TRV Stewardship Council

SUMMARY:
Explore the soothing waters of the Tennessee River in a canoe, kayak or boat and take in the scenery and unlimited water recreation in the seven-state region.

Knoxville, Tenn. – The Tennessee River Valley Geotourism Mapguide invites visitors to explore the seven-state region and all of its beauty and attractions by traveling the waterways in a canoe, kayak or boat. Lining the waterways are hundreds of scenic areas, wildlife viewing areas and trails to explore, and plenty of marinas, picnic areas, camp sites and other accommodations provide needed services and conveniences. Whether the mode of transportation is human power or fueled by motor, exploring the region on water offers a different view and experience like no other.

Land Between the Lakes , a 170,000-acre playground located in the heart of the Tennessee River Valley, has launched a new regional water trail. Land Between the Lakes Regional Water Trails provide paddlers an opportunity to enjoy an easy float on secluded and pristine waters with views of birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat, interesting rock bluffs and other scenic areas on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake in Kentucky and Tennessee. On Lake Barkley, this will include water trails from the dam, upstream to, and including, Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge. On Kentucky Lake, this will include water trails from the dam, upstream to, and including the Duck River unit of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. The project will be completed in phases. Phase 1 includes the 300-mile shoreline of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Phases 2 and 3 will encompass approximately 186 miles of Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River and 118 miles of Lake Barkley/Cumberland River. A map and descriptions of water trail access points is available at www.landbetweenthelakes.us/watertrails/.

In Chattanooga, the Tennessee River Blueway starts downstream of the Chickamauga Dam and ends at the Nickajack Dam. This water trail is a 45-mile river journey with multiple access points for flat water canoeing and kayaking and camping sites along the way. The Blueway travels through downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge and is a great day trip or a multi-day expedition.

Tucked into the Cherokee National Forest, the Tellico Blueway is an easy-going float trip that starts in Madisonville, Tenn., and goes for about 11 miles to Vonore, Tenn. The trip consists mostly of flat water and is short enough to paddle in one day. Along the banks of this scenic river, visitors will find the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum and the reconstruction of the original British Fort Loudoun and wildlife enthusiasts will want to keep an eye out for eagle and osprey nests in the trees.

The French Broad River, the third oldest river in the world, begins in North Carolina and flows in Tennessee offering 228 miles of secluded and pristine waters. The French Broad River Blueway is popular among experienced and novice paddlers as well as anglers because of its diverse intensity and scenic beauty throughout the seasons. Whitewater rafting is especially popular through the Cherokee National Forest. There are several camping sites along the French Broad River for those who want to plan a multi-day expedition.

The Alabama Scenic River Trail, suitable for every kind of craft from canoes and kayaks to powerboats, begins in the mountainous terrain of northeastern Alabama, flows through beautiful scenery in nine lakes, through the serenity of the second largest river delta in the United States, through Mobile Bay, ending at historic Ft. Morgan. With 5,300 miles of accessible waterways, it is the longest and most diverse river trail in America where water enthusiasts can experience everything from mountain streams to multi-class whitewater to river delta and the salty waves of the Gulf of Mexico.

Recreational mariners looking for a thrill should check out the Tennessee–Tombigbee Waterway. Often called the Tenn-Tom, the waterway boasts 10 locks and dams, 17 public ports and terminals, a 175-foot deep cut between the Tombigbee River watershed and the Tennessee River watershed and 234 miles of navigable channel that extends from the Tennessee River to the Tombigbee River connecting major inland ports from Paducah, Ky. to Knoxville, Tenn. It is also part of the Great Loop, a continuous waterway that allows boaters to explore Eastern North America. According to Loopers (those who have experienced the Great Loop), it is the best route to the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing, boating and water activities, camping, hiking picnicking, sightseeing and hunting, the Tenn-Tom Waterway is an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise with plenty to do and see along the route.

For more information or to discover additional water recreation in the Tennessee River Valley, visit www.exploreTRV.com.