Whitewater Run TN Class II

4. Townsend to Dam at Melrose

Little

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Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 450.0 – 3,000.0 CFS

450 cfs is the enjoyable minimum. This section can be run at levels over 3,000 cfs, but is not suitable for beginners or those without proper whitewater boats

Run Map
Description
This is a nice stretch of river with short class II rapids interspersed between long quiet pools. There is adequate parking at the put-in (at public park across Hwy 321 from Apple Valley Country Store) and a TVA boat ramp at the takeout (at old mill dam on Hwy 321 near Melrose). You can put-in at the "Y" in the park which adds about 5 miles to the run but be aware there is a dam at about river mile 33.5 (TopoZone) that must be portaged. There is a warning sign on river left as you approach the dam at the Melrose takeout, but pay attention. Also there are the remains of a dam about 3/4 mile below Walland (about river mile 23, TopoZone). About 2/3 of the dam has been demolished (part remains on river right). This is best run at extreme river left at higher flows but be careful as there is potential for dangerous hydraulics at very high flows.
Difficulty
Class II
Length
10.3 mi
Gradient
15 ft/mi
Rapids
0
Shuttle Info
From the takeout in Melrose, take U.S. 321 toward Townsend, TN.  This will go from 4 lane down to 2 lane and then back to 4 lane.  About 3/4 mile past Kinzel Springs (where 321 widens to 4 lane) you will turn left into a public parking area.  This is right across the highway from the Apple Valley Country Store.  There are some picnic tables and a nice access location beside the river.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater