PADDLE THE PIGEON RIVER AT HARTFORD

## Details

PLEASE NOTE: YOU NEED PERMISSION FROM THE OWNER TO PARK AT THE TAKE-OUT, WHICH I HAVE, AS THAT IS NOT PUBLIC AND YOU NEED TO GET THEIR PERMISSION PERSONALLY IF YOU DO YOUR OWN TRIP THERE.
This run has always been one of the favorites of many paddlers. It is one of the last weeks Duke will do their summer releases; so lets get a last trip in on it.
We will paddle from Hartford 13.5 miles on this Class I-II stretch of exciting low-end whitewater/ wave trains, island passageways, plus it has some beautiful rock cliffs. Between the two I-40 bridges there are many exciting smaller ledges scattered about.
The water technicality level is similar to what we just had on the Hot Springs French Broad trip we just did [for those of you wondering].
This is dam release and flows approx. 4 mph.; so although the mileage is long, it only usually takes approx. 4 hours including lunch. We have seen interesting bird life on this stretch including the Night Heron.
Because it is dam release we have to start later than usual, to get on the river when the water will arrive at the put-in. Please arrive at Home Depot in time to carpool, and I am allowing extra time driving through
I-40 gorge.
You have to be skilled in at least Class I-I+, it is not for the inexperienced.
NO INFLATABLES or SUPs PLEASE. MUST HAVE SPRAY SKIRTS and the kayaks should have air bags, if you don't have a sit-on-top. Please have everything D-clipped (water bottles, etc) to your kayak. Bring lunch and water. A PFD and whistle are required by law. Please have a 7' line on the bow to aid in rescues.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions? Please text me. 828-279-1664
KEEP IN MIND I-40 IS DOWN TO ONE LANE IN THE GORGE, BE PATIENT IF THE TRAFFIC SLOWS UP A LITTLE THERE, AND JUST BE THANKFUL IT IS OPEN FOR NOW.