Emory

Ran this section on 03-28-09. The Emory @ Oakdale gauge was at 6000cfs. The water at the put in didn't look particularly high, it was a misty green in color. If you were to see the water at the put in muddy and swift I would check the gauges again. At 6000cfs I would rate this run as slightly more difficult than the Nantahala only with more flat water and less rapids.
It starts out flat as it moves away from the houses at the put in. The scenery is top notch but for a little trash here and there. The current is swift and the couple of miles of flat water pass quickly. Eventaully you start running easy class II rapids. They become more frequent as you get to the bottom of the Canyon. At it's peak, just above the (functional) railroad bridge, it's a blast, with some gradient, horizon lines, munchy little holes and some nice surfing waves. The rapids are straight forward, 'if it looks good. It is good.' but on some of the more technical drops down stream vision is limited.
The good things about this run are.

1. It's a short run with an easy shuttle.
2. The rapids are class II-III with no suprises other than strainers and tree falls, which is common on streams like this. We encountered no dangerous downed trees on our run but there were quite a few trees in the river, they just didn't come into play.
3. It's a good warm up run if you've been out of your boat for a while.
4. It's a good intro into creeking, for people with the skills.
   The negatives of this run would be
5. If you put on too low it may get frustrating.
6. There is a lot of flat water before the rapids start.
7. There is no spectacular canyon scenery (it is uniquely beautiful)
8. The funnest rapids end just about the time they start getting good.