Join the 7th annual Beaver Creek Flotilla on Saturday, May 18, 2024, 9:30 a.m., putting in behind Powell High School.
Wondering what the fuss is about? Last year more than 400 watercraft (mostly kayaks) floated for a half-day on Beaver Creek.
Isn’t that crowded? Well, yes, it is at first, but the kayaks spread out and soon you will feel like you are on a solitary paddle in the days of Davy Crockett with no idea what’s around the next bend.
Yikes! What is around the next bend? Mostly trees, but a few cows and random wildlife. Larry and Laura Bailey sometimes play the theme from “Deliverance” as you pass their place, Bill Weigel sometimes hands out cold water or lemonade from the bank near his store and there’s no telling what others have cooked up. Smile for the photo op and watch online (Beaver Creek Kayak Club) for your keepsake photo.
The Flotilla is a safe way to experience the creek, with volunteers to help you launch and take out. Shuttle service is provided to get you back to your vehicle.
Knox County has cleared the route from Powell High School to the Roy Arthur Stormwater Park on Harrell Road in Karns, roughly a 3-hour trip. Commissioner Larsen Jay has mapped the creek from Halls to Melton Hill Lake, identifying 11 spots for accessible docks. The Beaver Creek Water Trail will ultimately put Knox County on the map as the longest such trail in the southeast.
Folks will line up Saturday starting at 7 a.m. with first launch at 9:30 a.m. Parking is limited behind Powell High School at the launch point. It’s best to arrange for a driver to drop off the floater(s) and watercraft.
Charlie Austin, president of the Beaver Creek Kayak Club says, “A huge thank you to FirstBank, our presenting sponsor of the 7th annual Beaver Creek Flotilla. Your sponsorship has enabled the flotilla to expand and become an even bigger community event. Our values on community align, and we encourage you to do your business at a bank where community is more than just a word. To the FirstBank team and their nearly 2,000 associates, ‘Welcome to the Club’.”
Register for a $10 donation, which is tax deductible due to partnership with Legacy Parks Foundation, and includes:
- A guaranteed spot in the flotilla
- Transportation for both you and your equipment
- Official event T-shirt
- Official event koozie
- A sense of pride knowing your donation will help improve the creek
- An amazing day of floating fun with Knox community friends
Here’s a YouTube clip of the Pigeon Forge Pirates from last year’s Flotilla. More details and information: here
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