Tellico River
About
From Bald River confluence to Tellico Plains, twelve miles of Class III-IV whitewater cut through the Cherokee National Forest at gradients that make the upper Tellico one of Tennessee's premier technical runs. At 460 CFS average with an optimal range of 300-1500, the river demands precise boat control through continuous boulder gardens and ledge drops. Below Tellico Plains, the character shifts entirely — twenty miles of Class I-II water float families and novice paddlers down to Tellico Lake. The upper section draws paddlers from across the Southeast for its sustained difficulty, while TWRA manages the fishery as Trophy Trout Water with special regulations. Cherokee people established Great Tellico Town along these waters before European contact, and the name persists in the river, the town, and the impounded lake. Tellico Outfitters provides commercial trips, and 2024 brought coordinated trout stocking and recreational water releases to support both the fishery and the boating season. USGS gauge 03518500 tracks flows through Monroe County's mountainous terrain.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.