Live float conditions for 37 Tennessee rivers
Every river below is monitored through its USGS streamflow gauges, refreshed every 15 minutes and rated in plain language for kayak, canoe, raft and tube. Select a river for the live dashboard with current flow, trend, weather and community reports.
Little River
Little River is a small river in the Smoky Mountains region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Little River Above Townsend gauge runs roughly 120–430 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 85–290 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Smoky Mountains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Little River above Townsend, Little River near Maryville (lower)
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Caney Fork River
Caney Fork River is a large river in the Middle Tailwater region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Caney Fork At Stonewall (Lower Tailwater) gauge runs roughly 820–9,300 cfs. Rafts want at least ~1,400 cfs. Tubing is best 570–5,600 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Middle Tailwater · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Caney Fork at Stonewall (lower tailwater)
Live Caney Fork River conditions →
Duck River
Duck River is a small river in the Middle Smallmouth region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Duck River At Shelbyville (Upper) gauge runs roughly 180–390 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 130–270 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Middle Smallmouth · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Duck River at Shelbyville (upper), Duck River at Columbia (middle), Duck River at Centerville (lower)
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Watauga River
Watauga River is a mid-sized river in the Northeast Tailwater region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Watauga River At Elizabethton gauge runs roughly 480–2,300 cfs. Rafts want at least ~670 cfs. Tubing is best 340–1,600 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northeast Tailwater · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Watauga River at Elizabethton
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Clinch River
Clinch River is a mid-sized river in the East Tennessee region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Clinch River Above Tazewell, Tn gauge runs roughly 380–3,200 cfs. Rafts want at least ~580 cfs. Tubing is best 270–2,000 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: East Tennessee · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Clinch River Above Tazewell, Tn
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Elk River
Elk River is a mid-sized river in the Middle Tailwater region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Elk River Above Fayetteville gauge runs roughly 290–3,400 cfs. Rafts want at least ~460 cfs. Tubing is best 200–1,900 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Middle Tailwater · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Elk River above Fayetteville, Elk River at Prospect (lower)
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French Broad River
French Broad River is a large river in the East Tennessee region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the French Broad River Near Newport, Tn gauge runs roughly 1,100–4,400 cfs. Rafts want at least ~1,500 cfs. Tubing is best 770–3,100 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: East Tennessee · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: French Broad River Near Newport, Tn
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Buffalo River
Buffalo River is a mid-sized river in the Middle Smallmouth region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Buffalo River Near Flat Woods (Upper) gauge runs roughly 220–830 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 150–580 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Middle Smallmouth · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Buffalo River near Flat Woods (upper), Buffalo River below Lobelville (lower)
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Big South Fork of the Cumberland
Big South Fork of the Cumberland is a small river in the Cumberland Plateau region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Clear Fork Near Robbins, Tn gauge runs roughly 100–760 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–360 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Cumberland Plateau · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Clear Fork Near Robbins, Tn, New River At New River, Tn, South Fk Cumberland River At Leatherwood Ford, Tn
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Harpeth River
Harpeth River is a small creek in the Middle Smallmouth region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Harpeth River At Franklin (Upper) gauge runs roughly 200–400 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 140–200 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Middle Smallmouth · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Harpeth River at Franklin (upper), Harpeth River at Bellevue (middle), Harpeth River near Kingston Springs (lower)
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Tellico River
Tellico River is a small river in the East Mountains region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Tellico River At Tellico Plains gauge runs roughly 120–370 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 85–260 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: East Mountains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Tellico River at Tellico Plains
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Wolf River
Wolf River is a small river in the West Lowlands region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Wolf River At Lagrange, Tn gauge runs roughly 140–330 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 100–230 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: West Lowlands · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Wolf River At Lagrange, Tn, Wolf River At Rossville, Tn, Wolf River At Germantown, Tn, Wolf River At Hollywood St At Memphis, Tn
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Nolichucky River
Nolichucky River is a mid-sized river in the Northeast Mountains region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Nolichucky River At Embreeville (Upper) gauge runs roughly 470–2,000 cfs. Rafts want at least ~680 cfs. Tubing is best 330–1,400 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northeast Mountains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Nolichucky River at Embreeville (upper), Nolichucky River below Nolichucky Dam (middle), Nolichucky River near Lowland (lower)
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Cumberland River
Cumberland River is a big-water river in the Big River region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Cumberland River At Nashville gauge runs roughly 5,100–42,500 cfs. Rafts want at least ~9,000 cfs. Big, trafficked water — not a tubing river. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Big River · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Rafting · USGS gauges: Cumberland River at Nashville
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Little Pigeon River (West Prong)
Little Pigeon River (West Prong) is a small creek in the Smoky Mountains region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the West Prong Little Pigeon Nr Gatlinburg (Headwater) gauge runs roughly 130–220 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 90–130 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Smoky Mountains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: West Prong Little Pigeon nr Gatlinburg (headwater), Little Pigeon River at Sevierville (lower)
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Sequatchie River
Sequatchie River is a small river in the Southeast region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Sequatchie River Near Whitwell, Tn gauge runs roughly 170–950 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 120–590 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Southeast · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Sequatchie River Near Whitwell, Tn
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Emory & Obed River
Emory & Obed River is a small river in the Cumberland Plateau region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Obed River Near Lancing gauge runs roughly 160–2,200 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 110–900 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Cumberland Plateau · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Obed River near Lancing, Emory River at Oakdale (lower)
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Ocoee River
Ocoee River is a mid-sized river in the Southeast region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Ocoee River At Copperhill (Upper) gauge runs roughly 400–1,600 cfs. Rafts want at least ~570 cfs. Tubing is best 280–1,100 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Southeast · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Ocoee River at Copperhill (upper)
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Powell River
Powell River is a mid-sized river in the East Tennessee region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Powell River Near Arthur, Tn gauge runs roughly 210–1,400 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 150–940 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: East Tennessee · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Powell River Near Arthur, Tn
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Collins River
Collins River is a mid-sized river in the Middle Smallmouth region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Collins River Near Mcminnville gauge runs roughly 180–1,500 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 130–930 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Middle Smallmouth · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Collins River near McMinnville
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Pigeon River
Pigeon River is a mid-sized river in the Smoky Mountains region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Pigeon River At Newport, Tn gauge runs roughly 420–2,000 cfs. Rafts want at least ~600 cfs. Tubing is best 290–1,400 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Smoky Mountains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Pigeon River At Newport, Tn
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Stones River
Stones River is a small river in the Middle Smallmouth region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the East Fork Stones River Near Lascassas, Tn gauge runs roughly 100–560 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–290 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Middle Smallmouth · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: East Fork Stones River Near Lascassas, Tn, West Fork Stones River At Murfreesboro, Tn, Stones River At Us Hwy 70 Near Donelson, Tn
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Obey River
Obey River is a small creek in the Upper Cumberland region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the West Fork Obey River Near Alpine, Tn gauge runs roughly 100–190 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–100 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Upper Cumberland · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: West Fork Obey River Near Alpine, Tn
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Hatchie River
Hatchie River is a mid-sized river in the West Lowlands region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Hatchie River At Bolivar (Upper) gauge runs roughly 400–3,800 cfs. Rafts want at least ~560 cfs. Tubing is best 280–2,400 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: West Lowlands · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Hatchie River at Bolivar (upper), Hatchie River at Rialto (lower)
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Doe River
Doe River is a small river in the Northeast Mountains region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Doe River At Elizabethton, Tn gauge runs roughly 100–310 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–220 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Northeast Mountains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Doe River At Elizabethton, Tn
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Mississippi River
Mississippi River is a big-water river in the Big River region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Mississippi River At Memphis, Tn gauge runs roughly 213,500–899,000 cfs. Rafts want at least ~311,000 cfs. Big, trafficked water — not a tubing river. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Big River · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Rafting · USGS gauges: Mississippi River At Memphis, Tn
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Red River
Red River is a mid-sized river in the Middle Smallmouth region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Red River At Port Royal, Tn gauge runs roughly 220–2,400 cfs. Rafts want at least ~370 cfs. Tubing is best 150–1,400 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Middle Smallmouth · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Red River At Port Royal, Tn
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Chickamauga Creek
Chickamauga Creek is a small creek in the Southeast region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the North Chickamauga Cr At Mile Straight, Tn gauge runs roughly 130–690 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 90–130 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Southeast · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: North Chickamauga Cr At Mile Straight, Tn, South Chickamauga Creek Near Chickamauga, Tn
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Falling Water River
Falling Water River is a small creek in the Upper Cumberland region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Falling Water River Near Cookeville, Tn gauge runs roughly 80–140 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 55–80 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Upper Cumberland · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Falling Water River Near Cookeville, Tn
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Big Sandy River
Big Sandy River is a small river in the West Lowlands region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Big Sandy River At Bruceton, Tn gauge runs roughly 100–290 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–200 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: West Lowlands · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Big Sandy River At Bruceton, Tn
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Roaring River
Roaring River is a small creek in the Upper Cumberland region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Roaring River Near Hilham, Tn gauge runs roughly 85–160 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 60–85 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Upper Cumberland · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Roaring River Near Hilham, Tn
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Piney River
Piney River is a small river in the Middle Smallmouth region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Piney River At Vernon, Tn gauge runs roughly 110–340 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 75–240 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Middle Smallmouth · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Piney River At Vernon, Tn
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Shoal Creek
Shoal Creek is a small river in the Middle Smallmouth region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Shoal Creek At Iron City, Tn gauge runs roughly 210–730 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 150–510 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Middle Smallmouth · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Shoal Creek At Iron City, Tn
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Calfkiller River
Calfkiller River is a small river in the Upper Cumberland region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Calfkiller River At Hwy 70 At Sparta, Tn gauge runs roughly 100–590 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–360 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: Upper Cumberland · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Calfkiller River At Hwy 70 At Sparta, Tn
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Obion River
Obion River is a small river in the West Lowlands region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the South Fork Obion River Near Greenfield, Tn gauge runs roughly 160–740 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 110–520 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: West Lowlands · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: South Fork Obion River Near Greenfield, Tn, North Fork Obion River Near Martin, Tn (Ce), Obion River At Hwy 51 Near Obion, Tn
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Forked Deer River
Forked Deer River is a mid-sized river in the West Lowlands region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the South Fork Forked Deer River Near Owl City, Tn gauge runs roughly 310–1,400 cfs. Rafts want at least ~400 cfs. Tubing is best 220–980 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: West Lowlands · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: South Fork Forked Deer River Near Owl City, Tn, Middle Fork Forked Deer River Near Fairview
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Loosahatchie River
Loosahatchie River is a small river in the West Lowlands region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Loosahatchie River Near Arlington, Tn gauge runs roughly 100–240 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–170 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.
Region: West Lowlands · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Loosahatchie River Near Arlington, Tn
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