Little Tennessee

There are several official well maintained launch spots along Needmore Road. We ran it at around 650 CFS and it was low but runnable. I would think that around 900- 1000 CFS would be just right for experienced paddlers. Most of the river is class I, II but beware of the 'Narrows' rapid at the end, just before you reach the Fontana Bridge. This is a serious rapid and does have consequences. There is a lot of jagged rubble just beneath the surface after the hole and also a very large undercut rock that you can get washed into. Also, as mentioned in other reports, the 'Narrows' rapid would be underwater in the summer when the lake is up. If you choose to take out up river at any of the designated sites then this is a leisurely river for the most part with a few fun class II rapids. Also, this is a beautiful area with nice mountain views as you paddle.