Big South Fork NRA - Rollicking adventure on the Cumberland Plateau, just 90 minutes from Knoxville.

Conasauga River - This beautiful river is also designated a Tennessee State Scenic River. The river is runnable during periods of high water from Chicken Coop Gap in Georgia to Jacks River in Georgia. Along the route the river swings into Tennesses, passing near Conasuga and then recrosses the state border. The river should only be run by highly skilled paddlers with good map reading skills. Rapids along the route vary from Class I to Class IV+.

Doe River - The Doe River run from Roan Mountain to Hampton is a great trip highlighted by the amazing scenery along the Doe River Gorge. The river is a wet-weather stream but can generally be run from December to later April. The first portion of this route, between Roan Mountain and Crabtree is characterized with class II rapids in a narrow, rocky stream. Below Crabtree the paddler will need to scout the class III/IV rapids at the confluence with Roaring Creek. The Gorge section of this run is hit just below the town of Blevins and is rated Class II-IV. Again, this is a section of the river that warrants caution and scouting for a safe trip. After Hampton, the river widens and the rapids are mostly rated class II (with one class II section).

Hiwassee River - Designated as a State Scenic River, the Hiwassee is coveted by both whitewater canoers and anglers. The 15 mile section of the river between the powerhouse to the the dam is usually dry but can be negotiate after heavy rains. Below the dam (from Reliance to Calhoun) is river is either lined with with fly fishermen hoping to catch some of the river's trout or alive with canoeist, tubers and rafters after a dam release. The rapids are rated as Class I and II with a swift current. Scenery along this stretch of the river is great. Note that the dam releases from deep within the impoundment make the a COLD river. This is great for trout but not a pleasant experience for a paddler that ends up in the river.

Little River - Definitely a wet weather stream, this river originates in the Great Smoky Mountains near Clingman's Dome. The run between Elkmont and Townsend is rated as one of the most difficult runs in the state. A succession of Class II and IV rapids tests even the most experienced of paddlers. Scenery along the run is beautiful, but like the Nolichucky -- it is hard to appreciate while negotiating the river.

Nolichucky River - Many superlatives have been used to described the scenery in the Nolichucky Gorge. Most paddlers will be too busy trying to negotiate the many difficult and powerful rapids to notice the scenery. Make no mistake about it, the Nolichucky is a challenging river -- but it is also a great piece of whitewater. Paddlers who enjoy an exciting whitewater adventure might want to schedule a trip with one of the outfitters that runs the river. This option provides the best of both worlds -- the thrill of the ride with the opportunity to enjoy the view. Experienced paddlers can test their skill level by trying to run the river themselves. The river can be run from Poplar in North Carolina to Erwin in Tennessee through the Cherokee National Forest.

Obed-Emory River System - Designated by the National Park Service as a National Wild and Scenic river, the Obed River and its two main tributaries, Clear Creek and Daddys Creek, cut into the Cumberland Plateau of east Tennessee, providing some of the most rugged scenery in the southeast. This river required excellent technical skills to negotiate -- with Class II-IV rapids.

Ocoee River - The Entrance Rapid on the Ocoee provide great playboating on the river that has it all, and then some.

Tellico River - The Upper Tellico is located in the Cherokee National Forest and is characterized by Class II, III and IV rapids and great scenery. The river can be run in the winter or early spring when the water level rises to acceptable range for paddlers. Scouting is definitely required at the major rapids. The Lower Tellico calms down considerably although there are still some Class II rapids. This section is a good float for beginners or families who enjoy viewing rural scenery. Unfortunately, the water level in this section of the river is most of the time marginal or too low for paddling.