Tennessee river runs
Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Tennessee with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.
Another must-visit spot for whitewater enthusiasts in Tennessee is the Nolichucky River. With Class III and IV rapids, the Nolichucky River offers a thrilling ride through the scenic Appalachian Mountains. Paddlers can expect exciting drops and challenging technical sections along this stunning river. It is recommended to check the streamflow level, which should ideally be between 1,000-3,000 cubic feet per second for an ideal paddling experience. Safety is paramount when exploring Tennessee's whitewater rivers, so be sure to wear appropriate gear, check river conditions before heading out, and consider going with a guide if you are unfamiliar with the area. With its diverse range of rivers and rapids, Tennessee is a paradise for whitewater enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable adventure on the water.
Tennessee river runs
Every paddleable section in Tennessee keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.
| River run | Streamflow | Class |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. 127 Bridge To Morgan County Line | 18 cfs | III |
| I 40 Bridge To Western Boundary Of Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, At Adams Bridge | 25 cfs | II-III |
| The Henryville Bridge Crossing On County Road 6230 To Bethel Bridge On County Road 6174 | 329 cfs | · |
| Bethel Bridge On County Road 6174 To Confluence With Duck River | 329 cfs | III |
| Center Bridge To Cumberland Morgan County Line | 25 cfs | · |
| Apalachia Powerhouse (Rm 53.5) To Us411 Bridge (Rm 43.0) | 30 cfs | III-IV |
| Tn/Nc State Line (Rm 100.6) To Mine Branch (Rm 99.3) | 558 cfs | · |
| Tn/Nc State Line (Rm 48.0) To Tn360 Bridge (Rm 30.0) | 110 cfs | · |
| Headwaters To Tn/Va State Line | 354 cfs | · |
| Boundary Between Mitchell And Yancy Counties To Nc/Tn Stateline | 2,020 cfs | · |
About Tennessee river runs
What does whitewater class mean?
The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.
Where does the Tennessee streamflow data come from?
USGS streamgauges. Each Tennessee paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.
What's a runnable level?
Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Tennessee paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.
Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?
Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.
Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?
No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.