Are you passionate about Personal Watercraft (PWC) riding on East Tennessee Lakes or know someone who is? If you’re looking for an incredible eight-day adventure cruising 600 miles on the Tennessee River while supporting the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, then we know just the adventure to embark on!
The 27th Annual Event will kick off from the brand new Lodge at Paris Landing State Park, make stops at Pickwick Landing State Park and Joe Wheeler State Park, visit Guntersville, AL, enjoy a night in Chattanooga, TN, and conclude in Lenoir City, TN at Ft. Loudoun Lake!
The Tennessee River 600 began in 1997 as a pleasant event for personal watercraft (PWC) enthusiasts, and has now evolved into an annual event with participants representing as many as 20 states and Canada. The participants raise money benefiting two children’s hospitals and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Funds raised from participants and sponsors are divided equally among The Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, AL; and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. We are proud to have raised a total of $300,973 for these wonderful organizations. The Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, AL is a member of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, an alliance of premier hospitals for children and one of the world’s leading children’s charities working to save and improve the lives of millions of children. The TWRA is an organization dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and enhancement of Tennessee’s outdoors, including fostering the safe use of the state’s waters. The event is also designed to promote Tennessee tourism and water safety, as well as to portray PWC’s in a positive light. The Tennessee River 600 is the longest running organized personal watercraft event in the United States.
The 26th Annual Tennessee River 600 will begin with check-in at Hampton Inn, Lenoir City, TN on Sunday, July 27th, 2022, and travel down river throughout the week ending in Paris Landing State Park. Participants pay a $400 registration fee per PWC with one rider. Additional riders (“doubling up”) pay a $100 fee. Although some meals are provided, participants are responsible for their own food, lodging, and fuel. If you’re pressed for time, you may participate for one day of your choice for $150.
Families and support crew travel by land and meet riders at the overnight stops. Events are planned for participants at each stop, and sightseeing is a priority. In the past, the event has been fortunate to have doctors, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), mechanics, and other professionals riding the river to assist with any health issues or watercraft failures. Past participants have included a dog riding with his master, an 82-year-old man from Alabama, and a 4-year-old boy accompanied by his dad.
Participants lock through eight TVA dams during the week-long journey. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee State Parks, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers provide support services. All of these agencies help make this a safe and fun trip for everyone
To learn more about the Tennessee River 600 and understand that it’s not a race but an amazing experience, please visit our About Us page. If your schedule doesn’t allow for the entire trip, consider joining us for a day or two by checking out our itinerary. We hope to see you on the water for this incredible journey!
To learn more about boating long distances on our East Tennessee waterways and how to boat to the Gulf of Mexico click here.
For more information visit https://www.tennesseeriver600.com/
Posted by Oceana Richards, Lakefront Living Realty