Hurricane Creek, Tennessee, US

Camp Ground Rd to East Fork Obey

Usual Difficulty	IV-V (for normal flows)
Length	4 Miles
Avg. Gradient	115 fpm
Max Gradient	400 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
EAST FORK OBEY RIVER NEAR JAMESTOWN, TN
usgs-03414500	3000 - 6000 cfs	IV-V	00h23m	697 cfs (rc= -0.8 )

River Description

This run was probably first descented in the mid-1990's by a group from Knoxville, TN: Wesley, Captain, Tony Robinson, Patrick, and Jeff Robinson. They ran everything except "Big Baboon."

The first mile or more of the creek is class II. Just before the confluence with Little Hurricane Creek you'll run across a few drop of significance, the last of these being Crash. It's a slot that lands on a rock...one of those.

After the confluence with Little Hurricane on river left you will come upon "Big Baboon." This rapid looks like it was transplanted straight from Jones Creek in Alabama. You'll need to get out early on the right to scout or portage. Enter in the center of the river between some large boulders and drop off into a 10 foot almost-vertical wash. This could have a hole at higher levels, but at 2.5ft it wasn't a problem. A few seconds later, and some bitch rocks in between, the final drop is upon you where the water flies off of a boulder with an 8 foot drop. Too far left and right will put you in close contact with boulders that just aren't enjoyable. Tony Robinson was the first to run this on our Little Hurricane to Hurricane run in the Spring of 2001.

A few hundred yards down, and with plenty of rapids in between, is the next named rapid, "Wheatward Bound and Down." This one has three slots. The far right slot was where all the action happened on the first descent, a big hole with tornadoes and all sorts of long boats doing cartwheels. The middle slot is the easier option. The far left slot, which would only be runnable at higher water levels, is a v-ledge 12 footer.

Just below this rapid are the "Head High Rocks". A strange mix of slots with many options. Do not take the option of going right in these due to sieves.

Several other rapids remain. The section described above is at 400 feet per mile, so there are plenty of rapids to go around. Watch out for undercuts and enjoy the limestone/sandstone exchanges in the strata. This creek is rarely run, so check for wood as much as possible. Wonderful scenery and greenery as well.

The time on the East Fork of the Obey, 3.5 to 4 miles of it, is pretty mellow in comparison. The only major rapid you'll find is Surf City which is one of the best rapids I've been on, very enjoyable.

If anyone knows of others paddling Hurricane and Little Hurricane let us know.