Canoe Trip: Elk River, TN

“For those who do not know yet, I purchased a canoe about three months ago; haven't had much of a chance to get on the river because of family things this summer, but finally made it to the Elk River for a short daytrip this weekend.

We put in below Tims Ford Dam after parking a vehicle at Farris Chapel pull-out to shuttle us back. Distance in river miles (8.5)

After taking some time to convince the dog that he would rather ride in the canoe than swim alongside, we finally got underway.
Departure was behind schedule, around 5:30pm.

With 8.5 river miles ahead and limited daylight, we tried to make some time. With half of the daylight spent, we had only achieved 2.5 miles, but were committed to our pull-out pretty much, so paddled on.

Darkness fell with approximately 2.5 miles left. The sky was relatively bright, but the fog/mist over the surface of the river, and shadows of the trees along the river made for tricky navigation by limiting visiblity to around 10 or 15 feet at best. But, with the relatively slow current of the river, most of the obstacles (gravel bars and downfall mostly) were avoidable.

We made our pull-out by 9:44pm, safe and sound.

Not sure if any of the pictures will turn out because the camera took a momentary submersion when I found a shoulder deep hole attempting to put the dog back in the canoe.

Hopefully our next trip will include an overnight, and some more time to relax and fish along the way.
last edited: 8/07/05 11:40:35 PM”

“Sounds like it was a fun day.

I misread the title again and jumped a little. I have canoed in the Mississippi River with an exit at Elk River, Minesota.”

“Sounds like a good time. Glad you enjoyed it.”

“Thanks fellas.

I camped a couple of years ago on Thanksgiving at the Eagle Creek Campsite in the Smokies, and happened to notice that the gentleman that was camped there also had a lot of stuff...big tent...coleman stove...canned food....and I kept trying to figure out how he got all that stuff there...never thinking that he had canoed in and then stashed the canoe out of sight.

Probably the first time I thought about getting one.

Chili: I have been thinking about canoeing over to the island campite on Fontana Lake sometime, then maybe on to Eagle Creek. Since you are living near there now, are you up for it?”

“Absolutely. I don't have a canoe yet, but looks like I need to be shopping.”

“BBill, nice report. I too went canoeing this weekend. Remember, keep the camera in the dry bag! :Þ”

“Also if anybody wants to do an overnight camp trip on the Elk here with a trip from 16-30 miles or so just drop me a line and I will try to make it.

With football season coming up I will then be in Knoxville on home game weekends, but here near the Elk on the others.”

“Thanks Buck: I do need to somehow anticipate when I am going for an inadvertant dunking and put the camera up:) At least it was the old one, not an SLR. Probably be more careful with that one. I have a Pelican case, and some of the coleman plastic drybags, but need to get one of those waterproof duffles they have on the REI outlet site....come to think of it, if you could get me a job there, I could save lots of money:)

Chili: I know they rent canoes and kayaks right there at the lake; not sure what the cost is. The guy I met up with that Thanksgiving was pretty hard core canoer. He was from Alabama but can't remember his name. Not sure how ready I am for the cold weather canoeing. That night (Thanksgiving night) the lows were in the mid 20's; probably 40's during the day. I think I might put the canoe up by November or so:)”

“BBill knox - I'm interested in going to CS#87 for an overnight. Also, I would like to canoe to 72, 73 and 78 for an overnight at each site.

The main guy at the Fontana Marina told me that he is willing work with me on prices after Labor Day Weekend and prior to Memorial Day Weekend, the off-season. Basically, I can get 50% off. Instead of paying for two days to go to 87 overnight, he is willing to let me go for 24 hours overnight and just pay for one day. For the other he quoted an off-season 50% rate for a small boat and motor for a four day trip to permit overnights at the other three sites. He considers me to be a frequent customer.
last edited: 8/08/05 3:24:45 PM”