Every time we take a group to this river everyone wants to go back.  Here's your chance to paddle it again with color in the trees, or to paddle it for the first time with color in the trees!

Be sure to read this event description ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE so you'll know what to bring, what to wear, what our rules and recommendations are.

This is NOT a beginner-friendly trip. There are Class 1 and 2+ rapids on the Hiwassee River, so some river kayaking experience is advised for this trip (or if you are a kayak class grad or intermediate class grad that will be fine. I have many students who take the basic course then paddle this river immediately afterwards) 

The water is cool and usually very clear.  The Hiwassee River is dam-controlled, so the level stays about the same year-round. This is a 4+ hour paddle (about a 5.5+ mile paddle downstream). We will be moving slow, playing in the rapids, ferrying and surfing.  Children must be 12 or older, and the sturdy, outdoorsy type.

TO BRING WITH YOU/TO WEAR:

*  Wear clothes/swimsuits/shorts to get wet/muddy, with old tennis shoes or water shoes (no flip flops allowed). Water shoes can be purchased at Dick's or Walmart for about $9.00. Dress to get wet. Every single thing in your boat will get wet on this trip.  Anything you bring must be securely attached to your PFD, boat or to you.

*  A hat (with a string to hold it on is best), sunscreen, & sunglasses if you like (with chums or strings to hold them on).

*  Your snacks/small lunch and beverages/water in a small 6-pack size (lunch-size) flexible cooler. Pack a couple of zip-lock freezer bags and/or a dry-bag for your valuables and trash. Double-ziploc freezer bag your sandwich/snacks/valuables inside your cooler.  Double-bagging is always safer.  But remember, if it is important, ziploc bags are not water proof!

*  Towel(s), a dry change of clothes/shoes/comb/brush.  You will leave these items in your vehicle while we're on the river.  *  Any meds you may need for the day.

*  Directions to and from Webb Brothers Texaco (included below.)  Don't trust your GPS. Also, keep John's cell number with you, [masked] but know that cell coverage is spotty.  If you need to get in touch with me you can call Webb Brothers and ask for our group. 1-[masked].

We'll find a spot on the river to stop and enjoy our picnic about halfway down the river on a beach or island, so bring a small lunch or some snacks. We'll go wading and swimming. It's really a fantastic way to spend a day.

We will meet you at Webb Brothers Texaco in Reliance, Tennessee at 10:30 am.  Please be on time. It takes about 2-1/2 to 3 hours to get to Reliance, TN, but please allow extra time for traffic and unexpected events! Dam release starts at 11am, we want to be at the put in and ready to paddle by then. 

I plan on going up the night before and camping if anyone is interested in joining me.  Beats the long drive up the morning of the paddle. 

Weather: As with most outdoor events, pouring rain or storms may cause us to delay or reschedule. Keep in mind, a little rain won't stop us, but check this website before you leave home for the trip.

We are not arranging camping as part of this trip, but there are many campgrounds nearby if you want to make a weekend of it.

If you want to carpool, please note on your RSVP something like "I live in Marietta and want to ride with someone" or "I live in Woodstock and have room for two adventurers in my car".  Members can contact each other thru Meetup about carpooling but put your contact number in the remarks to make it easier.

Lastly, please be sure to ' rate the Meetup' afterward. Your 5-star rating and fun, positive comment means a lot to us, your Organizers and Hosts.

Directions from the Atlanta area:  Take I-75 North to Cartersville/White Exit , Exit 293,(U.S. 411).  Go north on Hwy. 411 through Benton, Tennessee.  Watch out for speed traps!  Six miles north of Benton, turn right on TN 30 East.  Follow Tn 30 East for 6 miles to the Texaco Station on the left on the bank of the Hiwassee.

Fees:

Your fee of $85.00 covers the cost of your boat, paddle, pfd, shuttle and a trained river guide/safety boater. If you have your own boat, and it has rear floatation, either a dry hold or float bags, you can use it and your cost for the trip will be $35.00.  Contact me if that is the case.

Boats will be assigned on a first come first serve basis so it is important to sign up early and put your boat choice in your answers.

We have:

2 Dagger Zydeco's, 9ft long, suitable for small to medium paddlers.

2 Wilderness Pungo 100's, 10ft long, suitable for medium to large paddlers.

4 Necky Manitous suitable for small to large paddlers.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

John Miller  [masked]

Kayak Instructor, WFA, SWR

See you on the Hiwassee River!