This is a four plus day paddle. The only public land is at Indian Cave and Nance's Ferry, and I don't know if camping is allowed at either. Day trips work well.
1. The first section from below Cherokee Lake to Indian Cave is 7 miles. This is a beautiful stretch of water. The put-in is below the Dam on the south side (river left) of the river. Indian Cave is on the opposite side of the river (river right). Google map 801-1199 Indian Cave Rd, Blaine TN 37709.
2. The second section from Indian Cave to Nance's Ferry is 12 miles. The take out at Nance's Ferry is on the west side (river right). If you use a navigation system to Nance's Ferry it may take you to the east side of the river which is private property. My address for the Nance's Ferry put-in is 383-525 Clifftop Rd. Blaine TN 37709
3. The third section of the Holston River is from Nance's Ferry to Clift Rd (east side of river-river left). It is about 20 miles and takes 5-8hours depending on the current. A fast canoe or kayak is essential. When paddling this section, there is a railroad bridge about 2 miles upstream from the takeout and a concrete arched bridge about a mile from the takeout-river left , east side. There appears to be a second put-in about a mile downstream, which makes an even longer paddle day, but may be a second parking option.There are several places where the river splits around islands. I think this adds to the fun and makes it possible to paddle this section twice and have a completely different trip.
4. The fourth section is from Clift Rd to the 11E bridge. It is about 14 miles. The takeout is below the bridge. The road to access the ramp/parking area is just east of the bridge. I had to turn around in the Wendy's and drive 200 meters back to the concrete road.
5. The fifth section is from 11E bridge to Governor Ned McWherter Riverside Landing Park. If you paddle 700 meters further, Calhouns with good food and beer awaits.
A shorter trip is from 11E bridge to the confluence (two rivers flowing together) of the French Broad River and the Holston. There is a boat ramp and parking area off Asbury road near the railroad bridge.
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