Lambdin Branch

Lambdin Branch provides boat access to the Holston River where it forms Cherokee Lake near Rutledge in Grainger County. This is a major river system with significant flow averaging nearly 5,000 cubic feet per second, making it suitable for various watercraft. The access point serves as an entry to a substantial water body with good depth and established river channels, though paddlers should be aware that this is a large river system with considerable current velocity averaging nearly 5 feet per second.

The Holston River at this location represents a major waterway with stream order 8 classification, indicating it is a significant river comparable in importance to major U.S. rivers. The drainage area of 3,642 square miles means this water body receives substantial flow from a large upstream watershed. Boaters using this access should be prepared for river conditions rather than calm lake paddling, even though the water is impounded as Cherokee Lake. The elevation drop of 349 feet across the entire 137-mile river system indicates there are moderate gradients, though conditions at this specific access point may vary depending on recent rainfall and dam operations.