Caravan Leaves Poplar Springs Boat Ramp at 8:15 A.M. for 40 Minute Drive Gather at the East End of the Oak Ridge Solway Park

This will be an easy in-and-out paddle of approximately 4 miles, which should take about 2-3 hours. During the paddle we may see herons, ospreys, cormorants, kingfishers, geese, ducks, and, according to the blueway trail information, muskrats and beavers. There will also be shoreline vegetation of reeds, cattails, sedges, milfoil, and very large catfish in the shallow waters.

Bring your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, PFD, paddle, water, snacks, sunblock, sponge or pump, rope. There is a porta-potty at the Haw Ridge trail head, which would be the next right after passing the entrance to Solway Park where we will be putting in. Otherwise, look for a good place in Solway or one of the exits off of Pellissippi Parkway.

Directions to Put In Location From I40, take 162 North toward Oak Ridge (Pellissippi Parkway). After crossing Melton Hill Lake take the first exit to TN 170, Edgemoor Rd. heading east. Take the second entrance on the right into Solway Park after passing the entrance to the boat launch ramp. (Can enter Solway Park, Edgemore Road, Oak Ridge, TN for GPS assistance)

Lots of good places to eat in Oak Ridge. There is a Calhouns on Melton Hill Lake and “world famous” Big Ed’s Pizza in Oak Ridge.