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.
To sign up by Wednesday, April 30th. 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 1st Saturday of every month in 2025 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.
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