Little, West Prong
2. Confluence with Laurel Creek to the Y(West Prong of the Little River)
| Difficulty | III+ |
| Length | 6.4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 115 fpm |
| Gauge | Little River Above Townsend, Tn |
| Flow Rate as of 26 minutes | 1.77 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 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
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportLast rapid just before the confluence with the Middle Prong. Note the piton rock at the bottom of the drop on river right.
Piton/Pin rock is much more evident from above. Stay in the middle.
Just some boogie water
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.