Caney Fork
0. Rock Island State Park - Bridge above Blue Hole picnic area to picnic area(Rock Island)
| Difficulty | II-IV(V) |
| Length | 0.7 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 20, 2003 |
River Description
Rock Island is noted for its excellent park and play.
The entire run is probably just a mile in length, and contained between
Great Falls Lake and Center Hill Lake.
The powerhouse releases water into the area where the two main playspots are. At the
top of the next rapid is a nice series of surf waves with good eddies on the left.
The river left eddy is interesting due to the 'waterfall' that drops into it. This falls is
actually shooting thru the cliff on river left. This water is coming from the backwaters of
Great Falls Lake and the Collins River on the other side of the cliff.
At the bottom of the wavetrain is the infamous Rock Island rodeo hole. The hole is fairly
friendly at 2000 cfs, and rather munchy at a full release of 3800 cfs. Most get intimidated
around 7500. Beware catching the left eddy, as the left wall is undercut and the
eddyline feeds right into it.
Depending on the lower lake levels there may be two or three more small rapids below
the rodeo hole. The next rapid contains a wave that is surfable at higher flows, but just
above a dangerously undercut wall.
Warning - much of the channel flows into this wall. Get swimmers right.
Walk back up or take out in Rock Island State Park 'boat launch'
After rains: Starting at the base of the dam there is a 20' shelf with 0, one, or several lines
dependant on the flow.. Check with the locals for more detailed info. 4200 minimum for
'the spout'; other lines (Mill-side and swing-side) start up around 4800. The rapid below
constricts the river and the 3 holes can be violent. The rock is sharp and unstable, watch
for seives in the first rapid. At flows above 10,000 the holes wash but the right wall at the
bottom becomes a concern. There must be water flowing over the dam for the falls
section to be running.
Directions:
From South Nashville or Ch
...River Features
Put In
Brave Wave Ledge / Undercut
If you swim, swim River RIGHT and keep
swimming into the eddy below the hole. Brave
Wave Ledge recently broke the leg of a swimmer
and the rocks here are sharp and grabby. The
Undercut below Brave Wave on the Left is
especially hazardous because of the sharp
limestone shelves that could pose entrapment
hazard. Swim right - you can make the eddy every
time.
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportFrom Boatertalk: Rock Island Info: Go to this website.
http://www.tva.gov/river/lakeinfo/index.htm
Look up Great Falls.
1 generator will provide a level of 1400 to 1800cfs. It's ok. Top wave is sweet, but no eddy service. The 'hole' is more of a small wave. Generally speaking, it's not worth a long drive for this level, but still fun.
2 generators will give you a level of 2900 to 3800. The lower end, the top wave is still good, and the hole is kicking. At the higher end, the top wave starts to flush, but others come in at the falls, and the hole is STOMPIN!
Notice the upper lake level. When it reaches 803' or so with more water coming in, they start to spill. Top of the gates is 804'. Look for the message 'Great Falls is Spilling'. Levels around 5000 to 6000 are prime. Several spots to run the falls. I've been out there around 11000, but you gotta watch the back wash. Sieve City is a no joke rapid. It has this name for a reason.
Sad to say that Brave Wave is no longer there. There are always unexplored waves and holes in the rapids leading down to the boat ramp in Rock Island State Park.
Although this site and boatingbeta list 2000 as the minimum, the main hole is still playable down to at least ~1300 (1 generator); it's not nearly as big or as impressive as at 2 generators, but there's still something there to be had.
9 year old Lauren Burress's first time to play at Rock Island.
Gary got bored and decided to try and bodyboard, sweet ride.
Will throwing down an entrance loop.
This photo was sent in by Gordon Byrd who just wanted to say good luck with the boat company.
From Boatertalk:
Clay and I paddled Rock Island Dryway at 30,000 cfs today- BIG! New
Forum: BoaterTalk
Date: Mar 08 2004, 0:16 GMT
From: ejrockisland
Super fun high action- Steep drop at 30,000 cfs. Highest it has ever been run and quite intense!
Glad Clay is here!
EJ
Munchy. Eric set up a very nice blunt here.
There are multiple lines to choose from at Great Falls, depending on water level. The drops range from 18 to 24(ish) feet. This shot showes most of the falls except 'The Spout'
At lower water levels this is a tigh technical class 4+. However, at this level it is a solid Class 5+. There is a major sieve in the center and right. At this level, the line is on the left.
At lower water levels this is a tigh technical class 4+. However, at this level it is a solid Class 5+. There is a major sieve in the center and right. At this level, the line is on the left.
This was taken during the Red Bull Extreme Race in 2003.
This was taken during the Red Bull Extreme Race in 2003.
This was taken during the Red Bull Extreme Race in 2003.
This was taken during the Red Bull Extreme Race in 2003.
This was taken during the Red Bull Extreme Race in 2003.
This was taken during the Red Bull Extreme Race in 2003.
This was taken during the Red Bull Extreme Race in 2003.
Sometimes Mother Nature cooperates with beautiful lighting at just the right time. This was taken during the Red Bull Extreme race in 2003.
To help determine levels:
Rock Island is rain dependent after the
lake drops.
Some dude in a new Icon, with PODS!!! throwin down!!!!