Paddling The Tennessee River: A Voyage On Easy Water (Outdoor Tennessee Series) Paperback – October 31, 2001

I first read Coldhearted River: A Canoe Odyssey Down the Cumberland, (by the same author), then read this particular book. After reading the book about the Cumberland River first, I was a bit concerned that I might find the writer's earlier book about the Tennessee River to be less enjoyable/less interesting, but actually found it to be even more entertaining and informative. I learned enough to rule out any ideas of doing a long paddle trip on the Cumberland, and found, instead, that paddling a long section of the Tennessee between Pickwick Dam and Kentucky Lake may be just the trip I want to paddle. Anyone interested in extended paddling trips will find either or both of these books interesting, informative, and well written, regardless of whether you're reading for entertainment or researching an extended paddling trips you may be contemplating.

II'll preface my review by saying that I often skip writing reviews, but rely heavily on them for purchases. I had to make sure I stopped and wrote my praises of this book though. I really like adventure journals type books such as this, but he does a great job of limiting the book's lecturing on the river, paddling, or even history.. He does all these things, but adds in just the right amount of opinion from himself and the people he met along the way. I paddle the Tennessee river and its tributaries often, and this book made me more thankful for the amazing waterway I live by.

the book was ok...he mostly trash talked my beloved Tennessee river and for this he earns no golden,paddle in my book. Having grown up around Big Bear Creek on the MS/AL line I respect and love the area and the people. His representation of the river is at best morose.

My wife and I do quite a bit of paddling. I was interested in learning about the Tennessee River when I first moved to Tennessee. I got much more than I bargained for with this book. Not only does the author narrate the journey, it was also the most painless introduction to a local region and its history that I have ever read. The author can come off as a bit of a tree hugger at times, but take it with a grain of salt. He did an outstanding job with this book and his writing style made it a very enjoyable read. I would recommend this to anyone.

Although the author's trip down the Tennessee River took place 20 years ago, the account is still enjoyable reading. A modern day adventure.

Kim Trevathan takes you as his companion while he and his dog Jasper canoe the length of the Tennessee River. The river journey takes you from Knoxville, Tennessee to Paducah, Kentucky as the river winds its way through a series of man-made lakes in four states. He describes the history of the river and introduces you to the wonderful characters he meets in his six week journey.

I got a signed copy. It was for school and cost near to nothing. enjoyed it very much and still cannot imagine canoeing that long and far with my dog!.. amazing!

Trevathan's account of his canoe trip with his dog Jasper on the Tennessee River is an easy paddling sort of read. Like the trip itself, it's musing, meandering, a little slow in some places, but rapid and tense in others. The book is at its best with sidebars about the river's place in history - more specifically TVA history, descriptions of the Trail of Tears motorcycle ride in Florence, Alabama and conversations with real life characters who manage to make the Tennessee River their livelihood.Trevathan wrestles with the divergent interests that often conflict with each other. On one hand the TVA dams prevent widespread flooding and destruction of homes, but it also strips the river of its natural beauty. He rails against the large cabin cruisers that create wakes that toss his tiny boat, but then makes friends with a married couple who offer him cold beer and a tour of their luxury houseboat. The book is a reflection of the river --- a flotsam of history, travel, and an indictment of the insanity called "progress." Trevathan has successfully completed two voyages: one was canoeing the Tennessee, the other was writing about it.