Tennessee River

colbysmith

colbysmith

Well-known member
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C Dory Year
2009
C Dory Model
25 Cruiser
Hull Identification Number
UWH25301J809
Vessel Name
C-Traveler
Just tentative plans for now, but looking at finishing up the Tennessee River in October. I know several that went along with me two years ago, mentioned they'd be interested in the Harrison Bay State Park to Guntersville, Al., leg, if and when I did it. This was part of the original plans, but due to flooding, we decided to just do Harrison Bay to the end of the Tennessee River. The distance this time is 120 miles. I would be "slowboating", only running around 5 kts or 6mph. That speed of course would change with the current. (Ie, I'll set 1500-1600 rpm, and if the current is running at 1 kt, I'll be running 6 kts. Going up stream, I'll burn more gas to stay at least 5mph.) I believe there are sections of the river in this area that are no wake. Anyone that would like to join me, would be responsible for their own boat and navigation. Same as last time. At 120 miles, figuring 30 miles a day, it would take 4 days one way. Probably anchoring out most nights. I'm figuring an 8 day trip, leaving Harrison Bay on October 15th and returning on the 22nd. Again, this is all tentative. Ideally the colors would be turning, but that all depends on the weather. And again, this is all tentative. Last time, Harrison Bay State Park had a nice ramp and parking available. Colby
 
Colby,
Count me in. Thank you for organizing this again. (I enjoyed the trip last time despite my little mishap.) I'm not as adventurous as you when it comes to towing around the country, but this an easy destination for me. The Tennessee River is a great change of scenery from the Georgia coast.
-Jeff-
 
Thanks to Jeff (C-Play) for leading me to this thread. Sounds perfect. The upper part from Chattanooga through Knoxville should be colorful and cooler at that time. I would love to tag along. Was thinking about linking up with Tom & Joyce from Pickwick to Chattanooga but it’s set for mid September.
Let me know when the dates firm up.
 
multimediasmith said:
Thanks to Jeff (C-Play) for leading me to this thread. Sounds perfect. The upper part from Chattanooga through Knoxville should be colorful and cooler at that time. I would love to tag along. Was thinking about linking up with Tom & Joyce from Pickwick to Chattanooga but it’s set for mid September.
Let me know when the dates firm up.
Click to expand...
We actually did the Chattanooga to Knoxville, and the end of the Tennessee River last time. This time we will be heading the other direction from Harrison Bay State Park (Chattanooga), and going to Guntersville, Al. I have moved the dates up one day, to October 14-21. I still need to sit down and look at distances to get some idea of where to stop each afternoon. I've been in the Apostle Islands this week, and hope to start doing more planning with the Tennessee River trip in the next week. The middle of October will be here before we know it. I feel 8 days should be enough to do the trip in. That's assuming we can make 30 miles each day both down river and up river. If anyone knows this section of the river well and has suggestions for anchorages or free docks, let me know. I'll try to get more specifics posted here before the middle of September. Hopefully we won't have the debris and flooding we saw last time. It still ended up being a good trip though. Harrison Bay State Park worked out well last time for launching and parking. Guntersville has some marina's that could possibly work out for launching and parking, but just makes more sense to use a known location. And I still need to make contact with them again to be sure we still have access to the week's parking. My plans are to launch the day before, on October 13th, and then anchor near by. It's basically a two day drive for me to get to Harrison Bay from home. I would plan to depart the morning of the 14th at 9am. And pretty much stay with that departure time each day. I haven't looked yet, but pretty sure we'll have a few locks to go through. That may change how far we get in a day, depending on wait times at the locks. As usual, everyone is responsible for their own boat. Or, follow me at your own discretion. LOL!
 
Ok, back on land this month, with a lot of things on my calendar. However, I spent some time this morning looking at cruising the Tennessee River from Harrison Bay State Park to Guntersville, Al and back. Looking at my notes from two years ago, I see I had already mapped out going both directions from Harrison Bay. But due to the flooding at the time, I decided we would just go upstream to the mouth of the Tennessee River. So I didn't have to spend much time looking at possible anchorages for going down river. This trip would involve two locks. The Chickamauga and Nickajack locks. While I have a planned schedule, weather, lockage delays, etc, could create the need for flexibility and schedule changes. Anyway, this is what I have:

(Most of the anchorages show on the Navionics / Active Captain charts.) Plan to depart daily between 8am-9am, TBD the night before.

October
13th, at Harrison Bay State Park in Tennessee, near Chattanooga. Anchor out or stay in marina.
14th, depart Harrison Bay. Arrive McNabb anchorage (36 miles)
This leg includes lockage at Chickamauga Lock. If we take a long delay, an alternate anchorage would be at Williams Island (23 miles)
15th, Burns Island Anchorage (22mi from McNabb, 35mi from Williams.)
This leg includes lockage at Nickajack Lock.
16th, Jones Creek Anchorage (33mi)
17th, Guntersville, AL Free Dock (31mi)
18th, Bellefonte Island Anchorage (34 mi)
19th, Battery Hill Anchorage (26mi)
20th, Nickajack Lock, McNabb Anchorage (26mi)
21st, Chickamauga Lock, Harrison Bay State Park (36mi)

I emailed Ranger Matthew Vawter this morning. He is the ranger I worked with two years ago. I'll update this when I hear back.. Last time we launched here, we were asked to park our rigs about a mile away in a different lot out of the way, still on Park grounds. The ramp is very wide, with plenty of room. However, there is no dock to use while launching, but is very close by.

I plan to cruise at 1500-1600 rpm, which gives me 6mph with no current. Going downstream, I expect my speed will be a little faster. Depending upon current coming back upstream, I'll pick a speed most efficient without going below 5mph. Colby
 
I spoke with Rick Smith and he’s liking the mid October timeframe.
Count me in for at least Guntersville back to Chattanooga if not the round trip.
That makes three “Smiths” so far… looking forward to this for quite a while.
Thanks for offering the benefit of your experience.
 
Colby have you checked fuel availability? We found that in some places in this area close down for the winter, and do not get fuel for a few months. Have a great time.
 
Hi Bob,
Nope. Not concerned. It's only 120 miles from Harrison Bay State Park to Guntersville, and there are several large marinas on Lake Guntersville that still provide fuel in the fall. I'm pretty sure there are other marinas along the way where fuel will be available as well. Still a lot of fishing going on in October, and those guys are probably burning more fuel than we will. :-) Thanks for the reminder though. I'm looking forward to another fun trip. Colby
 
Colby, Jane and I are planning on joining everyone for this trip. Will we be anchoring in proximity of marinas? I’m trying to determine if I should bring my Australian Shepherd or leave her with a friend.
 
Assurance said:
Colby, Jane and I are planning on joining everyone for this trip. Will we be anchoring in proximity of marinas? I’m trying to determine if I should bring my Australian Shepherd or leave her with a friend.
Click to expand...
Sounds great. I haven't really looked at the location of marinas. I'm hoping to have room at the free docks in Guntersville, and I know there are several marinas around there. I'm not familiar with this section of water, but I don't think you'd have any problem finding places to beach to let your dog do her thing. I think Tom and Joyce on C-Otter will be going through this area this month, and I'm hoping maybe they can jump in here and give us an update on this area. I'm pretty sure we will be going by several marinas along the way.
 
We had a dog on this stretch. No problem finding a place for the dog. Just have a good dinghy available, since there are a few places where you cannot find a dock. Most launch ramps have docks, and you can pull in for a few minutes. When anchoring out, you dinghy to a beach, or ramp.
 
thataway said:
We had a dog on this stretch. No problem finding a place for the dog. Just have a good dinghy available, since there are a few places where you cannot find a dock. Most launch ramps have docks, and you can pull in for a few minutes. When anchoring out, you dinghy to a beach, or ramp.
Click to expand...
Thank you Dr Bob
 
colbysmith said:
Sounds great. I haven't really looked at the location of marinas. I'm hoping to have room at the free docks in Guntersville, and I know there are several marinas around there. I'm not familiar with this section of water, but I don't think you'd have any problem finding places to beach to let your dog do her thing. I think Tom and Joyce on C-Otter will be going through this area this month, and I'm hoping maybe they can jump in here and give us an update on this area. I'm pretty sure we will be going by several marinas along the way.
Click to expand...
Thanks Colby
 
Just emailed with Tom & Joyce. They will be going through this area this month, and traveling with a friend traveling with a dog. They'll let me know afterwards how their trip went. Colby
 
Heard back from Ranger Vawter today:

Mr. Smith,
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. We had a very busy Labor Day weekend and an unusually high of special use permitting requests and meetings that I have been trying to catch up from.
I remember your group from last year, and it shouldn't be an issue. Can you please fill out this form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=v75F83ENN0OSgSS5QWFsNtC7bSLTpxZJnuAZRkwi3WNURUUyM1dCU1FIUzZCQkZBT0JaRjdQR0NMWS4u
If everyone can please park either at our main boat ramp parking area in the park or Rec Hall Lot (if you prefer to have the vehicle behind a gate) I will make sure that our ranger staff are aware of the trip plan once that form is submitted.
Thank you and safe travels!

I have already submitted that form above, and unless anyone going along wants to submit there own form, at this time I don't believe there is any need to do so. However, that being said, I would like to know for sure who is going and do need your vehicle description and a license plate number (and state). Prefer you direct message me with your vehicle and license plate information, rather than posting here. Probably best if we all park in the same lot. Any preference? We parked in the Rec lot last time and it worked out well and we were out of the way for the regular weekend fishing warriors. However, it is about 3/4 mile walk from the ramp.

The list I have going so far is:

Colby and Rosanne on C-Traveler
Jane and ? on Assurance. (Sorry, I'm terrible at guessing or remembering names)
Jeff on C-Play (Is your wife coming Jeff)

Dale IMultiMedia Smith), I have you joining us at Guntersville. Is that still the case? If so, I won't need any information from you for Harrison Bay, unless you will be parking and launching there.

My plans are to arrive sometime afternoon on the 13th, and likely get a marina slip. I believe parking and launching is free, so I feel obligated to at least pay and stay in a slip one night. :)

The first lock we'll go through has been near a lot of construction of a new lock, but I spoke with the lock master by phone the other day, and it doesn't sound like any additional delays because of that.

Colby
 
Updated list of those I know are joining, launching at Harrison Bay State Park
Colby & Rosanne on C-Traveler
Jeff & ??? on C-Play
Rick & Jane on Assurance
 
Hi Colby,
Trying to finalize plans… we are dealing with a our daughter’s health. She re-injured her back and a needs to undergo a third surgery with a multi-month long recovery. Liz and I are happy to care for her.
We don’t know the schedule yet but I am still planning to make this trip. (Just added windless remote up front and completed the bow rain hood).

If I can make it, the plan is to start with the group. It’s only an hour or so more driving to Harrison Bay than to Guntersville and much simpler. I think staying in a slip at their Marina sounds really good as far as logistics.
I just completed the form for the Ranger to provide all details about the boat, truck, and me.

Tom and Joyce are using these looper’s guide for the Tennessee River. They sent me this link.
I’m familiar with their trip.
https://schoandjo.com/tennessee-river/

Looper’s side trip

Sho & Jo eat probably more healthfully than most and I was thinking in terms of provisioning and perishables…
I know Tom & Joyce prefer to anchor out which is fine with me. From the videos of C-Brats river trips, we see some shared meals out. Do y’all envision some portion of the trip availing ourselves of local cuisine? Liz and I were in Chattanooga last fall after the freeze and found some casual greats.

I will check in as time gets closer.
Thanks so much for all the details

Best
Dale
 
multimediasmith said:
Hi Colby,
Trying to finalize plans… we are dealing with a our daughter’s health. She re-injured her back and a needs to undergo a third surgery with a multi-month long recovery. Liz and I are happy to care for her.
We don’t know the schedule yet but I am still planning to make this trip. (Just added windless remote up front and completed the bow rain hood).

If I can make it, the plan is to start with the group. It’s only an hour or so more driving to Harrison Bay than to Guntersville and much simpler. I think staying in a slip at their Marina sounds really good as far as logistics.
I just completed the form for the Ranger to provide all details about the boat, truck, and me.

Tom and Joyce are using these looper’s guide for the Tennessee River. They sent me this link.
I’m familiar with their trip.
https://schoandjo.com/tennessee-river/

Looper’s side trip

Sho & Jo eat probably more healthfully than most and I was thinking in terms of provisioning and perishables…
I know Tom & Joyce prefer to anchor out which is fine with me. From the videos of C-Brats river trips, we see some shared meals out. Do y’all envision some portion of the trip availing ourselves of local cuisine? Liz and I were in Chattanooga last fall after the freeze and found some casual greats.

I will check in as time gets closer.
Thanks so much for all the details

Best
Dale
Click to expand...
Hi Dale,
Sorry to hear about your daughter. Family always comes first, and it's nice that you and Liz are able to care for her.
It will be good if you can join us, but again, family comes first and I understand!

Thanks for that link to schoandjo. Some good information in their blog. We will just have the two locks to contend with. Harrison Bay is just east of Chattanooga a few miles.

I also prefer to anchor out. I know some folks prefer to use marinas and eat out. However, being honest, I get kind of cheap with all the boat cruising I do, and restaurants and marinas can add up fast. If all works out as planned, and we get tied up to the free docks in Guntersville, it sounds like there are some restaurants nearby there, and a good chance we can enjoy a group meal out there, if anyone would like.

Other than that, if anyone needs to run a little faster, or slower, wants to find a marina at night, or stop somewhere along the way, please do so. We can always rejoin up somewhere the next day. In fact, on my last Tennessee River trip, several did run faster at times, and then just slowed down to wait up, or stopped, then ran faster later to catch up. I'll pretty much maintain a slow cruise for me, and plan 8-9am morning departures, and stop before 4pm, or start looking for good anchorages around 3p. We may get farther along each day than planned, or may have to run a little longer if we take much of a lock delay. (Or possibly even add a day to the trip.) For anyone that wants to see farther upriver or downriver, and has the time, it is a wonderful trip all the way between Kentucky Lake and Knoxville, with several side channels worth exploring.

i'll plan to use VHF channel 72 as our group channel, unless I find it busy. I'll also be monitoring 16 and 13 (13 is what the commercial tows use). I'll check in with the lockmasters before leaving in the morning to check for any known delays or traffic, and then of course arriving for lockage. I've got an AIS transciver, and will have that on while moving.

This looks like our group:

Colby & Rosanne on C-Traveler
Jeff on C-Play
Rick & Jane on Assurance
Dale on Marinaut

Colby
 
Hi Colby & Roseanne,
Thanks for getting back. Looks like a nice group. I like the idea of being flexible with our pace. Since we’re all contained within the riverbanks, regrouping shouldn’t be difficult… how can we miss each other?

I think most of us share the parsimonious approach (we like to go cheap).
Communication should be no problem with cellular as backup since we won’t be exploring remote areas.
I’ll be prepared for being mostly self sufficient regarding provisions with an occasional break.

Was checking weather along the route and it’s still way warm… glad we’re going later in the season.
The distances are not extreme depending on cruising speed so that opens up options.
It will be comforting to have buddy boats around though.

Thanks for lending the benefits of your experience.
Will tighten up as we get closer. Should I make a reservation for the 13th directly or are you in communication with the park as a group? I have already sent the details via their form but can direct message you if needed.

Looking forward to Fall Colors & Coolness!
😎
 
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multimediasmith said:
Hi Colby & Roseanne,
Thanks for getting back. Looks like a nice group. I like the idea of being flexible with our pace. Since we’re all contained within the riverbanks, regrouping shouldn’t be difficult… how can we miss each other?

I think most of us share the parsimonious approach (we like to go cheap).
Communication should be no problem with cellular as backup since we won’t be exploring remote areas.
I’ll be prepared for being mostly self sufficient regarding provisions with an occasional break.

Was checking weather along the route and it’s still way warm… glad we’re going later in the season.
The distances are not extreme depending on cruising speed so that opens up options.
It will be comforting to have buddy boats around though.

Thanks for lending the benefits of your experience.
Will tighten up as we get closer. Should I make a reservation for the 13th directly or are you in communication with the park as a group? I have already sent the details via their form but can direct message you if needed.

Looking forward to Fall Colors & Coolness!
😎
Click to expand...
I'll let each one make their own reservations for arrival on the 13th. That way those that want to anchor out can, and those that want a slip can. Or some may want to "boaterhome", launching first thing in the morning. I'm probably going to park in the rec lot, just to stay out of the main lot and get the exercise of the walk. But I could change my mind when I launch. Just plan to be ready to head out at 8am on the 14th, if you head out with me. ;-)
 
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