To Kayak Harpeth River Is A Bucket List Adventure Beyond Compare

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.

Whether you want a relaxing family cruise, a fishing trip or an adrenaline-packed white-water thrill shooting the rapids, the Harpeth is one of those water systems that offers it all! Breathtaking and diverse scenarios await one around every turn as you paddle past multi-hued landscapes of forests, farmland and suburbs. The river curves through six counties in the greater Nashville area until it meets the Cumberland River.

Few things beat the sense of well-being one derives from spending a day out in nature. Imagine gliding down a sun-kissed river with nothing but the sound of birds and gentle lapping water to accentuate the peace. A vigorous paddle to challenge the rapids and falls is equally invigorating.

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.

Myriads of fish breed and feed in the prolific waters and anglers can have a ball hooking some bass or trout in the designated areas. Along the tree-lined shores and river banks, waterfowl, white-tail deer, wild turkey and many other indigenous birds and fauna can be seen frolicking in the sky or on land. It is an amazing experience to watch all these beautiful animals in their natural, pristine habitat.

There are various launch and access points for boats and kayaks along the river. You can bring your own kayaks or rent some from local commercial outfitters who also offer guided day trips and group excursions of varying duration along the river. Some companies also provide kayak lessons to paddlers of all levels.

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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