Doe River
Green Bridge Landing Park
One of Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts (APEs) most inspiring and pioneering conservation projects is the Green Bridge Landing Park on the Doe River in Hampton, TN. This area now serves as take-out for the gorge section of the Doe, while providing a put-in for the lower Doe.
Originally owned by the Carter County School Board, this parcel of land is adjacent to Hampton High School but separated from the main campus by U.S. Route 19E, a four-lane highway. In 2017, the overgrown and litter-strewn area was transferred to Carter County and cleanup work began. APEs, along with volunteers from Carter County Parks and Recreation and Elizabethton IDEAS Group, as well as local residents, started clearing the land and removing trash.
The park and landing officially opened with a dedication ceremony on September 8, 2019, changing rooms were constructed in 2020, and flood-resistant concrete benches were added in 2023. Additionally, a trail under the bridge on U.S. Route 19 is now under consideration so that science classes from the high school can safely access the park.
Changing room mural at Green River Landing Park painted by Laura Dykes.
Pouring concrete in bench form.
Finished concrete bench.
Changing room for paddlers.
Hershel Julian Landing
In 2019 and 2023, APEs participated in making improvements to another important access point on the Doe River: Hershel Julian Landing in Hampton, TN, which serves as the take-out for upper Doe and put-in for the gorge section of the Doe. The location also provides parking for the Doe River Fishing Trail, which provides public access points to over 8 miles of the Doe River for anglers.
Volunteers from APEs helped to spread more than 38 tons of rock purchased by Carter County Parks and Recreation, as well as clean up the area. Overall, this project is a joint effort among private land owners, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Carter County to provide right of way to boaters and people who fish.
APEs also coordinates the weekly maintenance and mowing of Green Bridge Landing and Hershel Julian Landing with a local landscaping contractor and assists with annual cleanups along the Doe River.
In 2019, APEs volunteers Jerry Griffin helped to spread more than 38 tons of rock at Hershel Julian Landing.