Powell River Blueways

Claiborne County is home to over 70 miles of the Powell River, one of the most biologically diverse aquatic systems in the nation. In 2014, the Claiborne County Tourism Commission, along with local civic and business leaders, began the Powell River Kayak and Canoe Regatta, an annual 12-mile race held each April. In 2017, inspired by the Regatta’s success, Claiborne County leaders began to develop the Powell River Blueway Trail, an effort to ensure consistent public access to the river. County leaders worked with several state and federal agencies, including the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to open, reopen, and improve access points for public use along the Powell River.

Funding Sources