The Crooked Fork
of the Emory River

The Crooked Fork is a nice whitewater gym located just outside of Wartburg, TN in beautiful Morgan County. The river begins its journey in the scenic Frozen Head State Park and drains the valley in which the town of Wartburg is located. Here it meanders, slowly twisting and turning through valley forest and farmland.

Hwy 27/29 is the starting point for the entire Crooked Fork run. Shortly after entry a distinct horizon line appears. This is Lamance Falls, a 25-30 foot plumment. While Lamance Falls has been run, it is not recommended because of the rock shelf at the base of its first big plummet. A missed line could produce a compression fraction. Stop well above the drop, scout carefully, and make your own decision about running it. Portages are not easy, but can be accomplished on either side of the river.

Now you are in a nice upper gorge where the river is just beginning to carve threw the strata. These next 1.5 miles contain most of the whitewater as the river drops approximately 160ft. Some nice III-IV boulder gardens await you after the Lamance, providing some good warm up for what’s to come. Soon, Potters Falls road will appear along with yet another horizon line. Upper Potters Falls is a classic southeastern drop of some 15-17 ft in height depending on water levels. Upper Potters was among the first waterfalls to be run in the south because of the known deep pool that awaits you below. It can be run from center all the way to river left. While you’re at it, don’t be scared to venture behind the falls for some cheep thrills.

Lower Potters is next on the hit list. It is best to stay river left for these drops, taking note not to peton! Both Upper and Lower Porters can be walked/scouted on river right. Some good solid class III-III+ awaits you for the rest of the journey. At one point, the Crooked Fork takes a break and meanders through some class II. Remnants of an old homestead can be seen in this stretch. Don’t loose faith though, the Crooked Fork has a nice ending punch before it hits the mighty Emory. Float the Emory for a few miles down to the take out at the Camp Austin Bridge. Look for levels of 3,500 and up for good fun on the Crooked Fork.

Water quality has been a big issue for this watershed because it drains Wartburg and Brushy Mountain State Prison. The stream often has a distinct smell, giving many paddlers reason enough not to come back and run the river. It should not be considered any worse than other southern rivers. Supporting Tennessee Paddle 2K can help in confronting these water quality issues that surround the Obed/Emory system.

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