Sugar Tree

Sugar Tree is a boat ramp access point on the Little Emory River where it joins Watts Bar Lake in Harriman, Tennessee. This location offers access to a medium-sized river system with a total drainage area of 42 square miles and an average flow of about 83 cubic feet per second. The Little Emory River has a moderate gradient of 14.8 feet per mile, creating conditions that transition between flowing river and lake environment depending on water levels and dam operations.

Paddlers and boaters using this ramp should be aware that the water conditions vary significantly based on proximity to Watts Bar Lake. Near the lake proper, conditions tend to be calm and suitable for most boat types, while upstream sections may experience faster current, particularly during high water periods. The average water velocity of 1.56 feet per second suggests generally manageable conditions for recreational boaters, though the elevation drop of 126 feet over the 8.52-mile stretch indicates some topographic relief in the watershed.

Access at Sugar Tree serves as a gateway to exploring the Little Emory River corridor and the broader Watts Bar Lake system. Located in Roane County near Harriman, the ramp provides a launch point for both upstream paddling adventures and downstream excursions into the larger impoundment. Boaters should verify current water levels and any TVA dam operations that may affect flow conditions before launching.