Emory River — Nemo to Oakdale: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Emory River · Class II · Tennessee
Current verdict
Good to paddle
Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.
USGS gauge 03540500 · updated Jul 9, 8:00 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Class II
- Length
- —
- Float time
- —
- Best months
- March–July
- Put-in
- Nemo Bridge (Obed/Emory confluence, Wartburg)
- Take-out
- Oakdale river access
Reading USGS gauge 03540500 — EMORY RIVER AT OAKDALE, TN ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Emory River — Nemo to Oakdale?
This section is generally runnable at 150–2,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Emory River levels?
We read USGS gauge 03540500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Emory River — Nemo to Oakdale good for beginners?
This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Emory River here?
Typically March–July, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.