This run typically starts to get flowing after rain when the Doe River is at 750 CFS. A visual flow gauge, installed by Tony Robinson, is attached to the rock caged retaining wall on river left near the take-out on Laurel Street near the intersection of Roark Park Ln in Hampton, TN. 3-6” on Gauge is low runnable. 6”-12” is medium flow. 12”-16” is high side of good. +18” = crazy gnar!!!
· Elk River – Natural Flow
1. Elk Gorge, AKA Twisting Falls of the Elk – Elk River Falls to Poga Rd Bridge – Class IV-V(V+)
This run typically starts to get flowing after rain when the Watauga River is at 500 CFS at the TVA Sugar Grove Gauge. TVA Valley Stream Flows: 800-238-2264 – Menu Option #3. A visual flow gauge, installed Tony Robinson, is attached to the Poga Road Bridge pillar nearest to river right at the takeout. Current runnable levels are considered 1′-3″ to 3-6″‘ on the gauge. Around 2’-0″ on the gauge is considered prime. This run is expedition style gorge boating at its finest!
2. Lower Elk – Poga Rd Bridge to Elk Mills US 321 Bridge – Class II-III