2. Gorge: Bear Cage Road (Blevins Bridge) to Highway 19E bridge at Hampton High School

The Doe is a great class III+/IV run in the very Northeastern tip of Tennessee. It is a bit more difficult than the Little River Sinks to Elbow in the GSMNP (but not quite as continuous). Also comparable to the Lower Little River (TN) in difficulty (though again, not as continuous -- there is calmer water after every major rapid). That said, it is slightly more congested in some areas. At levels above 1000 cfs the Doe is very continuous, more similar to the Cheoah at 1500. Scenery is excellent, and water quality is pretty good, although there can be some trash due to development upstream of the gorge. Much of the Doe runs through private land, including some owned by the DRG Christian Camp. Bank scouting has never been a problem, but in the first and last miles it is recommended you stay in your boat as the river flows through backyards. If the Doe seems too tame or if you're looking for more action, the Watauga Gorge is just a scant 25 minute drive from the take out and is almost guaranteed to be running if the Doe is. If the neither the Doe or Watauga suits you, then some serious class 4-5 micro creeking can be had on the Laurel Fork of the Doe which is about 10 minutes away. When water is plentiful, ambitious expert paddlers familiar with all the runs may attempt the Carter County Quattro which consists of the Doe Gorge, Laurel Fork of the Doe, Watauga, and Twisting Falls section of the Elk; this is definitely not for the faint of heart! Scouting/Hazards: Scout all rapids you can't see the end of, as this river can be heavily laden with strainers. Two major piles of trees exist in the river, the first one as you come around the bend one mile downstream from the put-in, plugging the left half of the river.  Pinning possibilites abound on the Doe, especially at water levels below 500 cfs.