Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association upcoming events

Jack Lyle Memorial Paddle: 1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

1st Saturday Paddle Series: Jack Lyle Memorial Paddle- Big South Fork

This May's 1st Saturday Paddle is the annual Jack Lyle Memorial Paddle on the Big South Fork of the Cumberland (Class III-IV). Depending on water level, we will either put in at Burnt Mill Bridge or at the confluence of the New and Clear Fork Rivers. Either way, we will take out at Leatherwood Ford.

There will be no charge for this event, but registration is required so we can get an accurate headcount. ACA membership is required for insurance purposes and can be purchased through registration.

We could use a couple shuttle drivers also. If you or someone you know would be interested please complete the registration for shuttle driver.

Sign up by Wednesday, April 29th. Meet-up time and other details will be sent via email prior to the trip. For questions reach out to John Shepard at johnkshepard@gmail.com.

This section of the Big South Fork is rated Class III-IV. It is a long, remote run with very limited opportunities for evacuation in the event of emergency. Hazards include but are not limited to weather, powerful waves and holes, undercut rocks, pin rocks, sieves, and other characteristics typical of backcountry whitewater paddling. A reliable combat roll is required for all decked boaters.

About TSRA 1st Sat Paddles:

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.

Canoeing Basics (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

CANOEING BASICS (SAT. MAY 2, 2026)

Learn the “Basics of Canoeing - Tandem and Solo” _ Trip Planning; Gear; Clothing; Unloading and Loading; Carrying; Parts of a Canoe; Safety; Paddle Strokes and Boat Control; Self and Assisted Rescue.

Whether you are interested in solo or tandem canoeing, and you have some experience paddling a canoe or none, this will be an awesome course to attend! In this class you will experience and gain knowledge of basic canoe paddling strokes and safety techniques. You will also learn the "how to" of transporting a canoe, along with getting familiar with basic paddling gear. We will cover day trip and multi-day trip planning.

Class will begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp!

Meet at:

Long Hunter State Park, on Couchville Lake

2910 Hobson Pike,Hermitage, TN 37076

Gather lake side next to the trailhead. Leave your boats on your vehicle until class begins.

We will follow up the class with a paddle around the lake.

There will be a follow up Class I River paddle on the next 3^rd Saturday paddle May 16^th if you want to put your new skills to test on moving water. River location to be determined closer to the trip.

Items you will need for the class:

1. Canoe. Tandem (2 seats) or solo (1 seat). I will have solo boats at the class for you to use for the solo portion of the class if you do not have one, or you can paddle your tandem boat from the stern or in reverse position.
2. PFD (personal floatation device) – Life jacket must be worn at all times on the water.
3. Paddle. Canoe paddle length should be approximately from the ground to snug under your arm pit.
4. Swim or sports material clothing. No cotton clothing. Dress for a possible swim.
5. Water shoes.
6. Light lunch and drink.

For additional information call, text or email Steve Morris at 615-308-4059 or stevecanoes@gmail.com

3rd Saturday Paddle _ Buffalo River, Metal Ford to Voorhies Bridge (Saturday, May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The Buffalo River TN. (Class I) May 16^th, 2026 (Saturday)

We will paddle 8.5 river miles from Metal Ford to Voorhies Bridge (Sickler Rd.).

Meet at the put in on the Buffalo River at the Metal Ford Historic Site at 9:00 am Saturday May 16th.

The put in is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway just south of the Meriwether Lewis Monument and campground site where the Natchez Trace Parkway crosses the Buffalo River. The site is on the right (due south) just after you cross the bridge.

Directions to Put In (Metal Ford):

Take I65 south out of Nashville.

Take Exit 46 – Hwy. 412 West. Go through Columbia toward Hohenwald.

When you get to the Natchez Trace Parkway exit due South.

Follow the Trace pass the Meriwether Lewis Monument at about the 5^th mile and then go another 2 miles to the Metal Ford Historic Site on the right after you cross the Buffalo River Bridge.

We will meet in the parking area.

Directions to Take Out (Voorhies Bridge on Sickler Rd):

Travel back to Natchez Trace Parkway and turn right. Go approximately 2 miles and turn right on Napier Lake Rd. This makes a short 180 loop then turn left to Napier Lake Rd. The loop may be called Rack Clayton Rd. Take Napier Lake Rd due west for 5.5 miles to Hwy 99. There is a bridge on the right with an river access across the bridge for a shorter trip. Turn left on Hwy 99 and continue for approximately 4 miles to Sickler Rd. Turn right on Sickler Rd. Go approximately ½ mile to the Voorhies Bridge (low water bridge) access. Access and parking are on the right before crossing the bridge.

Please pre-register on the TSRA calendar or by calling/texting or emailing Steve Morris at 615-308-4059 mbl or Stevecanoes@gmail.com.

SWIFTWATER RESCUE (Friday, May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Whitewater enthusiasts participate in hazardous activities in wilderness environments. Are you prepared to rescue yourself or your best paddling friend? Are they prepared to rescue you? Help in many cases may not be immediately available, and might be hours (not minutes) away.

Sign up and bring your favorite paddling crew to this clinic. It’s like buying yourself, and them, the safety line that may save your lives.

Led by ACA certified instructors Jim McCool, Woody Woodall, Charlie Wilkerson, Gary Weatherford and James Parnell this course is designed to teach basic swiftwater rescue techniques where limited personnel and/or safety gear is available. Our instructors have in excess of 50 years combined experience teaching whitewater paddling and swiftwater rescue. They’ve provided instruction to hundreds of individuals and many paddling clubs in Tennessee and Kentucky as well as training Tennessee and National Park Service Rangers, firefighters, other first responders and many more.

This clinic will include indoor/outdoor classroom instruction, shore and river skills and realistic scenarios. Successful completion of this course will prepare you to self-rescue and aid in the rescue of others in whitewater environments.

Registration fee includes: tent camping onsite. Student guests $25/night to camp during the clinic. There is limited bunk space for an additional cost to those participants seeking indoor space. To book email: Jim McCool at wwseal@yahoo.com. Breakfast and lunch is the responsibility of participants. We will provide dinner on Sat night only.

For additional information email Jim McCool at wwseal@yahoo.com

1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, June 06, 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 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

Canoe & Kayak School 2026 (Friday, June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The 2026 Annual Whitewater Canoe and Kayak School will be held June 26-28, 2026 at the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park located at 404 Spring Creek Road, Delano, Tennessee.

This school is for beginner whitewater canoe and kayak paddlers up to advanced paddlers ages 12 and up. Instructional opportunities will include on and off-river lessons covering orientation and logistics; terminology and river signals; stroke work, self and assisted rescue; fundamentals of river features; whitewater practice such as eddy turns, ferries and surfing; assessing current environmental conditions; and paddling group dynamics. On-water instruction is based on skill level.

Classes may begin on Parksville Lake to work on self and assisted rescue techniques and advance to the Hiwassee River or the Ocoee River. Our registration form will request information about paddling skill to help our instructors organize classes. Our main goal is to provide participants with quality skill-level based instruction on all the tools to have fun and be safe on the water! This is a fun filled, educational weekend for family and friends and is a unique occasion to learn new skills from experienced paddlers who love to teach and enjoy developing new enthusiasts for the sport.

What to Bring: You must furnish and keep up with your own equipment for the school. If you do not have kayak or canoe equipment, you should be able to rent from a local outdoor retailer near your home. The following is a minimum list of equipment necessary for the school:

Kayakers: Whitewater Kayak (fits your weight and height) Paddle (appropriate for your grip and length) Spray Skirt (be sure it fits the cockpit and your waist) Helmet (appropriate for whitewater and head size) PFD (Personal Flotation Device- Type III) Flotation –Air bags

Canoeists: Whitewater Solo or Tandem Canoe, Paddle(s) (a spare is nice to have), Flotation –Air bags, Helmet, PFD

ALL PADDLERS SHOULD HAVE: Exposure Protection – polypropylene, wool, paddling jacket, wetsuit or drysuit NO COTTON! The Hiwassee water is COLD- You will need extra layers. Carry with you in dry bag: River booties or other foot protection (no sandals) – You will be walking on rocks! Dry bag – for keeping lunch, extra clothing, cell phone, and valuables dry, Nose clips (optional), Sunblock (oil free), Water Bottle (hydration is very important on the river)

*Leave valuable rings at home! Each year, a paddler loses a special ring on the river.

For more information, email Whitewater Canoe and Kayak School here.

1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, July 04, 2026)

Sat, 04 Jul 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

Basic River Rescue (Friday, July 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Chota Canoe Club and TSRA paddle clubs are partnering again to bring you this Basic River Rescue Class.

Held at Gee Creek Campground on the Hiwassee River, in Delano, Tennessee. You can arrive Friday evening at your convenience. The school begins Friday night, where you will meet with your instructors to prepare for Saturday morning. Saturday we will spend half a day (before lunch) doing land instruction. After lunch we will be on the river. Sunday, we will be the same, land instruction and river time. All meals are your responsibility, except for dinner on Sat Saturday Night. We will provide dinner and some instruction at camp. Class is limited to 10 people, with a waiting list. We will open a second class, if the wait list fills up.

This class provides an opportunity for you to learn how to help yourself and your paddling friends whenever you run into trouble on the river. Examples of what is covered during the weekend include:

How to throw and catch a throw rope
Simple mechanical advantage systems
Swimming with and without your boat/paddle
Wading in current
Boat based rescues - boat over boat, T-rescues, deep water re-entry

This course will be taught by Swiftwater Rescue trained instructors. Students will need to have some basic comfort with their paddling skills ON WHITEWATER before embarking on the training. A roll is not necessary in order to take this class.

YOUR REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

1. Professional quality training in basic river rescue techniques over two days

2. Two nights at the Gee Creek Campground. (We will be sharing sites in the A-Loop so if you'd prefer a private site, feel free to reserve your own at your cost) Bring your own tent, sleeping gear, and food. We have sites A1, A23, & A25. incase you want to snag your own spot nearby.

WHAT TO BRING:

The following is a minimum suggested list of equipment necessary for the school:

Whitewater boats (no recreational boats) are required for this course. If you have any questions as to whether or not your boat is acceptable, please contact Vinson or Woody at wwsafety@paddletsra.org.

Whitewater Kayaks: Kayak Flotation air bags for your boat Paddle Spray skirt (be sure it fits the cockpit and your waist) Helmet (appropriate for whitewater and fits your head) PFD -life vest- Type III

Whitewater Canoes: Solo or tandem boat Paddle (s) a spare paddle is nice to have Flotation air bags Helmet PFD Type III

Flotation is necessary outfitting for any whitewater boat; we will be taking swims on purpose and flotation helps prevent the boat from taking on too much water.

ALL PADDLERS SHOULD HAVE:

Exposure Protection : polypropylene, wool, paddling jacket, wetsuit or drysuit. NO COTTON! The Hiwassee water is COLD- you will need extra layers.
River booties or other foot protection (no open toed shoes, no exceptions)- You will be walking on rocks!
Dry bag for keeping lunch, extra clothing, camera and valuables dry Sunglasses or glasses should have retainers that float, otherwise they will sink Nose clips (optional) Sunblock (oil free) Water Bottle (hydration is very important on the river) *Leave valuable jewelry at home!
If you have one, Throw Rope, Whistle, and Paddling 1st Aid Kit, but not require.

Please note:

TSRA and Chota Schools are organized and run by volunteers. Our volunteers need enough time to organize class.

For additional information email James (Woody) Woodall or Vinson Dill at wwsafety@paddletsra.org.

1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, August 01, 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 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

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

Sat, 05 Sep 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

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