Thursday, May 9 – Tims Ford Lake Paddle. 4 to 6 hours of calm lake paddling. We’ll explore the generally lightly travelled Anderton Branch and the mostly undeveloped Ray Branch. Bring lunch, plenty of water, sunscreen and wear your personal flotation device. We will meet at the Anderton Public Boat Ramp, Lynchburg, TN. To register or for more information contact Jim Barritt, jsbarritt@gmail.com or 931-492-3212.
This is an EASY beginner friendly place to kayak.Please make your own reservation online – https://smoothrapids.com or call 931- 452-9251 They offer different float lengths to suit your needs and they have a great restaurant (see menu online) on the river too!Trip choices Short-#1 or Long-#2#1-Pepper Branch Park to Smooth Rapids- Barren Fork River / 2 miles trip length / float time 1 hour duration#2-Smooth Rapids to VFW – Barren Fork River to the Collins River / 6 miles trip length / float time 4–5-hour duration—
Prices #1- Single kayak rentals (one person): $29
#2- Single Kayak rental $49
#1- Tandem kayak rentals (two people): $49 #2- Tandem kayak rental $79
#2- Shuttle service only (this option is available to those who bring their own kayak) $20
Included· Paddle· Life vest· Shuttle to and from the start point.
Depart from Crossville’s Tractor Supply at 8:30am CDST and drive to Smooth Rapids Outfitters 1 hour 10 minutes. Or meet at Smooth Rapids Outfitters located at 245 Durham Street McMinnville, TN 37110 by 9:45 to check in and sign waiver. Float Trips will depart at 10:00
#1- They will shuttle you to Pepper Branch Park then you float back to Smooth Rapids Outfitters
#2- Launch from Smooth Rapids Outfitters then float to the VFW and be shuttled back to Smooth Rapids Outfitters.
What to bring· Shoes with a heel strap or water shoes· Swimming attire – you might get wet· Change of clothes and towel· Bug spray, Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, shades· Dry bag or box for your phone, keys, wallet, etc.· Bring lunch for #2 and stop for a picnic along the river. Cancellation policy Once you reserve their equipment, they block that inventory off exclusively for you. If you need to cancel, then this is their policy:· More than 48 hours in advance – full refund· Between 24-48 hours – 50% refund· Less than 24 hours – You can reschedule to a different date. They do not issue refunds for no-shows or weather. In severe weather cases, they offer rain checks that never expire.
Please text Stacy once you have registered so she knows how many with be taking each trip. Any questions just send her a text. 210-772-8020
Friday-Sunday, September 15-17 – Tims Ford State Park Little Island Camping and Hiking. Joint event with the Highland Rim chapter. Friday evening, we will set up camp on Little Island. Saturday, we will kayak Tims Ford Lake to Ray Branch Peninsula and hike the Evans Loop Trail. This section of the Ray Branch Shoreline Trail is 4.0 miles rated moderate. Saturday evening, we will drive to Winchester and eat outdoors at the Twin Creeks Marina. You will need hiking, camping and kayaking gear in addition to food and water. You must register to reserve a camping spot on Little Island. For more information or to sign up, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com.
Saturday, August 26 – Woods Reservoir Paddle. Joint activity with the Murfreesboro Chapter, Sara Pollard. Meet at 8 am CDT at the put-in, Brumalow Creek Boat Ramp, Manchester Beach Road. Please note: the street sign at the intersection of Old Brick Church Road reads Checking Station Road. Bring lunch and a lot of water. We will put in on beautiful Brumalow Creek and head to Elder Island, where several species of ducks nest. We will then follow the southern shoreline toward Elk River Dam and the Wildlife Management Area. We will see The University of Tennessee Space Institute on our way back. Please register with Joan Hartvigsen, jhartvigs@comcast.net or 931-636-2914. Woods Reservoir is an impoundment of the Elk River. The Elk River Dam was completed in 1952 by US Air Force for Arnold Engineering Development Center.
Thursday, August 17 – Normandy Lake Paddle. Joint outing with the Murfreesboro Chapter, Sara Pollard. Meet at 8 am CT at Barton Springs Public Use Area. We will explore Cedar Point, visit the island with the huge, old chestnut oak, and paddle down Riley Creek. Bring a lot of water and lunch, hat and sunscreen. BYOB. Register with Joan Hartvigsen, jhartvigs@comcast.net or 931-636-2914. Normandy Lake is a TVA impoundment of the Duck River. Normandy Dam was completed in 1976.
Woods Reservoir Paddle. Joint activity with the Highland Rim chapter. Meet at 8:00 am CT at the put-in on Manchester Beach Road, Estill Springs. Please note the street sign at the intersection of Old Brick Church Road reads Checking Station Road. We will put in on beautiful Brumlow Creek and head to Elder Island, where several species of ducks nest. We will then follow the southern shoreline toward Elk River Dam and the Wildlife Management Area. Woods Reservoir is a reservoir created by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for use as a cooling system for the United States Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC). It is located in Franklin and Coffee counties. We will see The University of Tennessee Space Institute on our way back. Bring lunch and lots of water. For more information or to sign up, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714- 3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com.