This is the last trip in a series of five trips down the Elk River we'll make this summer, covering 43.25 miles from Tim's Ford Dam to Fayetteville.

This is an easy, family-friendly, beginner-friendly Class I paddling trip down Elk River in south central Tennessee. The water moves well, is clear (and cold!) and the scenery is beautiful. For more details about the river and the outfitter, visit their website here:

Elk River Canoe Rentals

The outfitter will provide shuttle service for those bringing their own boats and gear for $20 per boat; those who wish to rent a kayak or canoe (including paddle(s) and PFD(s)) can do so for $25-$35 depending on the type of boat.

NOTE: The time listed for this Meetup is when we plan to leave on the shuttle to the put-in on the river; in order to be ready at this time, please read the details below and ensure you've done the necessary things to prepare so that when we arrive at the outfitter the process will go smoothly.

Meetup members can meet the group at various places along the way:

• 10:00AM - Start at Star Market on Highway 72 in Madison, AL
• 10:20AM - 10 minute stop in parking lot of Books-A-Million (northwest corner of University and Memorial Parkway) in Huntsville, AL
• 11:30AM - Arrive at Elk River Canoe Rentals
• 12:00PM - Shuttle leaves Elk River Canoe Rentals to put-in

We'll be paddling from Tim's Ford Dam to Farris Creek Bridge, which is 8.7 miles on the river, and should take about 4 hours on the water (including stops to swim, snack and relax). We should be ready to leave Elk River Canoe Rentals by 4:30PM, and back at Star Market before 6:00PM.

If you want to go on this trip, here's what you need to do:

• RSVP for the Meetup here 
• If you're going to be bringing your own boat, call Elk River Canoe Rentals and let them know that you're going to be part of the "Tennessee Valley Adventure" group so they can be sure to have shuttle space. You can pay in advance for the shuttle service if you wish.
• If you're going to be renting a boat, call Elk River Canoe Rentals and make your reservation and let them know you are part of the "Tennessee Valley Adventure" group.
• On the day of the trip, you'll want to bring various things with you: water (or other non-alcoholic beverage), snacks (fruit, nuts, granola, etc. are recommended), sunscreen, water-friendly clothes and shoes, hat, sunglasses, towel, and dry clothes to change into for the ride home if you wish. We'll be parking our vehicles at the outfitter's location so you can leave your 'after paddling' gear inside a vehicle, but you'll want an appropriate container to take your on-water gear with you. Dry boxes and dry bags are available at various locations around the Huntsville area if you need something for your cell phone, camera, etc.
• Of course, you also need to bring your common sense: if you can't swim, please don't come on this trip! We'll be in the sun with very little (or no) shade for five hours (at least), so keep that in mind as well.

Please join us on this relaxing paddling trip, bring your friends and family (and your dogs, if you like), you'll enjoy it!

Please note that *all* paddling trips are dependent on the weather and water levels on the river; that means they are subject to cancellation at any time, including the morning of the trip. Please be sure to provide contact information when you RSVP so that the trip organizer can get in touch with you if any plans must change.