Camping
Travel Friday, April 9 to Tim's Ford State Park and camping there on Friday, April 9 and Saturday, April 10. Arrival time is uncertain since I will be making a variety of scouting stops along the way. Cost for the camp site is $28.00 per night and up to 6 people can occupy a site. There is also a limit of one RV and one tent to each site or two tents on a site. Water is available on the site as well as electricity. Reservations are required and are made online at https://tnstateparks.com/parks/campground/tims-ford. I have selected campsite #27 and can share with someone. By the way, I can truthfully say that I have never heard myself snore. Total cost was $53.82 with taxes/reservation fee and a senior discount. Kyle Dixon has selected #28 and is also willing to share.
The new moon is scheduled for April 12 so the nights should be black with great star gazing. Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring so we will most likely select a central site and gather for supper and drinks around the ring. Remember to not bring your own firewood into the park. I am sure there will be some for sale or on the ground in the area.
First choice of paddle will be the Elk River from Shiloh Bridge to Cowley Bridge. The trip length is 8+ river miles of paddling within a middle Tennessee “pastoral” setting. The river is clear and cold (I am told) and is regulated by the Tim's Ford Dam. A normal water flow of 160 cfs is maintained year around. The majority of the trip consists of Class 1 water but there are places on the route where 1+ water will be encountered. One issue that we can not know about until April 6 or 7 is the release of water from the dam. During these times, no boats are permitted on the river. The dam release schedule is not released until two days prior. I am talking with Tricia at Boiling Forks Adventures about other possible paddle areas as a backup if the release messes us up.
A second choice of the Saturday paddle would be the Duck River from Normandy Dam to Mullins Mill on Highway 41A. We will attempt to reach a consensus before the trip. Feel free to research other options as well.
Sunday be open for paddling. One option could be the Duck River from Normandy Dam to Three Forks if we do not get to pass this way on Saturday. I plan to attend the native plant sale at the Trails and Trilliums event or visit Foster Falls if the sale has ended.