More to Explore
As I make my occasional pilgrimage to the northeast U.S., I make a point of stopping at the state welcome centers whenever I can. They always have great state maps (yep, I still use paper maps on at least an occasional basis) and it’s fun to peruse their tourist materials. Always on the lookout for leads of more places to paddle, I picked up several intriguing possibilities on my most recent trip and I’ll share some of those tidbits.
In Georgia, I found the Columbia County guide to an intriguing location: the Serene 18 Paddle Trail. This is east of Atlanta. and just to the west of Augusta. 5 paddle trails are highlighted, total of about 30 miles, and if you complete all 5 you are eligible for an official passport AND a free t-shirt. Hardly gets better than that. If you search on Serene 18 Paddle Trail, you will get to their website and more details on each one of the trails. I note Mistletoe State Park is conveniently close by for camping.
Louisiana has many intriguing places to paddle. I have never explored to my satisfaction and there are certainly many places. From the visitor center, Webster Parish advertises its Webster Parish Paddle Trail. Phase 1, with signage, is 10 miles long from Lake Bistineau State Park Phase 2 is on Bayou Dorcheat between Dixie Inn and Sibley. It is 6 miles in length. I’ve taken a picture of the access points along Bayou Bistineau.
Tennessee and North Carolina have no shortage of fun rivers to run. If you’d like to check out some of the commercial offerings, theoceeriver.com is a fun website. Another website whose brochure I picked up is the Nantahala Outdoor Center which offers many commercial opportunities for exploring whitewater and beyond. Noc.com is their website. Their rivers are the Ocoee, Nantahala, French Broad, Pigeon, Chattooga and Chattahoochee. Christy Long gave a great presentation to the canoe club on the Week of Rivers for private paddlers who enjoy all these same rivers.
The Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee has many paddling opportunities. Their brochure features the Cumberland River, Obey River, Caney Fork River, Collins River, and Barren Fork River. Visiting the website uppercumberland.org will have links to additional information.
Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways’ brochure lists many interesting scenic drives and 16 hiking trails. There are many ways to enjoy Tennessee.
Virginia has 55 miles of the South Fork Shenandoah River, one of my first whitewater experiences. There are 8 public boat landings advertised in Page Valley. Farther south is the Staunton River in Campbell County. It has Class III and II rapids. The James River is advertised as a good bird-watching location. More information at www.campbellvirginia.com
That’s pretty much the tip of the proverbial iceberg in finding more fun places to paddle. Let’s get out there and do it.
Natalie Wiest