Whitewater Run TN Class II-III+(V)

1. U.S. 127 near Crossville to Adams Bridge Wild

Obed

Linked via: Proximity 94% confidence Synced 3mo ago

Monitor
Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 350.0 – 1,000.0 CFS

High end is a WAG, you could probably go as high as you wanted to.

Run Map
Put-in Take-out Rapids/Hazards Wild Scenic
Description
Scott Williford shared: For those of you who haven't run this, it has three good rapids, all within one mile (thus probably not the place to go if you are looking for a lot of action). I was feeling a little under the weather, and decided to do something easy, and knock another one off the list of plateau runs. We put in at a little pull-off on the downstream side of the Hwy 127 Bridge over the Obed in Crossville (right by the Billboard). The takeout is at the Adams Bridge. We pulled off the access road on the right, just before the Bridge. The first four miles are either flat, or Class I/II. At the first horizon line, get out and scout. Scouting is easiest from the river left, but if you are going to walk it, do it on the right. This rapid is called the Esses, because it is a series of tight S-turns in fast water. It appears that some the rocks are undercut. This is a Class IV+ at least, possibly an V (depending on level, and who is rating it). The next horizon line is about a four-foot ledge/chute. Run it right-to-left (class III). The next horizon line is a serious rapid. I believe it is rated at Class IV in _Southeast Whitewater_ (and I agree with the rating). Run this from the right, heading left. Boof off the angled rock forcing the water into the nasty hole on river-right. Don't miss your boof -- the hole is formed on a rock jumble. Scout and walk it on the left. From here out it reverts to Class I/II for 4 miles or so to the take-out. If you walk the Esses, and the third/last ledge, this run is suitable for beginners. And, if you are capable of running the Esses, you probably don't want to go here, as it is pretty boring overall. The Esses, and that last ledge were really fun to run, and I have never run another rapid like the Esses. This would be a good trip for a Class IV/V paddler to take beginners on, just make sure you pay attention and get them out of the water before either of these rapids. Paddlers without a good roll should avoid the middle ledge also. The entire run took about 2.5 hours.
Difficulty
Class II-III+(V)
Length
9.6 mi
Gradient
33 ft/mi
max 60
Rapids
2
Shuttle Info
Scott Williford shared: We put in at a little pull-off on the downstream side of the Hwy 127 Bridge over the Obed in Crossville. Take I-40 to exit 317, and head South (Right from Nashville, left from Knoxville). You will cross over the Obed in less than a quarter mile, turn around in the first spot available, and use the pull-off just before the bridge. We parked right by the Billboard. The takeout is back east one exit on I-40, Genesis road. Turn left, head 8 miles to the Adams Bridge. We pulled off the access road on the right, just before the Bridge.
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