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Melton Hill Marina provides boat ramp access to Melton Hill Lake and the Clinch River in Oak Ridge. This location offers convenient launching for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats looking to explore the Clinch River system. The site is situated on a major river—the Clinch ranks as a stream order 8 waterway with a substantial drainage area of 4,254 square miles—making it a significant paddling and boating destination in the Appalachian region.
Paddlers should be aware that the Clinch River maintains a strong average flow of approximately 6,831 cubic feet per second with an average velocity of 6 feet per second. The river's gradient averages 4.9 feet per mile, indicating moderate current conditions that vary by section. Melton Hill Marina is one of two boat ramps in this area (with another ramp located below the dam), providing flexibility for different paddling routes. The surrounding area is accessible by road on both sides of the river, making it a good staging point for longer paddling trips.
For current information on amenities, hours of operation, and any access fees, consult the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) boating access site maps and resources.