Clear Creek

Clear Creek from Jett to Lilly is THE classic beginner/intermediate session run on the Cumberland Plateau, and the most regularly paddled section of any other in the Obed drainage. At only 2.5 miles, but packed with great Class II whitewater, it can be workshopped all day, or cruised in an hour after work, depending on the paddler's inclination. This section has sufficient flow for whitewater paddling much of the winter/spring season in a decent rain year, and is paddled enough to where if it's in and a weekend, you can probably find someone to join up with at the put-in or take-out. Shuttle takes 15 minutes one way. With great scenery, water quality and whitewater, Jett to Lilly is a fantastic early plateau run for any novice kayaker, and will serve as a good training ground for drilling and moves for Class III paddlers as well. Located fully within the Obed Wild & Scenic River, managed by the NPS, this section flows through a protected swath of public lands, where wildlife and solitude flourish in equal abundance.

While the river mostly contains Class II-II+ whitewater, and a few Class III's depending on water level and who is doing the rating, this section is still on the Cumberland Plateau, and as such the sandstone stream bed creates many hazards, so make sure to paddle the river your first many times with someone familiar with the lines and hazards. With all that said, Jett to Lilly is fairly user friendly, and is less dangerous than Barnett to Jett, located upstream.

After sliding in at Jett Bridge, the river bends into the first of many Class II rapids, eventually squeezing down through a very narrow chute, before opening up and rushing past a Mushroom-shaped undercut off to the right. More fun eddy moves lead to a big boulder in the middle of the river. Drive left to stay out of trouble, but if you're up for a serous challenge, re-attain back up on the right and do the hairy ferry above the boulder and back to the left.

Downs

...