Just Bring Your Kayak Harpeth River Will Do The Rest

By Mayra Pierce


The 125 mile long Harpeth River that meanders through the prolific hills and valleys of Middle Tennesse is a wildlife paradise of unsurpassed beauty for outdoor adventurists and water lovers. The fresh water river is not only host to a wide and diverse variety of aquatic species, but allegedly also to the ghost of the late iron industrialist Montgomery Bell. For anyone in the region who owns a kayak Harpeth River is the ultimate choice.

Not many rivers offer such a long stretch of boating and floating opportunities. Paddlers can choose from a variety of short and longer trips varying from 90 minutes to 8 hours. Whether you want a slow, relaxing paddle or a action-packed vigorous white-water challenge, the Harpeth offers ample opportunities for paddlers of all levels of competency.

Floating up- or downstream with only the sound of birds and rippling water to break the silence is an unforgettable experience. As one of the freshwater rivers in the southeast that is host to the most diverse aquatic wildlife in the world, you will spot beautiful species all around.

Visitors can bring their own boat or kayak, rent one or opt for a chartered cruise down the river. Several companies also provide kayak lessons of varying length and level to beginners and more advanced paddlers. Kayaking is not only a wonderful cardiovascular sport, but also a great way to meet new friends and spend family time together in beautiful surroundings.

Another popular option is guided excursions and day trips, that include paddling instruction by American Canoe Association certified guides. These guided group trips also include kayak rental, all the necessary gear as well as a convenient shuttle service back to your vehicle. Customized trips for up to 20 people can be arranged.

Few things are so exhilarating and uplifting as spending a day at the water. Kayaking is not only an excellent form of outdoor exercise, but also allows paddlers an unobstructed view of the most exquisite creatures and features of the areas where they practice their sport. From the vantage point of the river one sees hidden treasures that are not visible from other directions.

The view from a boat or kayak is exquisite. The Harpeth offers some of the most scenic rides in the world. Floating up- and downstream, one gets an eagle's eye view of forests, agricultural landscapes and suburban areas as the river snakes through the diverse landscapes of six counties in the greater Nashville region. The beauty of the cliffs, waterfalls and surrounding mountains can only truly be appreciated from the close-up vantage point of a boat.

The Harpeth offers something for everyone. From a kayak, you get an unsurpassed close-up view of the majestic cliffs and waterfalls. You can paddle past heritage sites such as the Indian burial mounds that date back as far as 700 - 1,300 AD. Or paddle to the tunnel at the Narrows of the Harpeth where Montgomery Bell allegedly used slave labor and explosives to blast a tunnel through 100 yards of rock to gain access to the 14-foot waterfall for his iron forge. The beautiful pond at the foot of the waterfall that now marks the site of the old forge, is a wonderful spot for a family picnic.




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