The put in is located at the Walter's Hydro-Plant, the Big Creek confluence in Waterville. Look for the many many boaters. Also, before you put on please sign in at the hut with the Cocke County Constable. This is not necessary, but it helps with their study about outdoor tourism to the area. The rapids from the put-in to the bridge are the mildest of the trip.
Many beginners take out here.
Here, many people learn to do their first cartwheels. The first play spot is Snapdragon, a twenty foot wide hole at low levels, becoming a wave at higher flows. Playground is a few rapids below. Below there, Lost Guide has the largest obsticle on the river. Most run it on river right to avoid the hole.