Little

1. Bridge at Elkmont to Sinks

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DifficultyII-III
Length9.7 mi
Avg Gradientn/a
GaugeLittle River Above Townsend, Tn
Flow Rate as of 26 minutes
1.77 ftbelow recommended
Reach Info Last UpdatedMarch 30, 2008

River Description

Photo of Keith Clark pinned above the Sinks, courtesy of Julie Keller ( www.JulieKeller.com).


River Features

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Distance: 7 mi
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Judith Ranelli
Judith Ranelli

Mar 14, 2011


At 3.6 on the gauge I would rank this as III not II-III. It has several rapids equivalent to Lesser Wesser on the Nantahala.

Matt Todhunter
Matt Todhunter

Mar 15, 2010


Matt Todhunter on his first Little River run.

ran this section at 3.04 ft on townsend gauge. very fun narrow creek with nonstop class 2-3 rapids and lots of playspots. didnt see any other paddlers, several fisherman and tourists however. couple of nice 3-4 ft ledges, and some class 3 rapids near the end. strainers are pretty common, and below the 2nd bridge was a mandatory not-very easy portage due to a riverwide strainer. matt hagan louisville ky oc-1

Why don't you replace the Maryville gauge information with the data and link for the Townsend gauge? The Townsend gauge is a lot closer and it appears that there is enough information about it to make the levels more accurate.

Spalding Hurst
Spalding Hurst

Apr 15, 2005


Even a canoe can get down this low water run, but
it did get stuck a few times.

BJ
Brad Jenkins

Dec 6, 2004


this section really should be re-ranked 2/4. The section right under the bridge has 3 nice rapids very close to each and with enough water easily make up a class 4 rapid.

JL
James Locke

Sep 18, 2004


Pretty high level! 4.6 ft at Townsend

The guage is located at the Elkmont Campground bridge on the downstream side of river left
4.6 at Townsend. This section is right above the bridge and is where the water picks up from 2-3 to 3+
The water was huge this day!

RB
Ratt Boy

Jan 1, 1900


Photo courtesy of and copyright by Julie Keller.