Elk River & Crow Creek Paddling

SYNOPSIS

Crow Creek flows from Buggytop Cave in the new Head of the Crow State Park (“HCSP”), south of Sewanee. The Elk River begins in Burroughs Cove, northeast of Pelham.  These two beautiful rivers could be ideal for paddling (kayak or canoe) adventures, including the establishment of Outfitting services.

PROJECT STATUS

SCP has conducted a field study of the upper Elk River to determine suitability for development as a paddling venue. Head of the Crow State Park has conducted a similar study of the upper and middle sections of Crow Creek. SCP has additionally reached out to the Tennessee Office of Outdoor Recreation (“TOOR”) to gauge the availability of funding for the necessary put-in and take-out (“PITO”) facilities where paddlers can launch and retrieve their watercraft, find parking and restroom areas.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Paddling is the one major visitor attraction currently missing from the South Cumberland area’s outdoor recreation roster.

• The Elk River and Crow Creek are both are well-suited for paddling; both waterways have “blue line” status (meaning, they are public bodies of water).

• There is significant potential for creation of local jobs and businesses, like paddling equipment providers, outfitters, guides and shuttle services.

• Focusing SCP efforts through the Tennessee Department of Outdoor Recreation may result in funding being made available for those purposes.

CHALLENGES

• Both rivers have areas where storm debris flows have blocked the navigable channel; a concerted volunteer or contracted effort will be required to safely remove this debris.

• An ongoing program of waterway maintenance will be required to keep the channels navigable. Responsibility, as well as funding for such maintenance, must be assigned.

• Land for periodic access points along the rivers will need to be acquired, and funding will be needed for PITO infrastructure at each access point — shuttle turn-arounds, parking, launch ramps/platforms, restroom facilities, information kiosks, etc.

PROJECT NEEDS

A Project Coordinator is needed to engage paddling advocacy groups for debris removal and maintenance; and to coordinate with HCSP on outreach to TOOR, well as potential governmental and philanthropic project funders.