Green River - Green River Ferry to Houchins Ferry

Estimated Length: 12 Miles                             

Date: June 23, 2012

Weather: Sunny and Hot

Time on River: 6 Hours           

River Conditions:  Low and Slow 

Distance from Nashville: 2 1/2 hours

Close By: Mammoth National Park        

Put-In: Green River Ferry

Take-Out: Houchins Ferry

Put in at Green's Ferry

Water level so low Ferry's were not even running

 The first paddle of our two day trip down the Green River in Mammoth Cave NP was beautiful but long!!! We went up to KY on Fri night and after finding a camping spot on our third try, we settled down for the night at Wax Campground. I had called Nolin State Park before leaving Nashville and was told they would have lots of space and did not need a reservation. What they failed to mention was the Festival that was going on this weekend complete with fireworks and carnival rides right close to the campgrounds. Needless to say we moved on. 

 












Saturday morning was sunny and clear and we headed out to the Green River. We tackled the 12 miles between Green River Ferry and Houchins Ferry which is a gorgeous stretch of river. All 12 miles are with in the park, so there are no cows,” private property keep out” signs or traffic noise. This section of river is wide and deep.

After spending all spring looking for a river with water in it here in TN it was nice to see an abundance of water. This really is a wonderful stretch of river but after about 4 miles into the trip the water slows down considerably. If you do this part of the Green expect to paddle a lot. The farther down stream you go the slower it gets due to the dam backing up with water. The scenery is beautiful and our only complaint was the flow of the river which needed to be stepped up a bit. Give yourself at least 6 hours to paddle this part of the Green.

 
 

 The put in and take out for both the Green and Houchins Ferry locations is easy, with lots of available parking. The shuttle between the two is about a 25 minute drive with most of it being in the park. Do not speed as the park police officers are very vigilant which I can attest to.

Tomorrow we are off to paddle the upper part of the Green also located in Mammoth Cave NP. 

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!