Emory

Emory River TN - Nemo to Oakdale run - We ran this section at 490 CFS, expecting a slow run with little whitewater and were pleasantly suprised. At this level the numerous class II rapids provide a lot of challenge, but were all runnable. Nemo is class II at this level, and not really any harder on the right side than many of the others. But for a few the route was not obvious, and the drops steep enough, that scouting is advised for class II paddlers.

The first 4 miles have many class II rapids. The river is often choked with large boulders.

The river slows and pools begin as you approach the Camp Austin bridge. That would be the better takeout (if you can figure out where the takeout is), but you might miss what is certainly one of the top 3 rapids, the one right after the Camp Austin bridge.

Occasional rapids continue right on down to Oakdale, but the pools get longer.

The scenery is very nice. A very active railroad parallels the river the entire way. The canyon walls provide some spectacular scenery. This is wild country, check out the maps. The takeout at Oakdale could be improved for sure. but we definitely plan on a return trip to this one.