Little, West Prong

2. Confluence with Laurel Creek to the Y(West Prong of the Little River)

DifficultyIII+
Length6.4 mi
Avg Gradient115 fpm
GaugeLittle River Above Townsend, Tn
Flow Rate as of 26 minutes
1.77 ftbelow recommended
Reach Info Last UpdatedMarch 30, 2008

River Description

One can hike into the upper reaches of this run by starting at the West Prong Trailhead, which begans at a parking area on the right as you arrive at the Tremont Institute. This section drops 250 ft/mile, so it is probably 3-4 smoky creeking with some wood in it, as it is quite small. Starting at the confluence of Laurel Creek, the run has many quality class 3-3+ rapids, with liberal sprinklings of wood, though all can be avoided at this time. Conditions change often though, so scout the few spots that can't be seen from the road. The big drop is an 8 foot ledge above the confluence with Middle Prong. It is slightly undercut on the left and there is a piton/pin depending on the level, on the right. Straightforward nonetheless. This is something that I would do when the Little is way high and your group is not up for the Class 4-5 steep creeking that is blowing up elsewhere.


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Take Out

Distance: 3 mi
Take Out

Dave McConnell
Dave McConnell

Jan 12, 2014


Last rapid just before the confluence with the Middle Prong. Note the piton rock at the bottom of the drop on river right.

Dave McConnell
Dave McConnell

Jan 12, 2014


Piton/Pin rock is much more evident from above. Stay in the middle.

Dave McConnell
Dave McConnell

Jan 12, 2014


Just some boogie water

Dave McConnell
Dave McConnell

Jan 12, 2014


Would probably be a lot easier if you could run it down the middle, instead you have to get out around the strainer and seal launch from river right avoiding a couple of rocks at the top to work right center. Sort of a three tiered drop.