the water
would have ran more rapids but was running solo. Hiked in from Leatherwood ford day prior, John
Muir trail, excellent hike as well.
mixed it up with the maxi me, the new grabner tandem inflatable canoe and the spanish fly. The
grabner did great on the bigger water and ran pretty dry over the big waves. We all ran the left
side of double drop, and Adam and Eli ran multiple laps on the El while we ate lunch. This is a
great level for cleaning up some of the scrapey rocks and the holes arnt that stompy yet. No swims
just smiles.
canoes and me in my kayak. Half of the group stopped at the Confluence and hiked out to the car
parked on the road past the Scott County Airport. The kayak and two open BlackFly canoes went on
downstream. Matching post for Clear Fork section exists. Level was about 1800cfs which was lower
than what I usually see on this section (2000-3000cfs more typical for me in the past). We enjoyed
the heated changing-room at the takout, but noted the set of stairs leading from the high-water
line at O&W Bridge as a possible takeout in the future to avoid the 2 miles from OWB to Leatherwood
Ford. From the confluence it's approx 3/4 mile to the first of the big three and that 3/4s mile is
mostly straight. When the river first starts to turn back to the left, below the Confluence, is
where Double Drop is getting close. Scout from river right. We had more room for the larger canoes
in a higher eddy rather than the eddy that I normally scout from in my kayak. The first drop was
fine, center or slightly right of center into the boiling funny-water before the second drop. We
ran the second drop angled towards the massive boulder pointing our bows river-left to square-up to
the curler wave coming off of the boulder. One canoe flipped and we separated swimmer from boat in
the pool to keep him away from what appears to be a sieve just downstream. Washing Machine gave us
no trouble. Scouted the El from a taller, large boulder in an eddy upstream and then also walked
downstream on river left to get a better look at the curler on river left side of the maw of the
hole. Boat-scouted the rest of the river. Decent surfing waves for my Nomad8.5 in and below The
Narrows.
water crafts where 2 Spanish Fly's, Mamba, Mini Me and the Maxi Me. Great day full of sunshine. We
had Eli, Crisler, and Golder as our Guides/safety's and G, Steve, Chris, John Christen and I as the
crew. G ran the river great in his Canoe, switching out on just a few rapids that Golder and I ran.
Steve started out great, than had a few trips and lost his composure, letting Crisler paddled the
Mamba the remainder of the river. I flipped the Spanish Fly on a rapid a few down below the Ell.
trip. 1900 cfs
how much the river changes with less than 300cfs drop. George and Simon with Eli as our guide. We
ran the Probe 12 and the Detonator. Gerge had another perfect run without any falls on the Probe 12
and Simon fell 2 times on the Detonator. Water was low but still great on a canoe, almost better
without as much pushing water and more rocks to man over around. Great day learning how to paddle a
canoe.
as our guide. We took the Prob 12 and the Detonator. Two hour drive from Coal Creek. George had a
perfect run with no falls on the Probe 12 and Simon fell 3 times on the Detonator. Great day with
lots to learn.
did it in 3 1/2 hours. George and Simon with Eli as our guide. We took the Probe 12 and The
Shredder. George and Simon flipped on the Shredder and Eli flipped the Probe 12. Great day on the
water.
of one hour more or less. George and Simon with Eli as our guide. We used the Probe 12 and Mini Me.
Easy 10 min shuttle and we ran two laps. 65 degrees overcast and comfortable with drysuits. Next
time we will run the full Canyon Section. Shuttle contact is (606)526-7238
till 5:00pm eastern time due to the 9th Annual Wings Over Big South Fork Air & Car Show. The put-in
road is under the safety area of the stunt planes and must be kept clear. Run your shuttle before
1:30, paddle the river, and retrieve your vehicle after 5:00pm. www.wingsoverbigsouthfork.com
Forum: BoaterTalk
Date: Dec 30 2003, 2:14 GMT
From: hardboater
1. Center, top drop of Double Drop - water slides into an undercut which actually sieves out due to
sitting cocked funny on a slab rock.
2. River right side of the pool between Double Drop and Washing Machine.
3. The recently learned of top left of the Kreckles.
4. Bottom right of the Kreckles - water sieves out a crack in the bottom right side of a really
boily/swirley room with an eddy harsh fence blocking exit.
5. Bottom left wall of Ass Kicker - 3/4 of the way down
6. The obvious one that everyone knows about in river center about 1/3 of the way through the
Canyon - always has wood jammed in it....
7, 8, & 9. The far river right of #6. The river drops into a box canyon and filters out through
sieves on the right, left and underneath.
10. Right above the big river right eddy 1/3 of the way through the rapid above O&W (the
longest rapid on the run). Water filters through a slot too small for a boat and into the eddy.
11. Far river left at the very top of O&W.
Crazy how many sieves there are on this class III-IV run. And this post doesnt even touch on the
undercuts......
water and the orange sandstone cliffs - sweeet. I guess we caught it @ 1400 a really nice level
with lots of play spots - watch out surfing the shallow pour overs/waves. Really nice ender hole
about halfway down and one MACH 3 killer surfing wave.
was around 370-350 for the day. Got to see a boat getting worked for a moment in washing machine.
When i went through the drop i went under and then poped up below. Pretty sweet to make my way
under the suface in the BLUNT. Even for such a long drive and little water it turned out to be a
great day on the water. Rapids were still fun and there were tons of slots to play around with. If
ya haven't done it its worth it for the fact that its so beautiful in there. Can't wait until a
good flow so i can take my squirt boat. It looks to be like a great place to tap into.
"Washing Machine." The entrance to the Ell was a lot pushier and fun. Moonshoot was the
best surfing spot on the whole river. I had forgotten how much fun BSF can be at low water.
tried to go any lower, but they're still fun at that level.
the pin is in play below about 1000 CFS and gets worse as the water level gets lower.
I posted two pics (taken by Wilko) of a boater in the pin spot river right at the second drop. The
Boater did not paddle thru the hole at the second drop of this rapid, was stern squirted and then
surfed into the pin.
this is the way the pin typically happens. I have pulled three of my friends from this spot and
observed two other pins in this same location.
I believe running the second drop on the right is much safer than running the hole. another option
is to run far channel left, but is more difficult than running right, from the squirrelly water
between the drops.
it is difficult to get out of your boat in the eddy beside the pin spot. if you are going to set
safety, hike down from the top of the rapid, or make sure ppl wait until u have time to run the
rapid and get out of your boat. the eddy is deep and squirrelly.
and between 3500 and 4500 cfs (continuous big waves; Honey Creek rapids and Pine Creek CAnyon
Yippee!).
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The Confluence to Leatherwood Ford, Cumberland, Big South Fork Tennessee, US (mobile)
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