Emory River

The furthest downstream perceptible whitewater on the Emory River system before tripping over itself and into the void of Watts Barr Reservoir upstream of Harriman occurs where the Emory departs Oakdale and winds through Question Mark Canyon on its way to the confluence with Clifty Creek. This very scenic stretch of mild water has enough flow after everything else upstream drops out, which is its prime appeal. However if you're looking to play around or get the family out on a first whitewater experience, leaning in is all too easy on this pretty section that consists of two miles of intermittent Class I-II rapids followed by a glassy paddle down the long pool to Clifty. Canyon walls, big flow window, easy rapids to play around on, close to Knoxville - check.

Putting in under the Hwy 299 bridge in Oakdale, there's a spot at the base of a simple wave train with a little bit of surf potential at the right flow, and great s-turns. If you want to run this one from the top and don't mind extra effort, park at the small park up Camp Austin Road on the other side of the river. You'll need to walk up and over Camp Austin Rd, and down and to the left, under the railroad bridge and over a gravel bar to the water. Downstream of the first rapid, the river begins a sweeping bend to the right, with a nice rapid. A long flat leads to a bend to the left, which is the beginning of the main stretch of rapids, with rocks to avoid and waves and eddies to tinker with. Stay off the private land on river-left if you need a break.

Work the river for what it's worth to you, it'll be over in a flash if you haul straight through. An eventual bend back right and you're into the long flat stretch above the take-out. At the end of the forever pool, break towards the right bank, where you hopefully marked the spot to get out when you set shuttle earlier. It's a hundred yards upstream of where Clifty Creek joins the Emory.