The Dream
Many of my favorite memories growing up were boating, swimming, and camping on the Hiwassee and Tennessee rivers. Since moving to North Carolina, I have boated on many of the beautiful lakes and rivers, but they just aren’t the same. I have been wanting to get back to Tennessee take an extended river trip for a few years now.
Last year my wife and I planed a shorter river trip in July, but it rained the entire time and the trip was canceled. We did trailer the boat down to Scottsboro, AL and run the river up to Nickajack Dam. But that just didn’t satisfy my dream of a multiple day adventure. I thought the big trip would have to wait a few years until the boys were older, but this spring my wife encouraged me to go for it. Needless to say I started planning!
The Route
This is the 900 mile route. I will start in Celina TN, launching on the Obey River, which is a small tributary that enters the Cumberland River at the beginning of navigable water. I will travel downstream approximately 380 miles where it meets up with the Tennessee River via the Barkley Canal in Kentucky. Next, I will navigate the TN River 500 miles across Tennessee, into Alabama, Mississippi, back into Tennessee and ending on the Hiwassee River in Charleston TN.
The Humble Little Boat
I will be traveling in a little 16ft aluminum boat with a 50hp outboard motor. This rig certainly leaves a lot to be desired for a 900 mile trip. I suppose “adventure” is a better description than trip, but I’m ready for some adventure!
I have added a 6 & 12 gallon auxiliary tanks giving me a total capacity of 34 gallons. Some other equipment that I’ll bring includes: Handheld VHF Radio, Garmin Marine GPS & Sonar with 3D Maps, Cell Phone, Safety Equipment, Tools, Spare Prop, Spare Impeller, Plugs, Oil, Water Proof Totes, Dry Bags, Spotlight, Sleeping Mats, Propane Coffee Maker (very important), Bimini Top, Large Plastic Sheeting, Spring Clamps, Rain Gear, Lock & Marina Info.
River Trip 