Tennessee · CANOES & KAYAKS
10 tours
Below are the 10 best canoe & kayak trips in Nashville at the moment. Prices, running times, and the kind of traveller each one fits. Number one is at the top for a reason.
Paddle Nickajack Lake at dusk with guides, learn about gray bats and conservation, then watch up to 100,000 fly into the night.
“The guys were super fun and helpful! Highly recommend they make you feel super comfortable and the end experience is amazing. Quite a workout though”
Paddle three calm miles on the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville, with gear, safety tips, and a shuttle included for $59.
“Kayaking was great. The view of the city was nice. The wRer was so calm and easy to paddle. Saw at least one turtle and a bunch of birds. There was a bit of a mishap at the end when we went to get one of our phones back from the van but the staff went above and beyond to help us. Would highly recommend and very thankful for the staff!”
Paddle a 3-mile downstream route from Shelby Bottoms to downtown Nashville, with shuttle support, gear included, and skyline views.
“We had a fantastic time! Dan & Melissa were super friendly and patient. We actually had the time mixed up, and arrived 30 min late. They allowed us to join in on the next one which we so appreciated. The kayaking was relaxed, the views were nice, and the river was calm. We felt it was the perfect length as well. :)”
Kayak through the Chickamauga Dam lock in Chattanooga, with a small guided group and included gear, then paddle on the Tennessee River.
“It was a great ride down the river. Zach was an amazing guide, such a great person to spend the day with and learn about the history of the area. Easy to talk to and very down to earth.”
Downtown Nashville kayak with shuttle: easy 3-mile Cumberland River paddle, skyline photos, wildlife, gear and life jacket included.
“It was interesting “kayaking “ on such a wide river with the city setting. Observed everything from an Osprey to garbage. Watching the barges work on the river was my favorite. It was actually more like a “float” down the river with limited paddling. Following the instructions, we were there by 11:45, but company wasn’t… being from out of town we weren’t sure if we were in the correct location.”
Guided kayak tour on the Tennessee River in winter to spot migrating sandhill cranes in Chattanooga. Small group, gear included.
“It was a beautiful kayak day. If your fantasy is to see 1,000’s of sandhill cranes, you will be disappointed. If your goal is to share time in a beautiful place with friends and family while seeing dozens (possibly hundreds) of sandhill cranes (and the occasional eagle and great blue heron), then this is your dream trip.”
Paddle Old Hickory Lake in a clear kayak from Bledsoe Creek State Park, with quick coaching, wildlife spotting, and a small-group feel for $69.
“We had a wonderful time! Carolina was a great guide and was more than happy to let us go at a comfortable pace. She was very knowledgeable about the area and pointed out lots of fun and beautiful things along the way, including cows (yes you read right), turtles, geese, egrets, blue herring, turkey buzzards, and fish! So much fun! I highly recommend this activity!”
2-hour Cumberland River kayak in Nashville with skyline views of Nissan Stadium, wildlife sightings, and a shuttle back to Shelby Park.
“It was fun and a different way to see Nashville”
Self-guided kayak on Nashville’s Cumberland River with skyline views by Nissan Stadium. Calm water, 1.5 hours, $50.
“Great non-guided paddle out a d float back. Not to taxing of a paddle and river was calm and pretty quiet. Would totally do it again!”
Paddle Nashville’s Cumberland River on a kayak scavenger hunt, complete with skyline views, trivia riddles, and a waterproof phone dry bag.
“Amazing, relaxing unique experience for Nashville! Our tour guide was amazing, and the hunt was fun and challenging.”
