Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association upcoming events

1st Saturday Paddle Series - CANCELLED - SEE YOU IN AUGUST! (Saturday, July 04, 2026)

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

1st Saturday Paddle Series

Every 1^st Saturday of every month in 2026 you will find us paddling a whitewater river or creek somewhere in Tennessee. We welcome all to join us. We will keep it on natural flow as much as possible. When water gets scarce, we’ll resort to the dam releases at Hiwassee, Ocoee, and Pigeon. Some weekends are predetermined with the assumption there will be enough flow. These will correspond with other events such as Rendezvous (Clear Creek), Jack Lyle Memorial Paddle (Big South Fork), Canoe & Kayak School Follow-up Paddle (Hiwassee). Other trips we will try to predict water levels and update the location approximately 1 - 2 weeks out based off of present water levels and expected rainfall. Just like the water we’ve got to be fluid. Things can change pretty quick.

Expect Class II through Class IV. Don’t rule a paddle out though due to difficulty. Some ratings are based off of 1 or 2 rapids that in many cases can be portaged. If in doubt, ask us! Just a few rivers you are likely to see:

Ø Big South Fork (Confluence to Leatherwood Ford) II-IV

Ø Clear Creek (Jet to Lilly) II+(III)

Ø Clear Creek (Lilly to Nemo) II-IV

Ø Obey, West Fork II

Ø Tellico (Bridge below Jared's Knee to Ranger Station) II-III

We will occasionally make a weekend out of it and camp close to the river. Not a requirement to paddle but could be an option if you like. We’ll keep you posted when and where we plan to camp. Who knows, if we feel like it, we may do it again on Sunday.

TSRA membership is not required however there will be a $10 registration fee for nonmembers per trip. If you like us and think you will join us again, apply that $10 towards a membership and paddle next time with no registration fee.

Basic River Rescue (Friday, July 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Chota Canoe Club and TSRA paddle clubs are partnering again to bring you this Basic River Rescue Class.

Held at Gee Creek Campground on the Hiwassee River, in Delano, Tennessee. You can arrive Friday evening at your convenience. The school begins Friday night, where you will meet with your instructors to prepare for Saturday morning. Saturday we will spend half a day (before lunch) doing land instruction. After lunch we will be on the river. Sunday, we will be the same, land instruction and river time. All meals are your responsibility, except for dinner on Sat Saturday Night. We will provide dinner and some instruction at camp. Class is limited to 10 people, with a waiting list. We will open a second class, if the wait list fills up.

This class provides an opportunity for you to learn how to help yourself and your paddling friends whenever you run into trouble on the river. Examples of what is covered during the weekend include:

How to throw and catch a throw rope
Simple mechanical advantage systems
Swimming with and without your boat/paddle
Wading in current
Boat based rescues - boat over boat, T-rescues, deep water re-entry

This course will be taught by Swiftwater Rescue trained instructors. Students will need to have some basic comfort with their paddling skills ON WHITEWATER before embarking on the training. A roll is not necessary in order to take this class.

YOUR REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

1. Professional quality training in basic river rescue techniques over two days

2. Two nights at the Gee Creek Campground. (We will be sharing sites in the A-Loop so if you'd prefer a private site, feel free to reserve your own at your cost) Bring your own tent, sleeping gear, and food. We have sites A1, A23, & A25. incase you want to snag your own spot nearby.

WHAT TO BRING:

The following is a minimum suggested list of equipment necessary for the school:

Whitewater boats (no recreational boats) are required for this course. If you have any questions as to whether or not your boat is acceptable, please contact Vinson or Woody at wwsafety@paddletsra.org.

Whitewater Kayaks: Kayak Flotation air bags for your boat Paddle Spray skirt (be sure it fits the cockpit and your waist) Helmet (appropriate for whitewater and fits your head) PFD -life vest- Type III

Whitewater Canoes: Solo or tandem boat Paddle (s) a spare paddle is nice to have Flotation air bags Helmet PFD Type III

Flotation is necessary outfitting for any whitewater boat; we will be taking swims on purpose and flotation helps prevent the boat from taking on too much water.

ALL PADDLERS SHOULD HAVE:

Exposure Protection : polypropylene, wool, paddling jacket, wetsuit or drysuit. NO COTTON! The Hiwassee water is COLD- you will need extra layers.
River booties or other foot protection (no open toed shoes, no exceptions)- You will be walking on rocks!
Dry bag for keeping lunch, extra clothing, camera and valuables dry Sunglasses or glasses should have retainers that float, otherwise they will sink Nose clips (optional) Sunblock (oil free) Water Bottle (hydration is very important on the river) *Leave valuable jewelry at home!
If you have one, Throw Rope, Whistle, and Paddling 1st Aid Kit, but not require.

Please note:

TSRA and Chota Schools are organized and run by volunteers. Our volunteers need enough time to organize class.

For additional information email James (Woody) Woodall or Vinson Dill at wwsafety@paddletsra.org.

TSRA 3rd Saturday Paddle Trip (Saturday, July 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

TSRA 3rd Saturday Paddle Trip (June 2026)

Every 3rd Saturday of the month TSRA will be leading a Flatwater to Class I paddle trip. Location will be determined a week or two prior and updated on the calendar. Basic paddling skills, training and gear are a prerequisite for all registrants. Life Jackets (PFD) will be worn at all times on the water. No alcohol during the trip.

Please pre-register on TSRA website or by calling or emailing Steve Morris at

615-308-4059 mbl or HStevecanoes@gmail.com

1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, August 01, 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

1st Saturday Paddle Series

Ø Big South Fork (Confluence to Leatherwood Ford) II-IV

Ø Clear Creek (Jet to Lilly) II+(III)

Ø Clear Creek (Lilly to Nemo) II-IV

Ø Obey, West Fork II

Ø Tellico (Bridge below Jared's Knee to Ranger Station) II-III

1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, September 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

1st Saturday Paddle Series

Ø Big South Fork (Confluence to Leatherwood Ford) II-IV

Ø Clear Creek (Jet to Lilly) II+(III)

Ø Clear Creek (Lilly to Nemo) II-IV

Ø Obey, West Fork II

Ø Tellico (Bridge below Jared's Knee to Ranger Station) II-III

1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT

1st Saturday Paddle Series

Ø Big South Fork (Confluence to Leatherwood Ford) II-IV

Ø Clear Creek (Jet to Lilly) II+(III)

Ø Clear Creek (Lilly to Nemo) II-IV

Ø Obey, West Fork II

Ø Tellico (Bridge below Jared's Knee to Ranger Station) II-III

TSRA's 60th Anniversary Celebration (Saturday, October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Save the Date!
60 Years of TSRA
October 10, 2026 | Shelby Park

Join us as we celebrate six decades of river conservation, adventure, and community. Reconnect with old friends, share stories from the water, and help inspire the next generation of river stewards. Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or are new to the TSRA family, we can’t wait to celebrate this milestone together.

We will send email updates to registrants closer to the event.

1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

1st Saturday Paddle Series

Ø Big South Fork (Confluence to Leatherwood Ford) II-IV

Ø Clear Creek (Jet to Lilly) II+(III)

Ø Clear Creek (Lilly to Nemo) II-IV

Ø Obey, West Fork II

Ø Tellico (Bridge below Jared's Knee to Ranger Station) II-III

1st Saturday Paddle Series (Saturday, December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 06:00:00 GMT

1st Saturday Paddle Series

Ø Big South Fork (Confluence to Leatherwood Ford) II-IV

Ø Clear Creek (Jet to Lilly) II+(III)

Ø Clear Creek (Lilly to Nemo) II-IV

Ø Obey, West Fork II

Ø Tellico (Bridge below Jared's Knee to Ranger Station) II-III