Stones River — Percy Priest Tailwater to Donelson: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Stones River · Flatwater · Tennessee
Current verdict
No runnable range yet
We don’t have a runnable range for this section yet — many of these are calm or dam-controlled reaches. Here’s the current gauge reading; check it (and, for tailwaters, the dam’s generation schedule) before you go.
USGS gauge 03430200 · updated Jul 9, 8:00 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Flatwater
- Length
- —
- Float time
- —
- Best months
- April–October
- Put-in
- J. Percy Priest Dam tailwater access
- Take-out
- Stones River access near Donelson (Hwy 70)
Reading USGS gauge 03430200 — STONES RIVER AT US HWY 70 NEAR DONELSON, TN ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Stones River — Percy Priest Tailwater to Donelson?
We don't yet have a published runnable range for this section, so we can't give a firm number. Check the live USGS gauge and ask a local outfitter before you go.
How do I check Stones River levels?
We read USGS gauge 03430200 — 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 Stones River — Percy Priest Tailwater to Donelson good for beginners?
This is a flatwater section — no rapids under normal levels — so it's beginner-friendly when the gauge is in range. High water changes everything: cold, fast water is dangerous for anyone.
When is the best time to paddle Stones River here?
Typically April–October, 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.