Tennessee’s waterways are truly something to behold. From vast river routes to gorge explorations, there are so many destinations that await kayakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out with a paddle, or you’re a seasoned veteran looking for adventure, Tennessee offers many wonderful options.

On this article, we are focusing a bit on the easier side, with beginner-friendly spots waiting to be discovered. Once you’ve taken a safety course or two, you’re ready to take your kayak into the great Tennessee outdoors.

Here are some of the best kayaking destinations in Tennessee!

1. Collins River

The Collins River has been designated as one of Tennessee’s most scenic rivers—and rightfully so. This river is a 67-mile-long stream in the east-central portion of Middle Tennessee. That means 108 kilometers of water that feeds into the Cumberland River in the northern middle Tennessee.

Along the banks of Collins River, you’ll see miles of beautiful nature dotted with spectacular riverside homes and farms.

2. Powell River

Beginners rejoice! If you’ve only recently picked up kayaking as a hobby, this is the right choice for you because it is classified as a Class I waterway. This means it’s the easiest level of difficulty—you’ll have no trouble navigating this river.

The Powell River is calm and flat, rising in southwest Virginia and traveling into East Tennessee. There are small waves and occasional significant water movement, but even first-time paddlers should have no trouble. The water is never too much to handle.

The area surrounding Powell River is picturesque, featuring magnificent meadows.

3. Cumberland River

The Cumberland River is considered an easy trip. Cumberland Kayak is a company that offers a short trip that consists of a one-hour float at $29 per person. For this price, you can sail smoothly through Cumberland River, one of Tennessee’s most well-loved routes.

At the end of the tour, you’ll see Cumberland Park, as well as Nashville’s beautiful skyline. This is a great option for those who want to witness beautiful wildlife, because there are plenty of beavers and blue herons to spot as you go along your journey.

4. Barren Fork River

The Barren Fork River is a nearly 24-mile-long trail that flows into the Cumberland River. This makes it a part of the Mississippi Watershed.

The Barren Fork begins in western Warren County, in Tennessee. What makes it unique is that unlike most Tennessee rivers, it flows east to west until it reaches McMinnville, and then turns in a northeasterly direction until you make it to the Collins.

It offers plenty of primitive spots to camp above and below the dam. However, because there are no public campgrounds, this waterway is essentially a “river a day trip” only for the general visitor.

5. Watauga River

Watauga River is another perfect novice adventure for those who want to explore Tennessee’s elegant waterways. Watauga Kayak offers classes with a relaxed teaching style and paddling pace, so that new kayakers never feel rushed.

The tours at Watauga River cater to beginners, but it’s not limited to Class I waters. It has Class II waters that are not too challenging, but can be more exciting. The easiest trip is between 2.5 to 3 hours long, and it costs $59 per person.

6. Caney Fork River

This river’s name comes from the dense cane breaks that grew along the river’s banks when European explorers first arrived in the area. Caney Fork River is a 143-mile waterway that flows through eleven counties. Most of its activity is in Grundy, Dekalb, White, Putnam, and Smith.

This is a great spot if you also want to try fishing, because the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stocks the river with Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout every year. It is one of the best fishing spots in the state. Be ready to stay longer than usual though, because fishing and paddling are both surprisingly addictive.

7. Duck River

The Duck River is one of Tennessee’s most popular rivers, especially among kayakers because it is the longest river in the state. At 284 miles long, Duck River is located entirely in Tennessee. With its many miles of smooth waters, you’ll find yourself exploring for hours on end. It’s bustling with activity. It’s full of fishermen, recreational boaters, kayakers, and even swimmers.

The Duck River is dotted with campgrounds, parks, and even small communities. Canoe and kayak rentals are available by Duck River, so it is very accessible, even for those who don’t own kayaks. Explore one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the country.

8. Harpeth River

The Harpeth River flows through Williamson and Cheatham counties, spanning 115 miles and offering shallow, slow moving waters. It’s perfect for the beginning or casual kayaker. More experienced kayakers may find it rather slow, but it is still enjoyable because of how scenic it is.

9. Buffalo River

The Buffalo River actually feeds into the Duck River, flowing 125 miles through the southern and western portions of Middle Tennessee. The river got its name from the Buffalo fish that were abundant when the first European settlers arrived.

10. Tennessee River Gorge

If you want to take your whole family on a kayaking trip, the Tennessee River Gorge is probably the best pick for you. There are many paddling options available here, with River Canyon Adventure offering single kayaks and tandem kayaks in case you want to ride with a partner. For $45, you can use a single kayak for three hours. They also provide water safety instruction, an equipment tutorial, and a personal floatation device.

Our Recommendation: The EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Kayak Loading System

It’s a much better idea to bring your own kayak to these trips, because there’s no guarantee that kayak rentals will have one available for you, especially during the busy days.

If you’re going to invest on a kayak carrier, why not go for one of the best in the market? With the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System for kayaks, you can load your kayak all by yourself—and in just a little over a minute!

EZ Rec-Rack is changing the game and revolutionizing the industry by being the first and only kayak carrier that lets you load and unload your kayak by yourself! With this roof-mounted carrier, you can strap your kayak on and then easily slide it on top of the minivan.

This piece of innovation was developed, crafted, and patented by Ira Mercurio after realizing that this has never been done before. With the right attachments, you can load your paddle boards, surf boards, cargo boxes, etc!

This multipurpose loading system gives kayakers the ability to just enjoy their trip and not sweat the small stuff. This way, you can focus more of your energy on having fun and doing what you love: whether it’s a relaxing trip on peaceful lakes, or a more challenging adventure in twisting rivers.

Get the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System today!

Kentucky offers a lot of exciting opportunities for whitewater rafting in Kentucky. Kayakers would love the various rivers, lakes, and streams here. But the thing that makes Kentucky stand out is the fact that it has so many navigable waters for canoeists.

This state is dotted with lakes and reservoirs. It is crisscrossed with over 90,000 miles of streams and rivers. In fact, it is bordered by rivers on three sides. Suffice to say, there are a lot of great places to kayak in Kentucky.

The Top 6 Best Kayaking Destinations in Kentucky for Beginners

On this list, we will be focusing on the trails that are more beginner-friendly. Whether you’re just starting out on paddling, or you’re trying to teach someone else, Kentucky’s waterways are perfect because they are very accessible. Feel free to choose your destination, take your kayak, and explore!

1. Elkhorn Creek

We’re starting it off with one of the most accessible trails in Kentucky. Elkhorn Creek in Frankfort, Kentucky is a fantastic place to begin honing your kayaking skills. But even if you’re already a seasoned veteran, you’ll find that many parts of Elkhorn Creek are a few levels more challenging. You might want to visit this place regularly.

Small-mouth bass are abundant here, so if you want to bring your fishing pole and spend a relaxing day out in the sun, that’s a great idea. You’ll find the shallow water comfortable to paddle in. There are also plenty of opportunities to master your exit techniques.

If aggressive waters don’t appeal to you, there are plenty of areas in Elkhorn Creek that offer a more leisurely experience.

2. Little River Kayaks

Little River Kayaks in Cadiz, Kentucky is a full-service outfitter. It brings everything you need from a kayaking trip, especially for beginners who are just a little bit clueless about how to get started. Here they offer kayak rentals and lessons, so you don’t need to worry about a lack of experience or equipment. By providing all the necessary training, this kayaking destination is as accessible as it can get.

You can start out with Little River’s guided tours before you really start exploring on your own. It’s peaceful, it’s scenic, and it’s the getaway you’ve always been dreaming of.

3. Land Between the Lakes

If you’re a fan of exploring wide areas of tranquil waters, the Land Between Lakes National Recreation Area is a good choice. How does 210,000 acres of water sound? Canoeists have plenty to explore here—it’s the adventure most kayakers crave for!

The recreation area waters are formed from impoundments on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, which form Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

Of course, canoe rentals are also available, so you don’t have to bring your own kayak. Primitive camping huts also offer a unique experience if you want to stay a bit longer. They are available in several locations around the park.

Wilderness canoe camping is permitted anywhere in the recreation area for up to 14 days at a time along 3,000 miles of shoreline.

4. Drake’s Creek

Drake’s Creek Canoe offers rentals of canoes and kayaks. It is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and it offers an excellent beginner-friendly experience.

If you want to get the most out of your trip to Drake’s Creek, take part in their Half Day Adventure. It costs $40 per kayak, but the trip lasts around three to four hours. It is Drake’s most popular trip—it’s well worth it.

Kayakers will explore six miles of Trammel and Drake’s Creek, and eventually end up at Phil Moore Park. Six miles is actually easier than it sounds, especially if you’re on a canoe having the time of your life.

5. Kentucky River

Kentucky River offers calm and protected waters. It’s perfect if you want to get away from the busy city life and all the stress that comes with it. Get in touch with nature and have a great outdoor adventure.

Canoe Kentucky is a rental company that allows paddlers to rent kayaks and canoes for this very trail. They offer trips to Kentucky River six days a week. If you want a short day on the water, and have a beginner-friendly experience, this is great because the depth only reaches about 10 to 15 feet.

6. Mammoth Cave Canoe and Kayak

This last one is for people who want something a bit more adventurous. Mammoth Cave isn’t the most challenging trail, but it’s definitely an adventure. Trips through Mammoth Cave National Park range from three hours to full-on, three-day camping adventures. The shorter trips stretch 7.5 miles, and the rates go at $60 per canoe or double kayak, and $50 per kayak.

Our Recommendation: The EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Kayak Loading System

It’s a much better idea to bring your own kayak to these trips, because there’s no guarantee that kayak rentals will have one available for you, especially during the busy days.

If you’re going to invest on a kayak carrier, why not go for one of the best in the market? With the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System for kayaks, you can load your kayak all by yourself—and in just a little over a minute!

EZ Rec-Rack is changing the game and revolutionizing the industry by being the first and only kayak carrier that lets you load and unload your kayak by yourself! With this roof-mounted carrier, you can strap your kayak on and then easily slide it on top of the minivan.

This piece of innovation was developed, crafted, and patented by Ira Mercurio after realizing that this has never been done before. With the right attachments, you can load your paddle boards, surf boards, cargo boxes, etc!

This multipurpose loading system gives kayakers the ability to just enjoy their trip and not sweat the small stuff. This way, you can focus more of your energy on having fun and doing what you love: whether it’s a relaxing trip on peaceful lakes, or a more challenging adventure in twisting rivers.

Get the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System today!

Get the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System today!