About this event:
This event is full.
Trip coordinator: Lee Torbush, 770-598-0494, torbushscout@gmail.com
The plan is to camp for Memorial Day weekend and paddle the Hiawassee multiple days. The camping will be at the take out with Hiawassee Outfitters. We have confirmed the bunkhouse for lodging to accommodate up to 30 people. Cost is $15/person per night. We will be there Friday night thru Monday afternoon. Please contact Lee if you would like to stay at the bunkhouse, so that we don’t overbook. Food will be on your own but I encourage everyone to coordinate and eat together to share the experiences of the day. The intent is to have a “summer camp” atmosphere.
Everyone will be required to wear a PFD and a helmet as this is whitewater paddling.
Paddling will be in groups and there will be a lot of opportunities to play and learn from each other.
River Description
The Hiwassee River is designated as a Tennessee State Scenic River. The river is beautiful, clear and wide. As noted by William Nealey in his Whitewater Home Companion. Southeastern Rivers. Vol. 1, “this is an excellent river for family outings, canoeing, tubing, rafting and beginning whitewater instruction.” This five mile plus section offers several playful Class II rapids, and with its width, the opportunity for many lines. For the most part, the best water is near river left and on the left channels around the islands.
Rapid Descriptions
Thread the Needle (Class II, Mile 1.6) Soon after the mouth of Towee Creek (on river right) the river descends over a short series of ledges, before being divided by Cane Island. Work to the left, taking the left channel. This chute is in turn divided by a rock jumble. Go to the left or to the right.
Mary Nell Point (Class II, Mile 2.1)As the river works around Big Bend, it approaches a 3 foot drop, most prominent on river left–Mary Nell Point. On river right, before the drop is the Big Bend Parking area.
Stairstep Rapid (Class II, Mile 2.5) A series of ledge drops that last well over a quarter mile — one of the common lines is to start river right and work over to river left.
Little Rock Island (Class II+, Mile 3.1) As you approach the island, take the river left channel — this line involves a short series of Class 2+ ledge drops
Funnel Rapid (Class II+, Mile 4.0) As the river bends to right, there are another series of shallow ledge drops. Soon the river is divided by Big Island. The most common line is to take the river right channel. The channel drops over a 2-3 foot ledge with three chutes. An excellent place to catch eddies and to surf.
Devil’s Shoals (Class II+, Mile 4.6) Continue down the left channel around Big Island. The channel widens and then begins to both drop over another series of ledges, as the channel constricts. The fast current and turbulent water form Devil’s Shoals. As you work down the ledges, there are eddies that can be caught on the right. As you work down the rapid, a ledge appears on river left, work down the center of the channel for this last section.
As always, feel free to contact Lee with questions.
Hey gang,
We are almost to the big paddle!!!! Something you may or may not have considered. There is no cell service in the campground or at the outfitter. For many this is no big deal but it may be disconcerting for a few. The biggest thing is that your phone GPS may not work to get you to the outfitter. Please be aware of this and plan accordingly.
Also there will be people arriving at all different times on Friday. Please be considerate of others. We are all in one big room and many will be in bed early to rest up for the first big day of paddling.
If you have any questions or concerns last minute please give me a call. 770-598-0494
Lee
ONLY 4 MORE DAYS!!!!!
So a little more info about this trip. This is not a guided trip we will be supporting each other. This means you are responsible for participating in your own rescue should the need arise. We will talk more about this in the pre trip safety meeting each day, but basically there is no one to pamper you. If you swim we will assist in gathering you back up and getting you going but you should be somewhat self sufficient. That being said, we will have several experienced boaters to assist you (and me) when there are out of boat experiences. Be prepared for this to happen it is part of the learning process and there is no shame in having a refreshing wet hair episode.
Hello gang,
I have a few reminders about our upcoming trip on the Hiawassee for Memorial Day. Remember the bunkhouse is $15.00 per person per night cash due upon arrival. Some are gear related and some are safety related, so here we go:
Gear Related
1) you will need to bring and wear a helmet, PFD and skirt at all times on the river
2) we are in the bunkhouse but there is not any provisions for meal prep please plan accordingly and plan your meals for the weekend accordingly
3) we will be self shuttling so be prepared to share rides and to help out those that are shuttling
4) daily parking at the put in is $3.00 cash. We ask that if you are not driving you consider helping out those that are out of consideration. ( more to come on this)
5) around camp you will need a chair
6) It is helpful to have some sort of gear bag to keep your gear together for shuttles and space in the bunkhouse. There is nothing worse than getting to the put in without an important piece of gear.
Safety Related
1) EVERYONE MUST HAVE A PFD, HELMET AND SKIRT(unless you are in a sit on top)
2) The Hiawassee is a fast river and rescues are a challenge…..please participate in your own rescue
3) FLOAT BAGS!!!! Please be sure to have floatation in your boat. If you are unsure about what this is please call me for clarification. 770-598-0494
4) The river is COLD!!!! Please dress accordingly.
A few things to remember….Food is on your own, however I will be making breakfast for the group on Saturday morning. Please bring whatever you need to prepare your meals. Also bring a camp chair to hang out around the fire in the evenings. There are showers available but they may not be hot. If you have any questions feel free to ask away.
Hi Lee,
Looking forward to this weekend at Hiawassee! I will likely be camping on my own, as I have some friends who will be in the area on Ocoee, but I plan on sticking to the Hiawassee with GCA.
Can you let me know details regarding when/were to meet at the put in? I have been on the Hiawassee but it has been a while so I will just need to plan my route driving to meet everyone so that I don’t get turned around.
Thanks!!
Kate