Little, West Prong, Tennessee, US

2. Confluence with Laurel Creek to the Y (West Prong of the Little River)

Usual Difficulty	III+ (for normal flows)
Length	3 Miles
Avg. Gradient	115 fpm
Max Gradient	172 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
LITTLE RIVER ABOVE TOWNSEND, TN
usgs-03497300	4.00 - 8.00 ft	III+	01h12m	2.07 ft (rc= -0.5 )

River Description

One can hike into the upper reaches of this run by starting at the West Prong Trailhead, which begans at a parking area on the right as you arrive at the Tremont Institute. This section drops 250 ft/mile, so it is probably 3-4 smoky creeking with some wood in it, as it is quite small. Starting at the confluence of Laurel Creek, the run has many quality class 3-3+ rapids, with liberal sprinklings of wood, though all can be avoided at this time. Conditions change often though, so scout the few spots that can't be seen from the road. The big drop is an 8 foot ledge above the confluence with Middle Prong. It is slightly undercut on the left and there is a piton/pin depending on the level, on the right. Straightforward nonetheless. This is something that I would do when the Little is way high and your group is not up for the Class 4-5 steep creeking that is blowing up elsewhere.