Four weeks ago the Harpeth River was overflowing its banks in Nashville, Kingston Springs, and many other towns in the Middle Tennessee area.

Middle Tennessee received a record rainfall in a 48 hour time span.

The Harpeth River overflowed its banks flowing over bridges, washing out train tracks & trestles, and washing at least four homes right off their foundation.  It flooded hundreds and hundreds of homes, some right to the roof tops, and shut down miles of Interstate 40 in both directions.

The town of Kingston Springs became an Island surrounded by flood water.

Today, the Harpeth River has receded back to its normal level, looking like it always does as if nothing has happened except for trees pushed down along the banks.

I have been kayaking and canoeing the Harpeth River for over 12 years.  The last time I kayaked the Harpeth was three weeks before the flood. I paddled a 12 mile stretch of river I had never paddled before.  I started at the McCrory Lane put – in and paddled down to the Kingston Springs City Park. It was peaceful and beautiful.

If you are looking for a place to kayak or canoe you need to paddle the Harpeth River.  Although some put – ins are still closed because of the flood, there are still many put – ins and take – outs along the river to fit your paddling ability. Click here to go to the Tennessee State Parks Website for the latest information on The Harpeth River.

If you are looking for canoe & kayak outfitters you have your pick of several right here in Kingston Springs. Just Google: canoeing Kingston Springs.

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Search our places to paddle page for places to kayak or canoe for flatwater or whitewater.  Kayaking and canoeing paddling locations are listed by U.S. State.

This past weekend we finally got out on the water to kayak. The weather was awesome. The river was quick, but not too quick…the wildlife was abundant. As most paddling days go, it was a great one.

I think many people in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area take the Harpeth for granted. When I got home from the river and was unloading my boat, several people asked where I’d gone paddling. When I told them, their reaction was, “The Harpeth? Why? Why not go down to the Duck River or the Buffalo? Take a trip to East Tennessee and paddle the Ocoee River – but the Harpeth? How boring.”

I don’t agree. The Harpeth River is my home town river. I like it because it is actually a very beautiful river with tons of wildlife – turtles, fish, heron, etc. Last year a little duckling paddled out from the brush as friends and I were canoeing. He paddled right alongside us for a few minutes – you gonna see that on some over-crowded river?

Another reason I like the Harpeth is that paddlers around Nashville have done such a great job getting and maintaining a multitude of put-ins and take-outs. This means that paddlers have many options for trip planning. You could kayak or canoe for 2 hours, 4 hours or more.

I’m posting some photos of our Harpeth trip courtesy of Bob Anderson. I think you’ll agree that our hometown river, The Harpeth is worth the trip!

If you have your own kayak or canoe, the Harpeth is a great choice as you can easily get in and out with a little transportation coordination. Most putins and takeouts have ample parking.

If you don’t yet have your own boat, there are several area outfitters ready to get you a kayak or canoe and then drop you off and pick you up. Most will even let you take your dog along, but read our How to Take Your Dog Kayaking before you give that a try if you’ve never done it before.

You can click here to read more about the Harpeth River and its history, plus see more photos.

We would love to hear about your favorite river to kayak or canoe, especially if it is your hometown river! Please use our Contact Page to tell us where your favorite river is and why you love it. We may post your story right here on BornToPaddle.com and/or add your river to our Place to Paddle page.

Happy paddling!