Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee |
| DESCRIPTION: | The Harpeth River offers over 100 miles of floating fun. The route which begins at the Narrows is about five miles long, and has the advantage of put-in and take-out within easy walking distance of each other (eliminating the need for a shuttle drive). For this float, unload your canoe at the Narrows Day Use Area Parking. Drive to the take out area. Walk back to the put-in via the short cut. The total time for this shuttle is no more than fifteen minutes, and your car will be waiting for you when you are through with your river run. The Harpeth is a Class I river, with a few Class II rapids tossed in. Along the river are a few U.S. and Native American historical sites, as well as beautiful scenery. The river is "runnable" all year long, and is excellent for families, as well as novice and intermediate canoers! |
| DIRECTIONS: | Take Highway 70S (West End Avenue is Hwy 70) West out of Nashville. You will pass under I-40. Go left onto Highway 70. At this point, you will begin to follow signs for the Harpeth. Follow 70 for about 10 miles, watching for the signs to the Narrows of the Harpeth. Turn right at the canoe liveries (Tipecanoe, etc.). If you go over the Harpeth, you have gone to far, turn around! Follow this road to the Narrows Day Use Area, again, if you go over the Harpeth, you have gone too far. |
| CAUTIONS: | The regular boating precautions need to be taken. In addition, you should keep an eye out for deadfalls and strainers (trees that have fallen and create hazardous currents by their position in the water). This is a relatively safe trip, depending on the river flow, and is recommended for a first time canoe trip. Have fun, be safe and enjoy the trip! |
| FOR MORE INFO: | Consult pages 106-109 of Streams of Tennessee by Bob Sehlinger and Bob Lantz, in the Outdoor Recreation Library. Also a toll-free hotline is staffed by the Tennessee Valley Authority at (800) 362-9250, (800) 251-9242 from outside of Tennessee. |