Tellico River - Hydrography

Hydrography

The Tellico River rises in the Unicoi Range near the Tennessee-North Carolina state line, in the Nantahala National Forest. The North Carolina side includes the Upper Tellico Off-highway vehicle area.

After the river crosses into Tennessee, it is joined by its major tributaries the Bald and North Rivers.

The Tellico River basin was logged by the Babcock Lumber Company in the early 20th century. The present-day road up the Tellico River from Tellico Plains was built on the old Babcock logging railroad bed. After the Tellico River basin forests were cut, Babock sold the land to the United States Forest Service.

The Tellico River's rocky descent provides class III-IV whitewater recreation. The runs are especially popular during the spring because of higher water levels. The narrow extreme rapids on the Tellico River are well suited for kayaks, canoes - C1's and duckies, but not for larger rafts. There is continuous access to the river from the road, but these runs are popular:

• Trout Hatchery to Bridge above the Bald River confluence, class II-III
• The Ledges - from the Bridge above the Bald River confluence to bridge below Jared's Knee, class III-IV
• Bridge below Jared's Knee to Ranger Station, class II-III
• Ranger Station to Tellico Plains, class I-III