 |
| nice sunny boof |
The plateau in eastern Tennessee is one of the most special places to go kayaking in the country for sure.You can find something for any paddler up here from the class 3 to the hairiest of the hairy.There are even a few first d's left for those who want them bad enough.Every season a new gem is uncovered but for as many new runs that have gotten popular over the years there are at least as many that have been forgotten.
 |
| Matthew Wallace fires through the dragons lair gorge on falling water creek |
Every run could be a classic,but access or logistics keeps some away.Some runs are just hard to catch with water in them to.This place can be epic friendly at times but thats what makes it so good.
Every time I get deep on a mission up there I always find myself saying,"the ridge always delivers".Sometimes its the drops that get you fired up,but sometimes its the beauty of the place.Amazing waterfalls pouring over cliffs from tiny rain swollen tribs,huge boulders lining the banks of a great rapid,giant cliff walls rising up from the water or the solitude of being the only group on a forgotten run.
 |
| Cumnock falls on mcgill creek |
I really love the headwaters to valley feel of many of the runs on the plateau.They start off as small tribs at the put-in and by the takeout they are full blown rivers,especially on high-water days.Many of the watersheds are very pristine and have a very tropical feel to them in the spring creating an amazing venue for adventure.
 |
| mandantory boof at skywalker on big soddy on a beautiful spring day photo matthew wallace |
 |
| gettin my karnali up out of the water on another great boof |
 |
| Matt Wallace drops greeters photo jeff west |
 |
| Park n huck special at rock island |
You can find all the info you need to get on any of the runs up on the plateau at waldens ridge whitewater.com.Thanks to my crew for being willing to go explore with me and thanks to mother nature for giving us such a special place so close to home.CM
