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Thursday, November 20, 2014

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.

Visitors can launch their kayaks from any of a number of launching and take-off sites along the river. If you do not have your own canoe or kayak, you can rent some top of the class-gear at local outfitters. Another option is the guided day trips and group excursions offered by various companies. Knowledgeable, certified guides accompany groups of up to 20 people on sightseeing and fun trips that even include paddling instruction.

These chartered trips are customized according to each group's needs and can take from 1 to 8 hours, depending how much you want to see or experience. The Harpeth forms part of the Southeast region's freshwater system, renowned for having the world's most diverse aquatic life. You will encounter wild, wonderful species at every turn as you glide past scenic landscapes of forestry, agricultural land and suburbs.

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.

The Harpeth is also a fisherman's paradise. It is one of the unique freshwater river systems in the Southeast, boasting a wider variety of aquatic wildlife than anywhere else in the world. Species such as big and small mouth bass, bream and channel catfish flourish in the prolific water. Along the river banks you can spot myriads of indigenous fauna such as waterfowl, deer and king fisher.

Kayaking is also a sport that the whole family can enjoy, no matter what their level of experience. While mom and the kids enjoy a gentle glide downstream, dad can shoot the rapids. The Harpeth offers plenty opportunity for family fun in the sun. One can just pack the binoculars, a picnic basket and embark upon a slow, sightseeing paddle to some of the beautiful pools and picnic spots.

Popular tourist attractions along the river such as Indian burial mounds and the waterfall where Montgomery Bell used to power an iron mill can also be seen from the river. There are several picnic areas and hiking trails where visitors can relax and explore the beauty of the area after a fun-filled day on the water. Bring the binoculars, cameras and fishing rod - a better place for kayaking and outdoor relaxation than the banks and waters of the Harpeth is hard to find.




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