Spotlighting Possum Creek
Paddling Spotlight: Possum Creek, Soddy-Daisy, TN
Three routes, one ramp, zero excuses not to go
Possum Creek off Lee Pike Boat Ramp is one of those spots that quietly overdelivers. You've got a calm slough for hot-day floaters, a solid beginner run toward the Tennessee River, and enough open water to keep distance paddlers coming back. One access point, three completely different paddles.
The Setting
Lee Pike Boat Ramp sits in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, Hamilton County, just off Lee Pike and a short drive north of Chattanooga. The launch puts you on Possum Creek, which feeds into Chickamauga Lake and eventually opens up into the Tennessee River. Depending on which direction you go, you're looking at anything from a glassy protected slough to wide river views with hawks circling overhead. There's a bridge just right of the ramp that acts as your fork in the road.
Why This Spot Works
Beginners: The no-wake slough past the Fez Club is your spot. Duck under the bridge to the right, paddle half a mile, and you're in calm, protected water with minimal boat traffic. The depth just past the Fez Club is ideal for hopping off the board and standing in the water, which is exactly what you want on a 90-degree August afternoon. Round trip is barely a mile.
Intermediate paddlers: The River Run is your bread and butter. Head toward the Tennessee River from the ramp, paddle about a mile out, and turn around when you hit the open water panorama. It's a leisurely two miles with wide, sweeping turns, herons posting up on every log, and deer on the banks if you're moving quietly. Friendly boaters, good scenery, low stress.
Distance and explorers: Emerald Bay is out to the right past the slough. Hug the right shoreline as Possum Creek opens up and just keep going. Two to four hours depending on how deep you want to explore the bays. This is a multi-hour commitment with serious payoff, just pick a weekday. Boat traffic on summer weekends out here is real.
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Getting on the Water
Lee Pike Boat Ramp is a straightforward public access point with parking and a solid launch. Walk-on distance from your car to the water is minimal. It handles both motorized and non-motorized launches, so expect some activity on weekends. No complicated fee situation, just show up.
If you're doing the slough route or the River Run, you don't need much. If you're going for Emerald Bay, pack accordingly.
Things to Know Before You Paddle
The slough is protected and low-drama. The River Run and Emerald Bay are both exposed to boat wakes, especially on summer weekends. Chickamauga Lake sees real boat traffic. Weekday mornings are dramatically better for both water conditions and peace of mind. Wind can come up in the afternoon, so earlier is smarter. The Emerald Bay run is listed as intermediate/advanced not because the paddling is technical, but because boat traffic and distance require situational awareness.
Paddle Smart
Tennessee law requires a PFD on board your SUP. Wear it. If you're heading toward the river or into Emerald Bay, stay visible to boat traffic and know where you are relative to the channel. Respect the no-wake zones in the sloughs, it matters for the wildlife and the people who paddle there every week. Paddle with someone when you're going the distance. Have a good time.
