TVA PUBLIC LANDS PADDLE POINTERS The public lands entrusted to TVA for stewardship are available for hiking, birdwatching, Follow these 12 tips to help keep your next paddle trip safe: camping, fishing, hunting and other informal recreational pursuits. Some important Know Your Limits—Paddle water that is appropriate to your skills. Not sure about regulations to protect the resources and your safety should be followed. Camping in a where to find it? Talk to a local paddle shop owner about good places to paddle primitive campsite on TVA lands is allowable up to 14 days. You should follow all state for every skill level. hunting seasons and regulations. In addition, motorized vehicles, cutting or removing vegetation, target shooting or removal of cultural artifacts are not allowed on TVA public Keep an Eye on the Weather—Storms can spring up quickly in the south bringing lands. For more information visit https://www.tva.com/environment/recreation, or lightning, high winds and choppy water. Point your bow toward shore whenever call the TVA’s Public Lands Information Center at (800) TVA-LAND (toll-free). you hear thunder, no matter how distant. ON THE NOLICHUCKY RIVER Follow the Law for recreational vessels of the United States. The Nolichucky River headwater begins State Parks There are four Tennessee State Parks (Sycamore Shoals, Roan Bring Flotation—Always wear a Coast Guard- in North Carolina and flows into Mountain, Rocky Fork, and David Crockett) within this region. Please visit https://tnstateparks.com/ for detailed information. approved lifejacket, type II or III at minimum. Children Tennessee for over 115 miles and is a under 12 years of age must wear a lifejacket.* tributary to the French Broad River. It is a popular whitewater destination in Forest Service The Bald Mountain, Unaka Mountain, Roan Mountain, and Watauga Wear a Helmet—If you fall in, a helmet can protect western North Carolina and eastern Lake Zones make up some of the US Forest Service lands in the Erwin, TN your head from hard or sharp objects that may be Tennessee and also a fun flatwater area. There are a little over 180,000 acres in the Unaka Ranger District located in lurking below the surface. Cocke, Greene, Unicoi, and Washington counties. The Watauga Ranger District float through Greene County, TN. It Watch for River Hazards—Watch for fallen flows through the Cherokee and Pisgah is approximately 170,000 acres located in Carter, Sullivan, and Johnson counties. tree limbs, barbed wire, bridge piers and other National Forests, where there are many Some of the popular hiking trails include the Appalachian Trail, Chestoa Overlook, hazards that can snare or entangle you. Sill Branch Falls, Rock Creek Falls, Margarette Creek Falls, and Pete’s Branch Falls. hiking trails and camping opportunities, Be Visible...and Audible— including the Appalachian Trail. There are several trailheads and recreation areas in Unicoi County, with Rock Creek Recreation Area offering camping. Please remember that the use of motorized Keep alert to other boats. If The Nolichucky Dam on the Nolichucky River in east vehcles behind gated/closed roads and trash dumping on US Forest Service Lands you believe another boat has not seen you, blow your Tennessee creates David Crockett Reservoir, named for is illegal. You can report any illegal dumping online at tinyurl.com/littertool. The whistle* and wave your paddle the famous frontiersman who was born nearby. Watauga Ranger District’s Ranger Station is located at 4400 Unicoi Drive and the to alert the other boat. A flashlight* is required if you phone number (423) 735-1500. The Unaka Ranger plan to paddle after sunset. The Cherokee National Forest lies just to the east of District’s Ranger Station is located at Nolichucky Dam, with trails and forests that visitors can explore. 4900 Asheville Hwy, Greeneville and the Dress for Success—Wear clothing sufficient to prevent hypothermia and/or sunburn. Whether you are stepping into your boat, going for a hike, or gearing up for the hunt phone number is (423) 638-4109. Please call ahead to ensure offices are open. having a little back-pocket information is key. Here is some simple information about Wear Sunscreen—The CDC recommends applying a some of this area’s best recreational opportunities–where to show up, how to get sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 to help prevent sunburn there and what to bring along. One of the most amazing things about the Tennessee and skin damage. TVA’S DAMS River system and its tributaries is how easy it is for you to get to places to relax Nolichucky Dam was built in 1913 as a Don’t Paddle Alone—Paddling is an activity that is always better with friends and and recreate. As part of its mission of service, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) family anyway. manages its public lands and waters to support recreation so the Tennessee Valley hydropower project. However, due to remains one of the best places in the country to live, work and play. siltation of the reservoir, the dam was taken Never Drink and Paddle*—Alcohol impairs coordination and judgment. out of service in 1972, and the reservoir Communicate Your Plan in Advance—Plan ahead, and let someone who’s not was converted into a wildlife management going to be aboard know your paddling agenda. Be aware that some sections of BE A GOOD STEWARD area. Boat access and camping are the river have no cell phone service. available at nearby Kinser Park. The Nolichucky River is known for its clean water and pristine rural shorelines. *U.S. Coast Guard Requirement Here’s how you can help play a part in keeping the river beautiful: The Nolichucky River below the dam is one • Stay on the path. Shorelines are fragile ecosystems; please restrict of the best in East Tennessee for catching PARTNERS: launching and landing to designated areas only. smallmouth bass. A parking area and boat ramp are located below the dam, providing • Leave no trace. No littering. Pack it in, pack it out. For more info visit www.lnt.org. access for fishing along the banks or on the river.
• Look, don’t touch. Do not disturb any natural or cultural resources you When paddling near a dam, please know: Water release schedules can change may encounter. without notice due to unanticipated changes in weather conditions and power system requirements. The depth and swiftness of the river can change rapidly. • Respect private property. Do not trespass above the high water mark. Your safety depends on obeying all posted safety regulations and warnings. • Be a happy camper. Camp only in designated areas. Information about the recreation releases can be found on https://www.tva.gov/ Environment/Recreation/Recreation-Release-Schedules. • Don’t play with fire. No campfires unless otherwise designated. tva.com | facebook.com/TVA | @TVAnews | @T VA
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DISCLAIMER: The featured map is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended, and should not be relied upon, to provide accurate locations, directions, or data. Paddle at your own risk. Fallen trees, built structures, and other hazards are present in the water. Be alert to weather conditions, water levels and flow, and river traffic. Know your abilities. Boating involves some risk of drowning, injury, or death. TVA is not responsible for your personal safety or for your vehicle and is not liable for injury to you or damage to your vehicle, boat, or personal property.