MountainTrue French Broad River Section 10 Clean-Up #3 in Tennessee 10/16

October 16 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Volunteers are invited to help clean up Helene-deposited trash from the French Broad River in Cocke County, Tennessee with MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper team and outfitters associated with the Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association. This clean-up will be boat-based and focus on the river between the North Carolina / Tennessee state line at Paint Rock and Wolf Creek Boat Launch in Del Rio. This stretch of river is often referred to as “Section 10” and contains numerous class II rapids.

Previous whitewater paddling experience is required and experience with river clean-ups is strongly encouraged. MountainTrue can provide a limited number of rafts and inflatable kayaks to volunteers, but attendees are otherwise requested to bring their own boats and equipment. If you bring your own gear, make sure to bring a whitewater-suitable PFD and weather-appropriate clothing. MountainTrue will provide gloves, grabbers, trash bags, a dump trailer for trash removal, and a shuttle to the put-in.

We will meet at Paint Rock on River Road on the state line at 9:00 AM; drop boats, gear, and non-drivers; and then drive vehicles to the take-out at Wolf Creek Boat Launch in Del Rio. We will then be shuttled back up to Paint Rock where we will put on the river and head downstream. This section is 6 miles and will likely take around 6 hours to paddle.

If you need to borrow a boat from MountainTrue, email (jack@mountaintrue.org) or call (703-638-3616) Jack Henderson at least 2 days before the event.

Please Bring: whitewater-appropriate paddling equipment and clothing, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, drinking water, snacks, lunch, a change of clothes for afterwards, and any medications you might need on the water.

All participants must sign-up in advance to ensure we adhere to logistics and safety standards.
**Kids under the age of 18 are allowed as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian and are experienced whitewater paddlers.

To thank you for your time, volunteers are also eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue. Please email members@mountaintrue.org to request yours.

This event has been generously funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Reservoir & Community Cleanups program and is occurring in partnership with Cherokee National Forest’s Unaka Ranger District. We are very grateful for both entities for their support.