I'm looking to do a 3 day, 2 night unguided trip somewhat close to home in the spring or early summer this year but I'm not sure how to get the planning started. I know Big South Fork has good options and I did a similar trip on the Nolichucky when I was a kid, but it seems like every outfitter online is only interested in selling shuttles and renting boats.
Any suggestions on routes, camp sites, parking areas, etc are greatly appreciated.
Not exactly what or where you are asking for, but I can highly recommend a canoe camping trip on Fontana Lake with campsites in GSMNP and the National Forest on the opposite shore. We camped on the NF side more and enjoyed the freedom and lack of reservations.
We are doing 5 days on Fontana this July. We start on the Tuskagee river (not sure on the spelling) and work down to the lake. It's going to be fun. I plan on doing lots of fly fishing that week.
Aim for the moon, if you miss, at least you will still be among the stars.
Buffalo river in arkansas. Awsome trip, we did steele creek to tyler bend. Going back this March. 450 ft bluffs, small rapids, small mouth fishing. Just a good trip. We used Buffalo outdoor center, they delivered our vehicles on the designated day.
The upper Clinch might present some opportunities, but you'll need to do some scouting in advance. I'm looking at doing the same. South Holston and Watauga might be of interest as well since the Cherokee National Forest is on their border.
I had been thinking about upper clinch myself...i live in Clinton so easy. Maybe start at dam and go down to haw ridge or something. Let me know what you decide and me and son might join in kayaks.
Isn't the upper Clinch above Norris Lake rather than below Norris dam? I don't think you'll find anywhere to overnight between Norris dam and Melton Hill dam. As far as the lower Clinch goes, I usually put in below the weir dam and take out below the jail. That makes for about a four hour float over ten miles.Originally Posted by bowl-maker
Not too familiar with Fontana, but Santeetlah is probably my favorite lake on the planet so I love that area. Where were your put in and take out points, and where did you camp?
Did some researching and it looks like Fontana Marina to GMSNP site 87 or 90 would be a good place to set up, and then maybe do some day hiking in the Lake Shore area.
If you camp on the other side of the lake in the National Forest, you don't have to stay in a designated campsite, make reservations or pay. You can always paddle to the other side, get your day hike in and paddle back. I'd be up for taking my kayak on that one.
The Powell River which feeds Norris Lake might be another good option if you want to cover some water miles.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks