Summer Local Living 2024

Summer Local Living May 2024— 15 LAURIE CARUSO Contributor F or those who thrive on out- door adventure, nature and wildlife, a trip down the historic Elk River is a must. For decades the Elk River has been a popular spot for canoeing, kay- aking, rafting and fishing. The Elk River is a tributary of the Tennessee River meander- ing 195 miles through Tennes- see and Alabama. Water depths varies from shallow shoals to deep pools and through the clear, cold water a lot of fish ac- tivity is visible. Anglers will find the Elk River teaming with fish, since it’s an especially great re- source for catching rainbow, brown and brook trout, large- mouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, plus more than 25 other types of fish. In addition to experiencing the fresh air and sunshine as they journey down the river, boaters will view breath-taking scenery and sightings of great blue herons, kingfishers, ducks, geese and an assortment of other waterfowl. Some fortunate boat- ers may see majestic bald eagles soaring above, deer grazing near the river’s edge or turtles lazily basking in the sun. As they glide along the river, boaters may pass under some of the historic bridges, such as the Cowley Bridge, also known as the Kelso Bridge, the Shi- loh Bridge or the Hannah Ward Bridge near Prospect, which has a reputation for being haunted. Depending on the trip they opt for, paddlers will float through Fayetteville and pass by the historic site of Camp Blount, one of many historical landmarks in Lincoln County associated with the War of 1812. Many famous Americans, who either visited or lived in Lincoln County were recorded as being in the area including Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, Daniel Boone, and General An- drew Jackson. Several canoe and kayak rental sites in Lincoln County offer a variety of trips of varying lengths, so customers can choose a trip based on how much time or energy they have. Most of the rental businesses will drive cus- tomers to the dropping in and taking out points for boats, then, o n c e they’ve completed their trip, the rental employees will shuttle the customer’s vehi- cle back to the office location. Locally, Elk River Canoe, LLC in Kelso gives boaters a choice in the length of trip they desire to paddle, ranging from a short trip of 2.3 miles, which begins at the Shiloh Bridge in Moore County, and will take approximately 1.5 to three hours. A much longer trip lasting two to four days, would start near Tims Ford Dam and end near the Stone Bridge Park in Fayetteville. Kelso Canoe is another canoe rental option with a shuttle, and Elk River Adventures, a canoe and kayak rental, is further south in Pros- pect. Whether you’re a rookie or seasoned paddler or angler, you should consult your local outfitter to learn how to match the ideal flow to your skill level. A water release can create a great swell of water downstream from the dam. Following the mid- M a y s t o r m s and rainfall, the TVA posted that the Tims Ford Dam was spilling 2,500 cubic feet of water per second, which is five times its average rate. The Tennessee Valley Au- thority (TVA) advises boaters to keep in mind when floating the Elk River, that water can be released from a dam with- out any warning at any time and by any means. Tims Ford Dam, located in Winchester, is 175 high and stretches 1,580 feet across the Elk River. To support recreational activities, TVA posts a May-to-October schedule for various spots along the river. The canoe and kayak rental businesses on the Elk River also keep close tabs on the generating schedule, which can change from day to day. It’s always advisable to call the rental offices ahead to listen to the water release schedules. CLEAR, COOL WATER Scenic Elk River is anarea attraction for canoeing, kayakingand fishing