Captains Log

As we leave the Skull Island area to continue upstream, we see Soddy Island light and Day marker at RM 487.5. This marks the entrance to Soddy Creek and our first stop at Shady Grove Marina, (www.shadygroveharbor.com ) about 1.2 miles up Soddy Creek on your port side. This is a very friendly and pleasant spot for fuel, snacks, or overnight dockage.

Our next stop is just up Soddy Creek about 1 mile to my home port of Pine Harbor Marina. NOTE: you will go under a bridge (Armstrong Road Bridge) some TVA navigation charts refer to it as Lee Pike Hwy Bridge. Pine Harbor offers fuel, as well as snacks and beverages, and also has transit dockage available. (423-332-3963)

Also Pine Marina is the home of ‘Steve’s Landing Restaurant”, home of some of the best “Eat Mo Ribs” in the area. Steve’s Landing is open Wednesday through Sunday year around. Call to confirm hours, (423-332-4098) and reservations are recommended Friday and Saturdays night. Soddy Creek offers several great anchorages on up stream. Nice ride up Soddy Creek to relax and throw an anchor.

We will now leave and head back out Soddy Creek to the Tennessee River, and head north upstream to RM 489.7 and Opossum Creek. There is no commercial operations on Opossum Creek, however, the creek is home to Red Fez Club-Alhambra Shriner’s private dock located about 2 miles up the creek. Also again will go under a bridge. Opossum creek also offers some great areas to throw your anchor. As we head back down the creek and back to RM 489.7 will than continue our trip up the Tennessee River

We leave Harrison Bay State Park and Marina we see Chester Frost-Hamilton County Park. The park is located at RM 478.5R. The park is home to the Hamilton County fair. There is a boat ramp and courtesy docks. Chester Frost Park is locate at RM 479.5L.The park does not offer marina facilities; however, a boat ramp for day use with easy access is available. Park offers swimming and camping.

Next at Tennessee River Mile 480.9L is access via creek to Lakesite Marina. Currently this facility is under complete redesign and no facilities operating. Facilities are in process of new development and possible name change.

RM 481.0R is Harbor Lights Marina. Marina offer fuel, overnight transit docks, boat ramp, Visit their web site for complete information. www.hlmarina.com

Also featured at Harbor Lights Marina is Aris’ Harbor Lights Lakeshore Restaurant & Lounge. Good Menu and great food, and you can come by boat with free dockage in front of the restaurant,

Two private club marinas at RM 483.9L, Chattanooga Ski Club, and IBEW Club Dock at RM 484.4L. Both are members only an offer no facilities to the public.

Skull Island County Park, operated by Hamilton County, is located at Tennessee RM 485.0L. Skull Island Park offers a boat ramp, both tent and RV camping, and swimming area. Nice slough located to you port side as you enter for overnight anchorage, HOWEVER, follow the sub channel markers in winter months, there IS a mud bar.

This completes our trip today at RM 485.0 we will continue on next week on our way to Watts Bar Dam. Thanks for riding along and continue to have a safe boating experience.

As we travel to RM 473.5, we have Booker T Washington State Park. The park does not offer marina or dockage services. The park does have a boat ramp, picnicking and camping.

At RM 473.4 R we have Privateer Yacht Club. Privateer is a private sailing club with wet slips available to members.

AT RM 475.2 R we see Big Ridge Yacht Club. The marina has overnight facilities, with boat ramp, Repair service and hoist, and 150 wet water slips.

RM 477.7 L is Island Cove Marina ( www.islandcove.com ). Island Cove offer s great Jimmy Buffet style restaurant “Fox Cay”, a friendly place to relax and enjoy some great food and beverages. Repair service is available, with fuel dock and 44 ton hoist available. The marine offers 450 wet water slips and dry storage facilities. Transit dockage is also available.

Our last stop today at RM 478.5 R is Harrison Bay State Park Marina. All types of boats and water recreation vehicles are allowed at the park. Boats are not available for rent. A boat ramp is available to the general public and there is no fee. The marina can accommodate 20 ft. - 60 ft. boats. The park also has a marina that features 161 covered slips, 28 uncovered slips and four sailboat slips. There is no transit or overnight slip rental available. Fuel is available at the dock. The Restaurant “Dock Side Grill” is a great place to take a food break. www.stateparks.com/harrison_bay.html

This will end our trip for today. Have a great fall boating season, and remember now is the time to check out the great waterfront properties on the market.