Caney Fork River - Center Hill Dam to Happy Hollow

Estimated Length:  5.5  Miles                                 

Date: May 28,  2012

Weather: Sunny and in the 90’s

Time on River:  1 and 1/2 hours

River Conditions:  Class I            

Distance from Nashville: 1 & 1/4 hours

Close By: Gordonsville

Put-In: Center Hill Dam

Take-Out: Happy Hollow

Highlights:

Trying to find a river with enough water to canoe this weekend was definitely a challenge. We scouted the upper Duck on Sunday and quickly realized that we would have been out of the canoe more than in it, having to drag our canoe over all the low spots. So off to the Caney Fork river we went. Even without  the TVA running the generators, paddlers are guaranteed water. The Caney has a mandated 250cfs minimum river flow that ensures year-around floatable water.

The Caney was a busy place this weekend, with kayakers, canoers and fisherman. 

Lots of people on the River

 

 The water on the river is clear and cold. The year round water temperature is 52 degrees and the breezes off the river are really refreshing. With so many people on the river wildlife was not that abundant but we did mange to see a turkey and lots and lots of fish. You can see to the bottom in about 4-5 feet of water giving great views off all the trout swimming about. 

Turkey

Do be careful paddling the river when the TVA is generating. Lex and I have done this before and we canoed 16 miles in about 5 hours. The river is still a class I but it is easy to get sucked into a bridge pylon and/or strainers. The TVA publishes the schedule 24 hours in advance and all the river outfitters will not rent equipment when the dam is releasing.

Even with all the crowds it was a good day on the river!!!

Harpeth River - The Narrows

Estimated Length:  5.5  Miles                

Date:  March, 2012     

Weather: Sunny and in the high 50’s

Time on River:  1 and 1/2 hours

River Conditions:  Class I            

Distance from Nashville: 30 minutes

Close By: Kingston Springs

Put-In: Harpeth River State Park

Take-Out: Harpeth River State Park

Highlights:

Turtles on the Harpeth

View along the Harpeth

 

The Harpeth River Narrows is a great place to paddle when you need a quick river fix and live close to Nashville. No shuttling is needed. The paddle is easy and in March we were the only paddlers on the river. Now if you want to try this section or river during the summer months expect a lot of company.

The put-in and take-out are only half a mile apart, shuttle logistics do not get any easier than this. The put-in does have some steep steps that you will have to maneuver but there is a canoe slide to help get your boat down to the water. 

Take-out is just past the Harris Street Bridge on a gravel bar which you can drive your car onto to load up. Either before or after your trip, take the time to hike up the trail to the rock outcrop that has a great view of the Harpeth River.

Within the first 100 yards on the right is Montgomery Bell’s tunnel. It was used to harness water power for an iron forge. DO NOT  go in it, boulders and logs are clogged inside. The Harpeth will take you around a section of land called Bells Bend with views of tree-lined fields and bluffs. About 2.6 miles into the trip, Trace Creek flows into the Harpeth. Eventually the river will meet up with the Cumberland.

Trace Creek

This is a great family paddle and with lots of outfitters close by, anybody can take a trip on the Harpeth!

 

  

Lex and I went and scouted Jones Creek (Dickson County) this week for a future canoe trip. After driving around on some really great TN back roads we found some interesting sights along the way:

Dickson County Courthouse was built in 1833. It is the oldest courthouse still in use in TN.

Mules being trained for a “Mule Pull” missed the picture. Lex really needs to drive a bit slower.

Lunch at The Pit, from what Lex and I could tell this might be the only restaurant in Charlotte, TN. The BBQ was great and we loved the fries.

The Hickerson Hotel on the Charlotte Square Historic District was built in 1853 and was the Union Headquarters in this area during the Civil War.

Finally some pictures of Jones Creek.

We went to the take-out/put-in on

Petty Road

and I am not sure we could maneuver our Old Town Canoe down the banks at this site. We then made our way up to the take out at Timber Ridge and at this location we thought we might be on private property. Lots of No Trespassing signs for some kind of Hunting Club.  

Jones Creek might be great for kayaks but with our 16 foot Old Town Canoe I am not sure how it would navigate. At some points the creek looked narrow and other places a bit shallow. Also, access might be a problem for us with the canoe. It is a bit bulky.

I know the Aquaholics Group will be paddling this creek on Sunday. I am anxious to hear how it goes for them. It looks like a beautiful trip and wish we could join you but not sure our canoe would make the trip.  

Aquaholics have a great trip!!!