1st Saturday Paddle Series - Clear Creek (Jett to Lilly)
Provided water levels accommodate, Saturday, February 7th we'll be paddling Clear Creek and will meet at [Gary W. to confirm time and place].
Kirk Eddlemon describes this delightful stretch of Wild and Scenic River as "the perfect opportunity for those looking to solidify their boat-control and river skills, as well as to gain a subtle sneak peek into the captivating realm of plateau river canyons."
American Whitewater's website lists this 2.4-mile section of Clear Creek as Class II+(III).
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.
If you have any questions, reach out to John Shepard at johnkshepard@gmail.com.
Every 1st 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.