Big South Fork of the Cumberland River
Burnt Mill Branch (Clear Fork) to Leatherwood
Ford
Second drop in Double drop Paddler Jack Shuler by Barry
Smith.1200 cfs
Water Quality (1
bad 3 good)
Scenery (1
bad 3 good) 
Big South Fork of the Cumberland River
Burnt Mill Branch (Clear Fork) to
Leatherwood Ford
Also in this section
Burnt Mill Bridge to Confluence with New
River
Gradient:
Average Gradient 73
Max Gradient 76
Rapid Classification III.7
Shuttle Map:
This map has it going on for how and where to get
the river.
http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/upload/brochuremap06.pdf
Need a shuttle? They need 24 hrs notice
http://www.ky-rafting.com/
1-800-541-7238
Mile 4: Alternative Put-in at
the Confluence
Mile 8.5 Alternative Take-out at railroad crossing
Length :
About
11 miles depending where you take off and put on at.
Level:
Please see our flowpage
*** note it can be run as low as the 300 cfs even down in the
mid 100 cfs range. The author has gotten a run at 10000 cfs but note its more
than a handful at that level. It's been even run above 50 k *
**
Normal Levels:
ELF: 300 cfs
Low: 1000 cfs
Medium: 2000 cfs
Med-High 3000 cfs
High: 5500 cfs
Extremely High: 8500 cfs
Hazards:
A lot of paddlers have been humbled here with big
hole rides, sieves and undercuts. This run has a western flavor to it and
staying in the main channel is flavor of the day for the most part on this run.
Overall :
After paddling the Big South Fork you come away
after it not remembering much of the rapids but more of the canyon walls and
the beauty of the gorge. The BSF also can only truly be appreciated from the
bottom of the canyon. Sure its a site to see from the top. But from a raft or
kayak it just doesn't get much better. It's part of the Big South Fork
Recreation Area. Also its not near anything. Knoxville, Chattanooga or Nashville
aren't really that close. It's off the beaten path and that's a good thing.
Shuttles are long and not easy when say compared to the Tellico
or Ocoee. The run begins small at Clear Fork and then you will enter a
fantastic gorge .
As stated before it's a more western type run. kayaks, SUP,
canoe and rafts can enjoy this is run. This is a favorite among the shredder
crowd.
From Brandon Hughett:
Most people in the Knoxville area run the 4.6mile
section from the Confluence to the O&W Railroad Bridge which cuts out
all the flatwater and the early class II section. A few do run the
entire 11-mile section but very few. I know there's a Chatty group that
shreds it during an over-nighter
River Milestones:
Here is run of major milestones ( We copied this
concept from a Grand Canyon Guidebook and we hope this helps for your first time
run)
Mile 0
Put-in at Burnt Mill Bridge on Clear Fork
Mile 4
You will come to New River which Clear Fork runs into. It forms
the BSF
Mile 4: Alternative Put-in
Mile 5.0
Double Falls Rapid
Mile 5.1
Washing Machine
Mile 5.3
The EL
Mile 5.5
Long Pool .This is good place to camp or have lunch. If you want a side hike on
river left is the Honey Creek Overlook.
Mile 5.6-6.1
The Roaring Section. This is the most action packed part of the
trip
Mile 6.0
Ryan's Eddy
Mile 7.0-8.0
Jakes Hole. This is where the gorge really gets deep.
Mile 8.5
The Railroad trestle section and the last of the big ones
Mile 8.5
Alternative Take-out
Mile 9.5
On river left North WhiteOak Creek comes in.
Mile 11
Takeout at Leatherwood Ford Bridge.
Rapid Descriptions:
Clear
Fork:
It drops an average of 25ft per mile and is
mainly Class II.6 in nature.
The Gorge:
When at the confluence of the New and Clear Fork
the BSF starts
The river makes a hard right and the waves and holes start, and
is pool-drop in nature.
Double Falls Rapid: -Mile 5.0
Its a boulder field scout on on river right.
Portage on river left.
This rapid will let you know how the rest of your day is going
to go.
Second drop
in Double Drop Paddler Stu Thompson by Barry Smith. Level 1200 cfs
Washing Machine- Mile 5.1
Above 1000 cfs its gets its name. And with a name
like Washing Machine surely you get the idea here : )
The EL-Mile 5.3
This one requires above advanced boat control
skills. You will need to pick your line and stick it. To avoid the hole that
eats the timid.
Above 5500 cfs this is an visually intimidating
rapid.
Entrance to the EL Paddler Bill McKinney Photo by Barry Smith
:Level 1200 cfs
Honey Creek Overlook: Mile 6.1
There is a hiking trail there that can be used if
someone needs to pull the pin or evacuate if someone is hurt in your party.
After Honey Creek Overlook:
The river picks up steam and you will get in the
groove of hitting eddys and picking your lines.
Pine Creek: Mile 7.0
Comes in on river right.
Jake's Hole: Mile 7.0-8.0
Use Pine Creek as your landmark. You will sweep
into Jake's Hole if not careful.
Railroad Trestle Mile 8.5
It's all downhill from here.
