Elk River
🏔 Scenic River
Lincoln / Giles Co. · 195 mi · Class I–II
—CFS
Loading…Optimal: 300–2000 CFS · USGS #03584500
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Tennessee Scenic River · Highland Rim Biodiversity Corridor
A limestone spring-fed gem in south-central Tennessee — the Elk River flows 195 miles through the Highland Rim, fed by some of the largest springs in the state. Gentle Class I–II water through pastoral countryside with dramatic limestone bluffs and abundant wildlife. The Elk is one of the most biologically significant tributaries of the Tennessee River.
Trip sections
Upper Elk — Fayetteville area, Class I–II, spring-fed headwaters
Middle Elk — Pulaski to Prospect, Class I, scenic limestone bluffs
Lower Elk to Wheeler Reservoir — Class I, wide bottomland
Outfitters
Elk River Canoe Rental
South-central Tennessee Elk River float trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.