Daddy's Creek
3. Antioch Bridge to Devils Breakfast Table Bridge
| Difficulty | III-IV |
| Length | 6.8 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 37 fpm |
| Permit | |
| Gauge | Daddys Creek Near Hebbertsburg, Tn |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 445 cfslow runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | January 12, 2026 |
River Description
What a terrific run! The first couple of miles has a lot of flat water with several Class II to Class III- rapids to get warmed up. The confluence with Yellow Creek on river right is the sign that the difficulty will soon pick up. Within a quarter mile you will see the clifts of the 'canyon' section with super whitewater in the form of ledges and play holes. The big one here is 'Rattlesnake' (Class IV+) which as you might guess is a double curved rapid with a ledge at the end. By the way, the rattle is at the front and the 'fang' is the last ledge drop of the rapid which is ususally run center to right center.
Rob Martin contributed:
The scenery is spectacular! The water is emerald green. The whitewater is challenging without being extreme. Just mentioning Daddy's Creek Canyon will bring a smile on anyone's face who has experienced this place.
Caution!! Access to Devil's Breakfast Table is controlled by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency(TWRA). Catoosa Wildlife Management Area is typically closed for much of February thru March of any year for a wildlife rest period and access to the WMA is closed to all users and no vehicle access is allowed except perhaps for hunters. There are usually signs posted during hunts and rest periods alerting you that the area and roads are closed to access. If you are uncertain, check at the NPS Obed Wild and Scenic River office in Wartburg or with TWRA. TWRA has fined boaters in the past for driving to and parking at the Devil's Breakfast Table parking area during these hunts and restricted times. The fines could run into hundreds of dollars.
TWRA Contact: Jim Lane (931) 456-2479.
An alternate access point below Devil's Breakfast Table is located about 2 miles downstream on river left after the confluence with the Obed River, known as Obed Junction (OBJ). The carry-out is up a 3/4 mile steep, rocky trail. The shuttle from Antioch
...River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportA simple update that a strainer which had been in Rocking Chair rapid for a while was removed in late 2025. As of Jan 11, 2026 no significant strainers observed at a level of 1.9ft
We took a lap down Daddy's Creek the day Catoosa reopened (March 28, 2020). 1.7 was a great level for a R2 and a couple of canoes. There is still a dangerous log blocking the right boof at Fang. Everywhere else was clear of strainers; a beautiful, fun Spring day.
Below Rocking Chair
Spike
Body of the Snake
Hole above Fang
Fang
There are a few things to be noted that I will put here in the comments until I have time to edit this page.
Access to Daddys Creek for paddling has been greatly expanded thanks to American Whitewater and local volunteers. For more details on when it is and is not OK to access Devils Breakfast Table as a take out, please see the following link and be sure to click on 'A letter to American Whitewater' as well:
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Article/view/articleid/34090/display/full/
Note that you can put in at Antioch Bridge and paddle 18 miles down to Nemo on the Emory year round.
Contrary to popular belief, although the difficulty drops to class II-III, Daddys Creek is good down to 1'. Some of the lead in rapids will be a little scrapy, but if you take your time, you can generally find a channel. All of the major rapids go just fine. Two tips about low flow: 1. Spike is worthy of a quick look...run it FAR left (like bow up on the rock far left). 2. The best line at Fang is definitely the right side boof.
Also noteworthy is Daddys Creek Go Fast Day which occurs on the first Saturday of the year when Daddys has a flow between 1.4'-2.4'. For more information, go to and follow Daddys Creek Go Fast Day on Facebook. This is where you will get information on the details of the event and is also where Go Time is announced.
First Drop of the Canyon
Somewhere in the bottom dozen around 3'