Springtime on the Water: Ideas for spring trips in the Thrive Region (Sponsored Content)

Partner paddle with the Hiwassee Blueway Committee. / Photo contributed by Thrive Regional Partnership
Partner paddle with the Hiwassee Blueway Committee. / Photo contributed by Thrive Regional Partnership

As winter loosens its soggy grip on Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, spring weather beckons us outdoors, toward thawing woods and warming rivers. Fortunately for residents of this region, there is no shortage of either to explore. Perhaps one of the most interesting vantage points from which to view this transition of seasons is from the water.

Spring wildflowers emerge from the ground; awakening animals seek out food; neotropical migratory birds return to their summer breeding areas, and a hidden flurry of underwater activity begins to unfold. Scores of amphibians converge on bodies of water in search of mates, and fish and many other aquatic animals engage in a complex variety of breeding processes. There is much to say about the waters of this region, which are home to the highest levels of freshwater biodiversity on the continent. Over 60,000 miles of rivers and streams wind their way through Tennessee, while Alabama and Georgia each contain over 70,000 miles. All three states contain more species of freshwater fish than any state in the U.S. These waterways are steeped in cultural history as well, with prehistoric settlements dating back over 12,000 years.

The adventures below are just a few of the many options and are great for families and beginners. We have even included difficulty ratings for each adventure to help you find the best excursion for your skill. Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are great family-friendly options for exploring some of these calmer waterways in a flatwater setting. Many of our local rivers have guide services and outfitters onsite, offering shuttles and other helpful amenities to safely get your feet wet.

Here are three options to consider:

Lower Ocoee River in Polk County, Tennessee (Difficulty Rating = 3/5)

The Ocoee River is known globally for its Class III-IV whitewater rapids, but the lower section offers flatwater alternatives that are accessible via SUP, canoe or recreational kayak. On the Lower Ocoee River, Sugarloaf Mountain Park below Ocoee Dam No. 1 is a great starting point for a flatwater trip. From the Sugarloaf boat ramp, it is roughly 7.75 miles down to the next public access ramp at Nancy Ward Bridge. For a shorter trip, Outdoor Adventure Rafting (OAR) offers a shuttle service with takeout on its private boat ramp, which is roughly 3 miles downstream of Sugarloaf Park.

  photo  Partner paddle on the Sequatchie River, including Natural Treasures Alliance partners from around the region. / Photo contributed by Thrive Regional Partnership
 
 

Lower Hiwassee River in Polk County, Tennessee (Difficulty Rating = 3/5)

The Hiwassee River is a popular destination with milder Class I-III rapids, but like the Ocoee, the lower section is family-friendly. Thanks to the work of the Hiwassee Blueway Committee, there are now several additional public access points on the Lower Hiwassee River, below the popular stretch of whitewater near Reliance, Tennessee. Access points at Gee Creek Campground in Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park, as well as the Highway 411 bridge just downstream, offer access for flatwater floats. Users can put in at either location, and take out at the Patty Bridge public access boat launch. This float is roughly 5.75 or 6.5 miles, depending on whether you put in at Gee Creek Campground or the 411 bridge access.

Sequatchie River in Bledsoe, Sequatchie and Marion counties, TN (Difficulty Rating = 2/5)

Less than an hour from Chattanooga, the Sequatchie River is nestled between escarpments of the Cumberland Plateau, and flows 116 miles through the Sequatchie Valley. There are several public access points along the river, offering a variety of experiences and float options. The primary access point on the Upper Sequatchie is located at the TWRA boat ramp under the Highway 30 bridge, just outside of Pikeville, Tennessee. Old Mill Dam Outdoor Adventures is an outfitter on the Upper Sequatchie that is available to assist with equipment and shuttles. Access points on the Middle and Lower Sequatchie include a new boat ramp in Dunlap, Tennessee at the Old York Highway Bridge, as well as Stone Cave Road bridge, Mt. Calvary Road bridge and Ketner's Mill near Whitwell, Tennessee. Willis Farm Kayak & Canoe Rental offers canoe and kayak rentals near Ketner's Mill. A float from Ketner's Mill to Willis Farm is approximately 4 miles.

For more information on local paddle trips, check out Chattanooga Area Water Trails interactive map maintained by the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club at tvccpaddler.com/tennessee-river-valley-access-points/.

Upcoming Events