Cumberland river? In April?

Emilyoutdoors said:

Part of a group planning trip as part of our final for school. Does anyone have any experience rafting on The Cumberland?

Our trip is roughly 6 days in length and takes place in mid-April. Located near Ottawa Canada so the Cumberland is a reasonable distance away but we are open to other suggestions! Recommendations for WW canoeing are also welcomed!

Thanks

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I have canoed the Big South Fork of the Cumberland many times. There are several put-ins: Burnt Mill Bridge which gives you a 3 mile warm-up on the Clear Fork River down to the confluence with the New River of you can launch at the confluence. It is about 7 miles from the confluence to the take-out at Leatherwood Bridge. There are a lot of class 3's and several class 4's and the scenery is spectacular, I recommend scouting Double Drop (river right) and The Ell (river left). It is a long shuttle but well the effort. Oneida, TN is the closest town. I hope you and your group have a great trip!

Cumberland or the Big South Fork of the Cumberland??
Cumberland is a short section below the falls.

BSF has the whitewater section mentioned by Nolichucky, but also 2-3 additional days of floating (with a couple of rapids) down below. Water levels can rise and fall pretty fast on the BSF, I would have alternative plans in case of high/low flows.

Maybe New river or Rappahannock can get 2-3 nights on a canoe trip and still staying East Coast.

If you are referring to the BSF of the Cumberland know that the old Canoe and Hiking Club at The University of Tennessee used to always do a two-nighter on Clear Creek over Easter weekend. That could be an option too... Flows will vary...

You night also read Kim Trevathan's Coldhearted River. Its a memoir of his trip down the entire length of the Cumberland River. You might find some good ideas in there.

Matt