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CanWePaddle

Little River — Rockford to Maryville: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Little River · Class I · Tennessee

Current verdict

Good to paddle

Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.

152 cfs/ 5.5 ft gauge
Runnable 100–1,500 cfs
Estimated range

USGS gauge 03498500 · updated Jul 9, 8:15 AM UTC

7-day flow trend

1,64002026-07-022026-07-08
Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty
Class I
Length
Float time
Best months
April–September
Put-in
Walland / Rockford area access
Take-out
Louisville / near Maryville access

Reading USGS gauge 03498500 — LITTLE RIVER NEAR MARYVILLE, TN · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Little River — Rockford to Maryville?

This section is generally runnable at 100–1,500 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 Little River levels?

We read USGS gauge 03498500 — 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 Little River — Rockford to Maryville good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. 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 Little River here?

Typically April–September, 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.

Nearby sections

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