EVENT DATE: September 7, 2019
MUST BE A YRK MEMBER TO PADDLE. GET MEMBERSHIP HERE.
PADDLE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Registration closes on September 5, 2019.
Join Yadkin Riverkeeper for our member-only Historic Paddles that explore the history of the Yadkin River. This year’s major TOUR sponsors are Great Outdoor Provision Co and Leonard Ryden Burr Real Estate. Supporting sponsors include Ilderton, Piedmont Triad Regional Council Bob Pate Memorial Fund for the Yadkin River, Carolina Heritage Vineyard & Winery, High Rock Outfitters, Foothills Brewing and Waterkeeper Alliance.
The put in on the Roaring River is the site of an early 1900s power dam built by Southern Light Company, which provided power to the Roaring River Community before most others in the area, including North Wilkesboro. It operated until the 1916 flood destroyed the generating equipment. A gristmill was built on the site in 1926 and operated until the 1940 flood destroyed it. Parts of the equipment are still visible at the site. Further downstream we will pass remains of the original bridge (also destroyed in the 1940 flood). Once in the main Yadkin River the route goes past several fish weirs, likely originally Native American and later reworked by settlers in the area. The river takes a great curving path around Revolutionary War hero Benjamin Cleveland's farm, known as Roundabout. This property has been owned by the Chatham family for many years, and with a considerable amount of restoration and preservation work being done on the houses and land. After making the circle around the farm we will take out at Ronda. The float should take about 2-2.5 hours, depending on river flow.
For participants in our members-only paddles, boats will be provided free of charge.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Registration closes on September 5, 2019.
PADDLE TICKETS ARE LIMITED. You must be a YRK Member to sign up.
IMPORTANT FOR REGISTERED PADDLERS:
This is a 2.5 hour paddle.
Meet at 11:30am at Roaring River Canoe Rentals, 462 Cotton Mill Rd, Roaring River, NC 28669
REGISTRATION will start at 11:30am with lunch at 12pm.
Note: Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) are REQUIRED for all paddlers. PFD's are included in your kayak or canoe rental; however, if you are supplying your own boat, please bring a PFD. All paddlers are required to sign a waiver; if you have a minor child, the waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Disclaimer: All Yadkin Riverkeeper Paddle Trips are subject to change. Times and availability are flexible due to weather, flood gauges, and other circumstances beyond our control. Please allow extra time based on river conditions. All ending times are estimates. Yadkin Riverkeeper Paddles are alcohol-free. Please keep in mind that paddle trips average 3 miles per hour once on the water.
Questions: Contact Katie Wilder, 336-722-4949, info@yadkinriverkeeper.org.