TVA PUBLIC LANDS PADDLE POINTERS The public lands entrusted to TVA for stewardship are available for hiking, Follow these 12 tips to help keep your next paddle trip safe: birdwatching, camping, , hunting and other informal recreational pursuits. Some important regulations to protect the resources and your safety should be Know Your Limits—Paddle water that is appropriate to your skills. Not sure about where to find it? Talk to a local paddle shop owner about good places to paddle followed. Camping in a primitive campsite on TVA lands is allowable up to 14 days. for every skill level. You should follow all state hunting seasons and regulations. In addition, motorized vehicles, cutting or removing vegetation, target shooting or removal of cultural Keep an Eye on the Weather—Storms can up quickly in the south bringing artifacts are not allowed on TVA public lands. For more information visit lightning, high winds and choppy water. Point your bow toward shore whenever https://www.tva.com/environment/ you hear thunder, no matter how distant. ON THE recreation , or call the TVA’s Public Follow the Law for recreational vessels of the . The Watauga River headwater begins in Lands Information Center and flows into at (800) TVA-LAND (toll-free). Bring Flotation—Always wear a Coast Guard-approved for over 75 miles before being impounded lifejacket, type II or III at minimum. Children under 12 twice at and Wilbur years of age must wear a lifejacket.* TVA’S DAMS Dam in Carter County and flowing into Wear a Helmet—If you fall in, a helmet can protect the South Fork of the . It At more than 1,900 feet above sea your head from hard or sharp objects that may be flows through the and Pisgah level, Watauga holds the distinction lurking below the surface. National Forests, where there are many of being the highest in hiking trails and camping opportunities, the system. The Watch for River Hazards—Watch for fallen tree limbs, barbed wire, bridge piers and other including the . reservoir is managed for many uses, hazards that can snare or entangle you. including damage reduction, The cool tailwaters of Watauga and Wilbur power generation, water quality and Be Visible...and Audible—Keep alert to dams create world-class trout fishing and paddling aquatic ecology. other boats. If you believe another boat has opportunities for kayakers and rafters. not seen you, blow your Surrounded by the Cherokee National whistle* and wave your Boating, fishing and skiing are still the most popular types of Forest and flanked by the Appalachian paddle to alert the other recreation on TVA lakes. But more and more people are getting Mountains, Watauga Reservoir is one of boat. A flashlight* is interested in the world of tailwater sports—such as kayaking, the most scenic in the Tennessee River required if you plan to paddle after sunset. and trout fishing—that can happen in the water below the TVA dams. watershed, and offers access to the Dress for Success—Wear clothing sufficient to prevent Whether you are stepping into your boat, going for a hike, or gearing up for the hunt, Appalachian Trail. hypothermia and/or sunburn. having a little back-pocket information is key. Here is some simple information about Below Watauga Dam is a wildlife observation area where visitors have a Wear Sunscreen—The CDC recommends applying some of this area’s best recreational opportunities–where to show up, how to get chance to view unique species of wintering waterfowl, including buffleheads, a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 to help prevent there and what to bring along. One of the most amazing things about the Tennessee mallards, American black ducks, gadwalls, ring-necked ducks, lesser scaups, sunburn and skin damage. River system and its tributaries is how easy it is for you to get to places to relax canvasbacks, redheads and scoters. and recreate. As part of its mission of service, the Authority (TVA) Don’t Paddle Alone—Paddling is an activity that is always manages its public lands and waters to support recreation so the Tennessee Valley When paddling near a dam, please know: better with friends and family anyway. remains one of the best places in the country to live, work and play. Water release schedules can change Never Drink and Paddle*—Alcohol impairs coordination and judgment. without notice due to unanticipated changes in weather conditions and power system Communicate Your Plan in Advance—Plan ahead, and let someone who’s not BE A GOOD STEWARD requirements. The depth and swiftness of the going to be aboard know your paddling agenda. Be aware that some sections of The Watauga River is known for its clean water and pristine rural shorelines. river can change rapidly. Your safety depends the river have no cell phone service. Here’s how you can help play a part in keeping the river beautiful: on obeying all posted safety regulations and *U.S. Coast Guard Requirement • Stay on the path. Shorelines are fragile ecosystems; please restrict warnings. Information about the recreation launching and landing to designated areas only. releases can be found on https://www.tva. gov/Environment/Recreation/Recreation- PARTNERS:

• Leave no trace. No littering. Pack it in, pack it out. For more info visit Release-Schedules www.lnt.org. . You can also check out information for Wilbur/Watauga Dam releases • Look, don’t touch. Do not disturb any natural or cultural resources you at https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Lake- may encounter. Levels or download TVA’s Lake Info app. Or you can call (800) 238-2264 (toll-free) and select option 2 for predicted unit schedules • Respect private property. Do not trespass above the high water mark. and select 02 for Watauga Dam and 42 for information by phone. • Be a happy camper. Camp only in designated areas. It is important to understand the water release schedule before paddling the river • Don’t play with fire. No campfires unless otherwise designated. as the water’s current and depth can change rapidly. tva.com | facebook.com/TVA | @TVAnews | @T VA

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R 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 t at P 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. n ta R n o mo ve to ck O Vc Ce e Sa k Bown Rock Banne H a Ovemontan s e Montan n Sete k c a H