This year, as in the past, I’ll be leading the CCC Easter Trip on Match 29, 30, and 31. As in the past I’m locating the trip out of Warriors Path State Park near Kinsport, TN. The reason for locating the trip here is to acquaint members with some of the great runs of free flowing rivers and creeks in the northeast TN, southwest VA, and northwest NC areas. Water Levels are usually good in late spring an we can anticipate numerous runs being available.
Usually runnable
Puckets Hole and Blackford Bridge Sections of the Clinch— N+ near Lebanon, VA
Laurel Creek–I and South Holston– N+ near Damascus, VA
Toe Gorge– N+ to I near Roan Mountain, NC
French Broad Section 9 I– near Hot Springs, NC
Nolichucky Gorge I+ and Lower Nolichucky N+ near Erwin, TN
With enough rain other runs open up
Whitetop Laurel Creek I+ — near Damascus, VA
Beaverdam Creek I — near Damascus, VA
Tennessee Laurel Creek I — Near Damascus, VA
Big Cedar Creek I — near Lebanon, VA
Watauga Gorge A — near Roan Mountain
This year, with enough rain in the Smokies, I’d like to take people to do different sections of the Little River of the Smokies in the park. Folks fron NC often don’t get much opportunity to get to the west side of the park because of the long drive from the Raleigh area and miss out on some beautiful runs. About a 2 hr drive from the campground, the Lower is a delightful N+ run that is technical but easily N+. The section above that, the Sinks is I+ with technical ledge does and plenty of action. The top section, Elmont, is 5 miles of very continuous Class 2-3 with three Class 3 drops in the middle. All of the three sections are road scoutable. We would try to go down to the Little on Saturday.
As in past years I will guarantee to lead a N or N+ trip on each of the three days so less experienced paddlers can be sure of having a river to run. There are usually plenty of experienced paddlers present and can lead the more difficult runs.
I will be camping at the campground on Thur-Sun to greet paddlers and answer any questions you might have. I can usually be found around campsite 5 and that is were we will meet each morning at 8:30 to discuss river levels and options. Try to meet on time or you may miss the trips.
The campground has a number of motels and restaurants near the park if you choose to seek a soft bed and hot food.
Location of the park is:
3https://maps.app.goo.gl/edXgWJtAFLXkVu929
Average temps for that weekend are usually highs around 66 and lows around 42. Rain is in the hands of the river gods, so we will pray for rainy nights and sunny days!!
If you have any questions feel free to call or text me
Rich Ruhlen
423-366-1464
All participants in any Carolina Canoe Club (CCC) trip do so as common adventurers. The CCC or its individual members may coordinate paddling trips but no one is considered leader of a trip. As common adventurers, all participants take the responsibility for making their own decisions including, but not limited to, whether it is safe for them to participate on any particular water body, what equipment they need and use, the routes they may choose to paddle, whether their skill levels and abilities are adequate for the activity or whether climate and water conditions are appropriate for their participation. Participants are exclusively responsible for their own safety.
Individual coordinators for all CCC activities set requirements per their sole discretion. The CCC does not necessarily endorse or approve requirements set by coordinators.
