Leaving Chattanooga we continued our journey up the Tennessee River with the end destination being Knoxville. Chattanooga is on mm 463.5, Knoxville is on mm 648 so about 184.5 miles at 8mph. We left Chattanooga 2 days early due to a rowing competition on the weekend which closed the river to all river traffic. Not good for our plans. Anyway, we motored upriver to another lock, Chickamauga Lock (48ft lift) and up to Shady Grove Marina for the night (a relatively short day for us – 24 miles). At a restaurant nearby we got our first taste of fried green beans. They tasted really good, but I guess if you deep fry anything, it should taste good, but not good for you.
Our next stop was Euchree Marina (53 miles and up another 59ft lift at Watt’s Bar Lock). Not much of a place, but a safe place to tie up for the night. The next morning the river was blanketed in fog so we waited until about 10 am for signs that the fog was burning off. The visibility was between 1/8 to 1/4 of a mile so we motored very slowly as well as sounding our fog horn. We both had our eyes pealed on the area until the fog cleared. Just a little stress for the day.
After 62 miles on the river and the Fort Loudon Lock (72ft lift) we arrived at Fort Loudon Marina. There’s a great restaurant called Calhouns (must try the Spinach Maria) right next to the marina which we really enjoyed. It still feels strange to be enjoying such warm weather in November–no complaining from me. It also seems strange that boats are left in the water all year round, but it’s different in the south.
Our next adventure was to go 30 miles up the Little Tennessee River near the headwaters in the Great Smokey Mountains. As we left the marina, we were greeted with lots of wind (19mph gusting to 33) and very choppy water. We eventually stopped in a marina for the night because of the weather. The next day we motored another 18+ miles up the river and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. We stopped at the last navigation marker just a few miles from the North Carolina border and Tail of the Dragon road*, and then we motored downstream back to Fort Loudon Marina for the night.
*Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap with 318 curves in 11 miles: America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road.
Designated US 129, the road is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest with no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel. It is considered “the destination” for thousands of motorcycle and sports car fans throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Can you brave it? It’s best to be cautious as the turns are tight, but the Tail of the Dragon is guaranteed to be the ride of your life.
Tim & Martha's trip around the Great Loop 
Tail of the Dragon is super fun. And Calhoun’s is such a great place. So cool you have been able to go up river. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
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