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.

Looking for paddling locations in your state?

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.

How did you celebrate New Years Day?

Some paddlers got an early start on the paddling season. Here is a sampling of some of this year’s events:

• Michigan:
  Michigan had a 1 and a half mile paddle down the Huron River. This paddling event which has been going on since 1975 was organized by the University of Michigan Raw Strength and Courage Kayaking Club. The temperature for New Years Day was 24 degrees.
• Minnesota:
  St Paul Minnesota had their annual New Year’s Day Paddle down the Mississippi River at Hidden Falls Park. Canoes and Kayaks have participated in this event for the last 15 years with temperature at 23 degrees for the day.
• Chicago:
  For 23 years paddlers have paddled the North Branch of the Chicago River. This year there was over 200 paddlers. The Forest Preserve of Cook County Sponsored this event providing shuttles and portable toilets.
• New Hampshire:
• The Merrimack Valley Paddlers and Friends of the Winnipesaukee River had their annual New Years Day Paddle on the Winnipesaukee River in Tilton, Northfield and Franklin, New Hampshire. Novice and intermediate boaters paddled the Upper Winnipesaukee river and expert boaters paddled the Lower Winnipesaukee river. Paddlers had class III and IV rapids.The purpose of the paddle was to draw attention to the proposal for scheduled water releases for white water paddling during the summer.

Did you paddle on New Year’s Day? Tell us about your New Year’s Day Kayak and Canoe event by leaving a comment on this post.