Take Out

Laurel Creek is a medium-sized whitewater stream in Monroe County, Tennessee, flowing through rugged terrain with significant elevation change. This take-out site provides access to a section of creek that features a notable 63.6 feet per mile gradient, making it suitable for whitewater paddling. With an average flow of 147.72 cubic feet per second and a stream order of 4, Laurel Creek maintains consistent water movement typical of active whitewater environments.

The creek drains approximately 67 square miles and drops over 1,350 feet across its 21-mile length, creating dynamic water conditions throughout the year. Paddlers should be aware that average water velocity reaches 1.80 feet per second, and the high gradient indicates frequent rapids and potentially technical sections. Water levels and difficulty will vary seasonally, with higher flows during spring runoff and lower, potentially more technical sections during dry periods.

This take-out location serves paddlers completing whitewater runs on Laurel Creek. The steep gradient and headwater characteristics mean this section will have cold water temperatures typical of mountain streams, and paddlers should come prepared with appropriate gear and experience for whitewater conditions.