Deadline to Register: August 17

This year, Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts’ annual members’ paddle and picnic event will take place on the Pigeon River, Saturday August 23! We plan to resume our “Noli First Timer” event in 2026, after the Nolichucky River has time to settle and heal.

You must be an active APEs member to register for this event. Login to the membership management portal to access registration form or email paddleapes@gmail.com for assistance and a link.

Trip Information & Logistics

UPPER PIGEON: 11:30 am

Meet at 11:30 am at the Upper Pigeon take-out/Lower put-in (https://maps.app.goo.gl/yxrUSiQJVXwGVsyz9).

Your trip leader will be Joe Poehlmann, APEs Class II-II Cruise Director. This is now a 3.45-mile Class II-III+ section that changed due to Hurricane Helene.

LOWER PIGEON: 12:30 pm

Meet at 12:30 pm at the Upper Pigeon take-out/Lower put-in (https://maps.app.goo.gl/yxrUSiQJVXwGVsyz9).

Your trip leader for this is a 4.3-mile Class II run will be APEs member Shelly Skelly.

PICNIC: 4:30 pm

The APEs annual picnic will take place after the paddles at The Bean Tree Cafe, located at 3601 Hartford Rd., Hartford, TN 37753. The picnic is free for members. Please bring a lawn chair as seating is limited. The Bean Tree Cafe (https://www.facebook.com/beantreeshartford/) offers fresh food for carnivores and vegetarians. Beer and organic coffee are available onsite, along with other beverages.