West Fork Red River in Tennessee

Trip Overview

My husband, son and I decided to take a short paddle on the West Fork of the Red River that crosses the KY-TN line just north of the city of Clarksville. We got a late start, and so put in at Carter Rd in Oak Grove, KY instead of upstream near Barkers Mill or Trenton, KY. (I would not recommend this put-in as there is no good way down to the water that doesn't involve ticks, broken glass, trash and/or other difficulty.)

The paddle was nice. In May, there was only one spot shallow enough to beach. The water was all quiet water and riffles, maybe several class 1, we meandered along at maybe 2.5 mph on a 5-mile paddle. The take-out was at Billy Dunlop park on the left side after the walking bridge. There is no sign or ramp. It was a sweet little paddle, we spooked several deer, saw some herons and the northern part has high cliffs and a secluded feel. I imagine the river will not be navigable past mid-June.

Accommodations:

None at put-in. I recommend an upstream put-in near Barkers Mill of Trenton. Billy Dunlop park is a free day-use park with toilets, grills, playground.

Fees:

none

Directions:

I-24 exit 1, south 1/4 mile to tiny town rd. Right on Tiny Town, 3-4 miles to right on Allen Rd. 1 mile to right on Carter Rd. to bridge over river.

Resources:

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