Enjoy the Fall Foliage on the Watauga River

The fall colors are starting to spread through the mountains of upper east Tennessee and this brings about a fantastic opportunity to witness the beauty and wonder of nature's paintbrush. One way to enjoy this occasion is take advantage of the solitude and unique beauty available only on a canoe trip down the Watauga River. The Watauga River begins in the mountains of North Carolina and meanders through the mountains of North East Tennessee where it expands out into the Watauga Lake. The river is a regulated stream so the volume of water is controlled by the TVA and we have found that it is best to enjoy a relaxing float when generation is at a minimum. During this time of year, the TVA will generally not operate the Wilbur Dam on Sundays but it's always best to check the generation schedule by calling 1-800-282-2264 or by checking their website at http://www.tva.gov/river/lakeinfo/index.htm.

The list of gear that you will need can either be borrowed from a friend or purchased if you choose. We use a 15.5 foot plastic Pelican Canoe that we bought from a local sporting goods store. The canoe is a good general use canoe with a flat bottom that is excellent for "initial stability" but can tend to be rather unstable once you tip past about 30 degrees. The flat bottom is functional for providing adequate storage space for extended trips and becomes more beneficial when the river starts to widen into the expanse of Watauga Lake. At a minimum, you will need the following gear:

• Canoe
• Paddles
• Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) for each passenger
• Throw cushion

You can also include such items as a small cooler for a shore side picnic lunch, drinks and fishing gear. A thermos of hot coffee is also a welcome treat while you drift through some of the calmer stretches of the river. The Fall temperatures on the river can be chilly in the morning and we like to bring along fleece pullovers that we can peel off once the sun starts to burn off the chill. There may be a few sections that you prefer to walk your canoe through some of the shallow points so a small length of rope or 550 cord is handy for keeping control of your canoe while walking it through the shallows.

Trips can vary in length from a full day, hard charging trip to an easy three or four mile drift. Much of the Watauga River is surrounded by private land so some knowledge of public access is a required. There are several put in and take out points along the river and a mapping application such as Google Earth are very beneficial for planning your trip and identifying some hazards. Here is a list of put in and take out points along the river:

• Wilbur Dam (TVA) located directly below the Wilbur Dam
• Goat hole located prior to the steel bridge that crosses the Watauga River
• Hunter Bridge - located just after the Elizabethton campus of North East State Community College
• Elizabethton park - located in downtown Elizabethton (parking is limited)
• Sycamore Shoals - look for the brown state park signs when entering Elizabethton
• Blevins Road - (TVA) - great access for the trophy trout section of the river, located off of 81 South.
• Steam Plant (Persinger bridge) - first take out after the trophy trout section - located off of Persinger Road
• Winged Deer park - situation north of Johnson City on the Bristol highway

There are a few small hazards that you will need to watch out for even during the low water periods of the TVA generation. These obstacles can be managed by paddlers with moderate experience or you can portage around these hazards.

• Bee Cliff's has a large hole that likes to "eat" canoes so be cautious as you are exiting this stretch of the river
• The river convergence after the island at Sycamore Shoals if you go right around the island, watch out for the waterfall as it will suck you into the hydraulic and quickly fill your canoe.
• The three shoals after Sycamore Shoals can be tricky especially the third shoal. We prefer to drop the canoe over the shoals as the low water can create a two to three foot drop.
• There is a decent hole half way between the Blevins Road access and the bridge at the start of the trophy trout section.
• There are a number of other smaller challenges where the water converges after islands or where the river narrows so be cautions and aware of changing water conditions.

Take some time to get out onto the water and enjoy the nature and beauty that North East Tennessee has to offer. A warm cup of coffee and a shore lunch on a peaceful river island always seem to make the food taste better. Take a camera along with you to capture the many wild animals and water foul as well as the breathtaking views that your river trip will provide. Fishing gear adds to the excitement as the trout fishing is spectacular during this time of year. Always remember to leave no trace.