Trips and Runs

Island Creek

The 2½ miles of non-stop Class IV-V action on Island Creek is one of the most scenic and difficult whitewater on the Cumberland Plateau.  It flows through a tight steep canyon featuring numerous technical rapids, a huge rockhouse eddy, and several sheer rock bluffs. Because of the continuous technical nature of the rapids, Island Creek is considered an advanced run. For the past several years the creek has been unrunnable due to numerous strainers. These have been recently removed. Use extreme caution until debris has been washed downstream. Use the Emory River gauge to estimate paddling potential. The downstream side of the Island Creek bridge pier has been recently painted in 6 inch intervals and provides a more exact river running potential. 3-6 inches is generally considered a minimum flow. Consult Monte Smith’s “A Paddler’s Guide to the Obed/Emory Watershed” for a detailed description.

Rapid ratings on Island Creek depend entirely on water level. At low water, they're all (technical) III's. With plenty of water, they turn into IV's and are pretty-much non-stop.     

Put in at small wooden bridge. One and a half miles west on Catoosa Road to game checking station. Turn left a quarter mile to Island Creek bridge. 

Takeout on gravel road along Emory River (river left side) below Nemo Bridge immediately across from Island Creek.

Suggested Flow

Island Creek Bridge Access

TWRA has acquired the road at Island Creek Bridge from Cumberland County.  They have closed the whole area along the road leading to and past the Island Creek Bridge as part of their winter closure for Catoosa from January through February and the Spring turkey hunt dates.  TWRA may be planning to put up a gate on the road in the future.

This is an expansion of the restricted Catoosa area we have been struggling with. There was no notice of this and no communication with users other than hunters.  See the "trips and runs" page for the 2001 Catoosa closing dates. Be advised that a hefty fine can be issued.