In autumn 1979 My grandfather took me trout fishing one day along the banks of the Little Tennessee River. When we finished and got into his car he closed the door and said "Take a look...next week this will be a lake." In November, TVA closed the flood gates and Tellico Lake was born. Good-by to the Little Tennessee River as we knew it.
This website is about getting you excited to paddle the "finger lakes" of the Smokies. Since there is no going back, we should enjoy these five lakes. Here are photos and stories from Fontana, Cheoah, Calderwood, Chilhowee and Tellico Lakes.
Hey this is Jeff Wadley. I love the Smokies! I also enjoy guiding others into the mountains hoping they can expereince God's wonders and want to know more about Him.
I grew up in Gatlinburg and have hiked all the trails in the Smokies, have almost finished paddling the Little Tennessee River from Fontana to Ft. Loudon and am working on hiking all the trails in Joyce Kilmer, Slickrock, Citico, Gee Creek and Bald River Wilderness Areas.
I am the author of "Mayday! Mayday! Aircraft Crashes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park". It is my desire for you to enjoy the Smokies and at least consider the wonders of God's creation.