tims-ford-tva-bluewa.. - Tennessee State Parks

Trip Essentials
• Blueway permit and map
• Whistle or other sound signaling
device
• Photo identification
• Fishing license (if fishing)
• Drinking water
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Camping gear (tent, food, etc.) if
camping
• Sun protection and insect
repellent
• Cell phone
• Waterproof bags and extra dry
clothing
About the Blueway
The Tims Ford Blueway is designed to meet the interests of a growing
population of paddlers. The town of Estill Springs is located at the northernmost end of the Blueway. In the early 1800s the town’s mineral springs
attracted individuals in pursuit of the reputed curative qualities of the water.
Today, the remaining springs are still the source of the town’s water supply.
Further downstream is the city of Winchester. The historic district offers
antique shops, art galleries and fine dining. Access to the Blueway as well
as camping is available at the City Park. Nearby Tims Ford State Park is
named for an early river crossing and is known for its scenic views, natural
surroundings and biologically significant habitats. The park offers camping,
cabin rentals, a marina, hiking and biking trails with spectacular views of the
reservoir, and access to the Blueway. Five islands, accessible only by boat,
can be reserved for primitive camping through the state park.
Public River Access
Latitude/Longitude
Tims Ford State Park/Lakeview Marina
35°1238.5308, 86°1449.3908
Winchester City Park
35°1202.8980, 86°0739.9036
Estill Springs City Park
35°1537.8468, 86°0658.3344
Dry Creek Beach
35°1113.8192, 86°0808.4768
Fairview Campground/Devil Step Boat Ramp
35°1211.7720, 86°0953.6868
Holiday Landing Marina
35°1608.2488, 86°1441.0496
Tims Ford Marina
35°1320.9424, 86°1420.0364
Taylor Creek Greenway
35°1606.8304, 86°0805.8344
Awalt Bridge
35°1513.5000, 86°1515.6564
Lost Creek Boat Ramp
35°1532.1696, 86°1816.7256
Anderton Branch Boat Ramp
35°1334.8240, 86°1743.9692
Pleasant Grove Boat Ramp
35°1558.1580, 86°1201.6092
Rock Creek Boat Ramp
35°1507.9488, 86°0831.4952
Turkey Creek Boat Ramp
35°1559.9220, 86°1631.0476
Devils Step Island
35°1211.7720, 86°0953.6868
Maple Bend Island
35°1302.0100, 86°1132.8740
Goose Island
35°1235.7552, 86°1133.1836
Leatherwood Island
35°1210.0044, 86°1452.7892
Big Island
35°1257.4668, 86°1602.3124
Little Island
35°1240.2984, 86°1619.3080
Tims Ford Lake is located in Franklin
County, in the south central portion
of Tennessee. The lake is formed by
the 175-foot-tall Tims Ford Dam that
stretches 1,580 feet across the Elk River.
The reservoir covers 10,700 acres with
a maximum depth of 150 feet and
255 miles of shoreline. Construction
of the dam by the Tennessee Valley
Authority (TVA) began in 1966. In 1970
the dam was completed and within
a few weeks the reservoir was filled.
In addition to power generation and
recreation, Tims Ford provides water
supply and flood damage control on
the Elk River. Tims Ford Lake is named
for a crossing on the Elk River near
Winchester, Tennessee. The crossing,
or ford, was on or near land owned
by Abner Mansfield Tims, an early
settler in the area.
Do the Blue!
The Tims Ford Blueway is a partnership between the city of Winchester,
town of Estill Springs, Tims Ford State Park, Franklin County Government,
Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, Tennessee Valley
Authority, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, Tims Ford Council, Franklin
County Ministerial Clergy Kayakers, South Central Tennessee Development
District, South Central Tennessee Tourism District, Winchester Downtown
Development Corporation and Estill Springs Lions Club.
Find other land and water trails in Tennessee at:
http://connectwithtn.com
For boating information and safety, visit:
www.state.tn.us/twra
For information on TVA public lands and lake information, visit:
www.tva.com/river/recreation
Do you have a question about TVA Public Land?
Call 1-800-882-5263 or visit www.tva.com/plic
14-127 9/14
Canoe/ Kayak
Access Only
Hiking Trails
Beach
Swimming Pool
ADA-accessible
Paddle Launch
Restaurant/ Snacks
Boat Ramp
RV/ Tent Camping
Cabins/ Lodging
Primitive Camping
Restrooms
Parking
through Anderson Branch cove to Tims Ford Marina. Lodging is available at Tims
Ford Marina.
Public River Access
Tims Ford State Park/Lakeview Marina
Campground – Lakeview Marina Loop: Camp
out at Tims Ford State Park then paddle from the
campground to Lakeview Marina and back to grab
some pizza and ice cream. Low boat traffic allows
paddlers to enjoy scenic views of the park’s flora
and fauna.
Winchester City Park
Estill Springs City Park
Dry Creek Beach
Fairview Campground/Devils Step Boat Ramp
Tims Ford State Park Boat Ramp – Leatherwood Island: Paddle 0.5 mile
out to Leatherwood Island. Catch a glimpse of the Bear Trace golf course on your
right and Heatherwood subdivision on your left.
Holiday Landing Marina
Tims Ford Marina
Taylor Creek Greenway
Tims Ford State Park Boat Ramp – Kitchen Creek: This 3 mile round trip
paddle will take you south across a fairly wide and heavily used section of the
lake into scenic Kitchens Creek cove. This cove is comprised of TVA land and has
deep, clear water with beautiful wooded shorelines.
Awalt Bridge
Lost Creek Boat Ramp
Anderton Branch Boat Ramp
Leatherwood Island – Little Island: From Leatherwood Island paddle west
towards the Bear Trace Golf Course, and then follow the right shoreline north
towards Little Island on this 2 mile paddle. Camping permit required.
Pleasant Grove Boat Ramp
Rock Creek Boat Ramp
Turkey Creek Boat Ramp
Little Island – Big Island: From Little Island travel north 0.5 mile to Big Island.
Camping permit required.
Devils Step Island
Maple Bend Island
Big Island – Anderton Branch Boat Ramp: Paddle 2.5 miles northwest around
the Beech Hill residential community into Anderton Branch cove. This quiet cove
contains many small fingers surrounded by a wooded shoreline and is excellent
for bird watching.
Goose Island
Leatherwood Island
Big Island
Lost Creek Boat Ramp – Big Island: Put-in at Lost Creek boat ramp and travel
southeast to Big Island on this 6 mile round-trip trek.
Little Island
Hurricane Creek/Marina Route
Turkey Creek Boat Ramp – Holiday Landing: Put-in at the Turkey Creek boat
ramp, stay on the left shoreline, and follow the signs to Holiday Landing. This is a
charming 2.5 mile paddle past TVA land with forest and rolling hill vistas. Primitive
camping available by permit. Lodging and restaurant at Holiday Marina. Put-in/
take-out drive time: 10 minutes.
Turkey Creek Boat Ramp – Hurricane Creek Loop: Put-in at Turkey Creek
and follow the beautiful cove of “Hurricane Creek” (a moderately large tributary).
This paddle is roughly 2 miles but can easily be extended or shortened. Mostly
wooded areas with some private residences. Primitive camping available.
Turkey Creek – Awalt Bridge and Cove: This 1.5 mile paddle will take you
past wooded hillsides to Awalt Bridge. This area experiences heavy boat traffic.
Paddle up Awalt Cove for a quieter experience or paddle to the first cove on your
right after the bridge to see Awalt Falls. Put-in/take-out drive time: 10 minutes.
Tims Ford Marina – Tims Ford State Park/Lakeview Marina: This 2.5 mile
paddle will take you through one of the largest stretches of water on the reservoir.
Take a right out of Anderson Branch cove, go under the bridge, and keep to the
right after traveling down a long wooded peninsula. The left shoreline houses
Heatherwood subdivision. Once you’ve arrived, grab a bite to eat at the marina, go
for a hike, or take a swim at beautiful Tims Ford State Park. Put-in/take-out drive
time: 10 minutes. Camping and cabins are also available.
Holiday Landing Resort – Awalt Bridge: Grab a
bite to eat and then set out on this 1.5 mile paddle.
Shoreline is predominately wooded. Paddle south
when exiting the cove then head left toward the
main channel. Paddle to the first cove on your right
after the bridge to see Awalt Falls. Watch for boats.
Put-in/take-out drive time: 10 minutes.
Awalt Bridge – Mouth of Hurricane Creek: Park
at the roadside pull-off at Awalt Cove. Paddle to the
first cove on your right after the bridge to see Awalt
Falls. Continue on this 2 mile paddle to the mouth of
Hurricane Creek. This is a gorgeous wooded area with some residences. Highland
Ridge subdivision is located on the left bank. Four miles round-trip.
Mouth of Hurricane Creek – Tims Ford Marina: Feeling hungry? Extend
your paddle 2 miles to Tims Ford Marina. Follow the right side of the shoreline up
Lost Creek Boat Ramp – Anderton Branch Boat Ramp: Paddle 3.5 miles.
There will be many side coves excellent for fishing and nature watching. Put-in/
take-out drive time: 20 minutes.
Pleasant Grove/Little Hurricane Creek
Pleasant Grove Boat Ramp – Little Hurricane Creek Loop: Head south out of
Pleasant Grove Boat Ramp into Little Hurricane cove for a gorgeous 4 mile round-trip
paddle surrounded by Owl Hollow WMA, which has minimal residential development.
Stay to the shoreline to explore the many small fingers of this cove. This area has
great fishing and bird-watching areas. Extend your paddle up Long Branch or
Carvers Branch cove to escape the traffic and take a swim. Add 2 miles per cove.
Island Route/Devils Triangle
Devils Step Boat Ramp – Goose Island: This 1.25 mile paddle will take you
through one of the largest sections of the lake. Take a left out of the boat ramp and
head west while hugging the south shore. You will pass several coves on your left,
excellent for fishing. These coves border Owl Hollow WMA. Keeping heading west
to see Goose Island. Camping permit required.
Devils Step Boat Ramp – Maple Bend Island: This 2 mile paddle will take you
through one of the largest sections of the lake. Take a left (west) out of the boat
ramp and stay on the south shore past several coves, then north past Goose Island.
Winchester Springs Loop: Paddle north from Maple Bend Island to beautiful
Winchester Springs Branch surrounded by Owl Hollow WMA on this 3 mile
round trip. This area has many small coves great for fishing, swimming, and
nature watching
Goose Island – Maple Bend Island: From Goose Island travel north 0.5 mile
to Maple Bend Island. Camping permit required.
Goose Island Loop: Head south out of Goose Island into Owl Hollow Creek for
this 4 mile round trip. This blue cove is comprised of Owl Hollow WMA and has
steep wooded hillsides, clear waters, and excellent fishing.
Devils Step Island – Goose Island – Maple Bend Island: Dare to do the
Devils Triangle? Head west 1.5 miles from Devils Step Island across a wide
section of the lake to Goose Island, then 0.5 mile from Goose to Maple Bend,
and back 1.5 miles to Devils Step for a grand total of 4 miles. The north shore is
somewhat developed, while the south shore is predominantly wooded.
Winchester Wing/Boiling Fork/Dry Creek
Winchester City Park Loop: Take a left (east) out of Winchester City Park and
paddle under Highway 131 Bridge. Continue past Winchester Village subdivision
on left toward downtown Winchester to bridge on 41A. Visit the Old Jail House
Museum or grab a bite to eat on the square along this 4-6 mile round trip.
Winchester City Park – Dry Creek: Paddle 2 miles southeast to Dry Creek cove.
The western shore is comprised of Dripping Springs subdivision while the eastern
shore is somewhat wooded. Visit Dry Creek beach for a game of volleyball or a swim.
Continue past Dry Creek beach to the tip of the cove to camp on TVA land (primitive
only). Put-in/take-out drive time: 10 minutes. Light to moderate boat traffic. Dry Creek Beach Loop: Put-in at Dry Creek beach and take the loop by heading
south down to the cove. The western shore is comprised of Dripping Springs
subdivision while the eastern shore is more wooded. Primitive camping available
on TVA land at tip of cove.
Winchester City Park – Devils Step Boat Ramp: Head right (west) out of
Winchester City Park past Dripping Springs subdivision on the left. Continue
west following the southern shoreline past Fairview/Devils Step campground to
Devils Step boat ramp. Shorelines are predominately developed, except for some
portions of TVA and state park land.
Devils Step – Dripping Springs Loop: For this
3 mile paddle head right (east) out of Devils Step
boat ramp following the southern shoreline past the
state park campground down to Dripping Springs
cove. The left shoreline is comprised of Dripping
Springs subdivision while the right shoreline is
wooded and ideal for fishing.
Devils Step – Dry Creek Loop: Head right (east)
out of Devils Step boat ramp following the southern
shoreline past the state park campground, then
continue past the tip of Dripping Springs subdivision, and then turn south into the
Dry Creek cove.
Dry Creek Beach – Devils Step Boat Ramp: For this 2 mile paddle put-in at
Dry Creek beach and take a right (north) out of Dry Creek cove. Turn left (west)
into the main channel past Dripping Springs subdivision, and continue west past
Fairview/Devils Step campground to arrive at the boat ramp.
Devils Step Boat Ramp – Devils Step Island: For a quick and easy paddle
put-in at Devils Step boat ramp and paddle north approximately 100 yards to
Devils Step Island. Camping permit required.
Estill Springs/Headwaters Trail
Estill Springs City Park Loop: This 2 mile loop has some shoreline
development but is predominately vegetated. This quiet cove allows paddlers to
enjoy nature and solitude.
Estill Springs City Park – Rock Creek Boat Ramp: Put-in at Estill Springs
City Park and follow the cove south to Rock Creek boat ramp. Some shoreline has
development but is predominately vegetated.
Rock Creek Loop: For this 5 mile paddle take a left (north) out of the boat
ramp towards Rock Creek cove. Follow this beautiful cove to the tip and back.
Shorelines are mostly residential with some vegetation.
Estill Springs City Park (A) – Estill Springs City Park (B): For this 3 mile
paddle, head south down Taylor Creek cove, then once out of the cove veer left
past a residential area, and follow the shoreline under Estill Springs Bridge to
Estill Springs City Park (B).
Estill Springs City Park (B) – Rock Creek
Boat Ramp: Follow the right shoreline
under Estill Spring Bridge, and continue past
Taylor Creek cove on the right. Go around the
southern tip of Rock Creek residential area
past Rock Creek Bridge to Rock Creek boat
ramp. Shorelines are a mix of wooded and
residential areas.
Rock Creek Boat Ramp – Lee Ford
Bridge: This long curving paddle goes for
5 miles and boasts beautiful habitat for bird
watching.
Maple Bend Island – Winchester
Springs Branch Loop: Maple Bend Island.
Camping permit required.