Canoeing the Caney Fork River below the dam

July 3

After canoeing the Center Hill Lake from Edgar Evins State Park we decided to check the other side of the dam.  The Caney River continues below the dam so our first stop was the Long Branch Campground & Picnic area.  Here the water was running too fast as there were three generators running and releasing water into the river.  The previous day the water was calmer.  So after observing the area we moved on.

We drove through beautiful hill country and stopped at a market in Gordonsville for a snack.  Leaving town we found the perfect launch area.

Here the river was still running at a reasonable pace so we could paddle upstream and a enjoy relaxing ride back down. 

The river was beginning to run fast upon our return from the water being released from the lake for power generation.  The increased flow provided several rapids to crest on the upward paddle and fun moguls on the return.  

Yes, there were trout, bass, cats, and other species in the river of all sizes: small to huge.  When you canoe there is time to notice the fish, the banks, the foliage, and the rocks.  And the access was not impossible when we returned to load the canoe back onto the truck.

Yes, it was a good paddle on the Caney.