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Last Updated: March 20,2007
The following information applies only to the sixth edition of the "Tennessee
River CruiseGuide" the last edition to be published.
REFERENCE SECTION
Because of budget cuts, lockage of recreational craft through Melton Hill Dam
at Mile 23.1 on the Clinch River is limited to certain weekends. For more information,
call the lock operator at Fort Loudoun Lock.
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The hours of operation for Fort Loudoun Lock at Mile 602.3 have been changed.
The lock is now open from 9AM until 9PM daily, May 1 through October 31, and
from 10AM until 10PM daily, November 1 through April 30.
After years of study, the Tennessee Valley Authority changed its water release
procedure in 2004. Now, the summer pool level is reached in late May and maintained
through Labor Day after which it's steadily dropped until the winter pool level
is reached.
The water, however, isn't uniformly dropped in all of the river's nine main
reservoirs. Except in extreme situations, the water levels on Wilson Lake, Guntersville
Lake and Nickajack Lake stay about the same all year. Also, depending on the
need to maintain proper streamflow, there may be some temporary variations in
summer pool levels.
CRUISE SECTION
MILE 0.0
The Big "E" Marina in Paducah no longer exists. Southbound boaters
refueling at Kidd's in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on the Mississippi River can't
refuel again until they reach Kentucky Dam Marina immediately above Kentucky
Lock & Dam on the Tennessee River, a distance of 122 miles. If they wish
to access the Tennessee River via the Cumberland River, they can't refuel until
they reach Green Turtle Bay Marina immediately above Barkley Lock & Dam,
a distance of 143 miles.
MILE 41.9
Kenlake State Park Marina has become a more attractive and convenient stop for
transients. Two years ago, eight 40X18-foot transient slips were added. This
past winter, 890 feet of new dockage was built, much of which will be available
for use by transient boaters. Two new pumpout stations are also being added.
In the meantime, the upstairs of the ship's store barge with more than 4,000
square feet of space is being converted into a combination restaurant, gathering
place and entertainment center for those staying at or visiting the marina.
It will be open on or about Memorial Day, this year. The barge, built in 1972,
was originally used by the Corps of Engineers to house workers during construction
of Barkley Lock & Dam.
MILE 135.0
Not all of the full width of the channel leading to Perryville Marina is passable
by larger boats, particularly when Kentucky Lake is at or near winter pool level.
Be sure you contact the marina for specific directions before attempting to
enter this marina.
MILE 171.8
Saltillo Marina is no longer in operation.
MILE 256.1
In late 2005, new owners of Mystic Harbor Marina reinstated the original name
of the facility, Florence Harbor Marina, and reopened the restaurant to make
this a significantly better stop for transient boaters.
Nearby downtown Florence has new restaurants. Also, new Walgreen's has opened
and a new Hampton Inn will have opened by late this year
MILE 272.3
The Point Restuarant no longer exists.
The nearby Doublehead Resort is now known as The Cove at Doublehead.
MILE 277.0
The fifty transient slips built in late 2004 in front of the lodge at Joe Wheeler
State Park Marina has made this facility an even more popular destination during
the summer and fall cruising seasons.
MILE 378.0
The channel leading from the main river back to Goose Pond Marina has been deepened
to provide at least seven feet of water. Also, the fuel dock has been reconfigured
to provide more transient slips.
MILE 431.2
New owners of Nickajack Resort & Marina changed the name back to Hales Bar
Marina. Major improvements include a breakwater, new transient slips and a relocated
fuel dock.
MILE 463.6
Chattanooga's impressive downtown riverside development was completed in early
2005. The new saltwater aquarium next door to the fresh water aquarium is open
as are an increasing number of shops and restaurants within four blocks of the
riverfront. New walkways now link the riverfront with the art and museum district
and the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge that spans the river.
Most important, considerable dockage is now available to transient boaters.
MarineMax is operating the docks for the city. To reserve space, call them at
423-266-1316. Also, MarineMax answers on VHF channel 16.
Caution: A 650-foot permanent concrete dock known as the Terrace Dock is much
better suited for large passenger type boats and offers virtually no wake protection
for small boats. For that reason, insist on getting space on one of the floating
docks when you make a reservation.
HIWASSEE RIVER
MILE 12.9
A nicely appointed year around restaurant plus a detached open air restaurant
are open during the summer at B&B Marina. Eight transient slips with 20-foot
fingers have been added that can accommodate boats up to about 38 feet. Two
larger transient locations are usually available. Space is very limited in this
marina. So if you plan to stay overnight, call first to check availability.
MILE 504.4
Bluewater Campground & Boat Dock now has a much larger and considerably
sturdier fuel dock. Plans call for slips to be added, including one or two for
transient boaters.
MILE 544.9
After several years of uncertainty and erratic operation, Terrace View Marina
reopened in 2005 under new ownership. Improvements include new docks and a breakwater.
On the premises are a restaurant, swimming pool and motel. If you are going
upriver, turn to port at MILE 544.9 and go a quarter mile up Rector Branch.
For more information, call 423-365-6060 or go to www.terraceviewmarina.com
LITTLE TENNESSEE RIVER
MILE 18.8
Construction is well under way on a repair facility with an 80-ton lift in the
area between the railroad bridge and the U.S. 411 bridge. The facility is scheduled
to be operational by early summer.
MILE 19.2
The small and unsteady dock at the Sequoyah Museum has been replaced by a well
secured 50-foot dock.
MILE 616.1
Concord Marina has been completely rebuilt and now includes a multi-million
dollar restaurant. Facilities for accommodating transient boats, however, are
limited. Call 865-966-5381 for more information.
MILE 647.3
If you want to have a exciting time in Knoxville you may want to be there during
a home football weekend and witness the famous "Volunteer Navy," a
mass of boats owned by University of Tennessee football fans. But if all that
activity both on and off the river isn't to your liking, you may want to avoid
those weekends. Even between those special weekends, many cruising boaters visit
the Knoxville area during this time of the year. So reservations at any of the
nearby marinas are strongly advised.
Visit Fred's cruising guides home page.
Learn more about recent changes and updates to conditions on the Tennessee River, Cumberland River and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
Read Fred Myers' "On the River Front" Column
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