By Dennis Catoe

Distance Paddled: Approx. 11 miles
Water Level: 300 fps

The Enoree River was paddled by Dennis, trip leader, Nicole, Pam, Sheila, Carol and Roy. We put in above Whitmire off US 176 at good dirt landing and took out at Brazzleman's Bridge on S-81 at a great paved parking lot with restroom.

We were able to pull our vehicles within a few feet of the water at both locations. When we dropped our vehicles at the take out, I talked with some fishermen. They smiled and wished us well, but then told us that they had seen 3 water moccasins at the take out. Now this is how I want to start all my trips! But too late to turn back now. We actually practiced our snake encounter screams during our lunch break.


I'm glad we braved on. The scenery was beautiful. Everything was green and the flowers were blooming. The weather was about 89 degrees, but a good breeze made this a delightful trip. The water was low at 300 feet flow but we still had a nice current.

We did run into several dangerous, wild animals standing across the river. OK -- they were cows, but they gave us a mean and dirty look. We allowed them to get out before we paddled on.

The trip was about 11 miles and took 5 hours including lunch, a couple rest stops, and a couple portages. All the portages were during the last 2 miles. One portage required a short walk around a large falling tree. One tree required us to pull over our kayaks. There were several trees we were able to skillfully navigate around.

We actually only ran into two snakes. Thankfully I was not present when they were sited. The turbo on my kayak was accidentally engaged, but everyone told me about the snakes when they caught up with me a mile down stream.

It was a fun day. We all enjoyed this trip so much that I think I will offer this trip annually in the spring.

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