Beaver Creek is a tributary of the Clinch River that flows 86.5 miles from Halls through Powell, all the way to Hardin Valley. Until recently, the creek has been mostly unnavigable due to lack of use and the buildup of log jams and debris. As the community has started to realize the creek’s assets, a committed group of volunteers from the Powell and Halls communities have taken the initiative to clean it up to enjoy its benefits – like kayaking and canoeing.
The beautiful creek is a wide, slow-moving stream that winds through lush tree coverings making it a desirable paddling destination for first time paddlers, experienced paddlers and kids too. There are spurts of small rapids and an abundance of placid water for paddlers to enjoy.
This weekend, you can celebrate the cleanup of Beaver Creek at the Grand Opening Flotilla of the Beaver Creek Water Trail on Saturday, Aug. 4, at 10 a.m. A fleet of paddlers will commence at Powell High School and follow a 2.2 mile float and end of the new Weigel’s on Clinton Highway. The float is open to the public, so bring your kayak or canoe and get your paddle on.
In conjunction with the flotilla, Legacy Parks is hosting a volunteer workday at the creek front on Collier Preserve property. The 15-acre natural area was donated to the Foundation by the Collier family. It provides beautiful access to scenic Beaver Creek. Once the park is completed, it will include a natural area, walking trails, a playground, restored historic structures, and a kayak rest stop on Beaver Creek!
For more information on events taking place this weekend, visit OutdoorKnoxville.com.