Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association upcoming events

1st Saturday Paddle Series - Hiwassee River (Saturday, September 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Saturday, September 5th we'll be paddling the Hiwassee River (Apalachia Powerhouse to Reliance) and will meet at the public boat ramp at Reliance (the parking lot immediately downstream from the railroad bridge) at 11:30 am EDT.

As a reminder, the 1st Saturday Paddle Series is unguided and non-instructional using the Common Adventurer model. You are responsible for ensuring you have the equipment, knowledge and skills appropriate for the river. That being said, you can expect a supportive, judgement-free environment and some experienced boaters happy to share beta.

American Whitewater's website lists this section of the Hiwassee as Class II.

If you have any questions, reach out to John Shepard at johnkshepard@gmail.com.

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1st Saturday Paddle Series

Every 1^st Saturday of every month in 2026 you will find us paddling a whitewater river or creek somewhere in Tennessee. We welcome all to join us. We will keep it on natural flow as much as possible. When water gets scarce, we’ll resort to the dam releases at Hiwassee, Ocoee, and Pigeon. Some weekends are predetermined with the assumption there will be enough flow. These will correspond with other events such as Rendezvous (Clear Creek), Jack Lyle Memorial Paddle (Big South Fork), Canoe & Kayak School Follow-up Paddle (Hiwassee). Other trips we will try to predict water levels and update the location approximately 1 - 2 weeks out based off of present water levels and expected rainfall. Just like the water we’ve got to be fluid. Things can change pretty quick.

Expect Class II through Class IV. Don’t rule a paddle out though due to difficulty. Some ratings are based off of 1 or 2 rapids that in many cases can be portaged. If in doubt, ask us! Just a few rivers you are likely to see:

Ø Big South Fork (Confluence to Leatherwood Ford) II-IV

Ø Clear Creek (Jet to Lilly) II+(III)

Ø Clear Creek (Lilly to Nemo) II-IV

Ø Obey, West Fork II

Ø Tellico (Bridge below Jared's Knee to Ranger Station) II-III

We will occasionally make a weekend out of it and camp close to the river. Not a requirement to paddle but could be an option if you like. We’ll keep you posted when and where we plan to camp. Who knows, if we feel like it, we may do it again on Sunday.

TSRA membership is not required however there will be a $10 registration fee for nonmembers per trip. If you like us and think you will join us again, apply that $10 towards a membership and paddle next time with no registration fee.

TSRA 3rd Saturday Paddle, Lower French Broad River - Joint venture with Paddling Buds Group (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

TSRA 3rd Saturday Paddle Trip (September 19, 2026)

Every 3rd Saturday of the month TSRA will be leading a Flatwater to Class I paddle trip. Location will be determined a week or two prior and updated on the calendar. Basic paddling skills, training and gear are a prerequisite for all registrants. Life Jackets (PFD) will be worn at all times on the water. No alcohol during the trip.

This month will be a joint venture trip with the Paddling Buds group.

Refer to the Paddling Buds Facebook page under Events, "First time on the French Broad River" for further information.

We will launch from Douglas Tailwater Campground (35.958879, -83.549325) to Seven Island Landing and boat ramp (35.951946, -83.683315) About 14 miles paddle. Only class 1 paddling skills needed. Camp Friday night and Saturday night at the Douglas Tailwater Campground and head home Sunday Morning. Dam Generation schedule to be determined so be prepared for changes based on generation schedule.

615-308-4059 mbl or HStevecanoes@gmail.com

1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT

1st Saturday Paddle Series

Ø Big South Fork (Confluence to Leatherwood Ford) II-IV

Ø Clear Creek (Jet to Lilly) II+(III)

Ø Clear Creek (Lilly to Nemo) II-IV

Ø Obey, West Fork II

Ø Tellico (Bridge below Jared's Knee to Ranger Station) II-III

TSRA's 60th Anniversary Celebration (Saturday, October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Save the Date!
60 Years of TSRA
October 10, 2026 | Shelby Park

Join us as we celebrate six decades of river conservation, adventure, and community. Reconnect with old friends, share stories from the water, and help inspire the next generation of river stewards. Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or are new to the TSRA family, we can’t wait to celebrate this milestone together.

We will send email updates to registrants closer to the event.

1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

1st Saturday Paddle Series

Ø Big South Fork (Confluence to Leatherwood Ford) II-IV

Ø Clear Creek (Jet to Lilly) II+(III)

Ø Clear Creek (Lilly to Nemo) II-IV

Ø Obey, West Fork II

Ø Tellico (Bridge below Jared's Knee to Ranger Station) II-III

1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 06:00:00 GMT

1st Saturday Paddle Series

Ø Big South Fork (Confluence to Leatherwood Ford) II-IV

Ø Clear Creek (Jet to Lilly) II+(III)

Ø Clear Creek (Lilly to Nemo) II-IV

Ø Obey, West Fork II

Ø Tellico (Bridge below Jared's Knee to Ranger Station) II-III