Eastern Flank access point at river mile marker 89.3, is one of
the older spots for paddlers to access the Harpeth. It has received a face lift the
past few years with new signs, a paved parking lot, and handrails on the steps leading down to the river. It is 6.4 miles downstream from the Ladd Farm input. To find it take
I-65 south from Nashville, exit at Franklin/TN-96 and Murfreesboro Rd. Turn
right onto TN-96 and go .2 miles. Turn left onto S Royal Oaks Blvd. and go 1.2
miles. Turn left onto Mack C Hatcher Memorial Pkwy. for .7 miles. Next,
turn right onto Lewisburg Pike and go .9 miles. The river will be on the right, with
a sign indicating where to turn into the parking lot.
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| Parking Lot |
The parking lot is paved and will hold about 12 -15 vehicles.
This location does not have restrooms or other amenities. There are 3 gravel long
tread low riser steps leading to the river. Followed by 11 steps to a platform and an additional
15 steps to reach the river. A handrail has been provided along the steeper steps.
In total the distance is about 40 yards from the parking lot to the river.
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| Long Tread Low Rise Steps Steep Steps to River |
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| Watson Branch Tributary Entering the Harpeth |
Depending on water levels there is a nice gravel bar at the
bottom of the steps that make in-put and take-out easy. The Watson Branch Creek
ends its flow into the Harpeth across from the steps. Also, the remains of a
lowhead dam can be seen upriver from this location. Even though the dam has been removed there is
a slight drop-off at this location, so paddler beware! The next access point is at Pinkerton Park, 1.2 miles down river.
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| View Up River View Down River |
Two resources for maps are the following
links:
Harpeth River Fun Fact: The Harpeth is one of the few rivers
in Tennessee that is entirely free-flowing.
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