Things To Know Before Planning A Canoe Harpeth River Trip

By Sharon Murray


Some would say that the way to get in true touch with the wilderness apart from hiking the great outdoors will be to do it like the early North American explorers in the early days in either a canoe or kayak. This road that is very much less traveled has been one that has been enjoyed also by Native Americans of this great continent. A good suggestion to have a go at this wilderness experience is to try out a canoe Harpeth River trip. Do read on in this article to make the most of your experience.

A checklist is definitely needed for you to enjoy your trip more. This checklist will not only contain things of what you need to bring or to buy but also the things that you need to do, either physically or mentally or otherwise. Remember that a checklist is a good assistant to have around to make sure all your bases are covered.

The first thing on your checklist is to choose where you want to go. In this case you have chosen Harpeth River in Tennessee. This waterway is one of the major tributaries for the Cumberland River and together with the Ohio river, forms the Mississippi River watershed. Once you have chosen your river basically, then you must study it well.

Knowing where the whitewater areas and rapids are is a good piece of information to have. The main whitewater systems are located in the Little Harpeth River, a tributary to the main one. It is suggested that you stay away from this area until you have become more seasoned as a canoe rower or paddler as the case may be.

The main section itself is calm and should give you smooth paddling, but it does meander a lot. Meanders are basically the turns that the waterway makes as it gets older and more sediment deposits accumulate. It will pay to ask the local guide to indicate areas of strong currents and directions along the meanders so you can be better prepared.

Getting a guide will be a good next thing to do on your list. It is best to get a seasoned one so ask about experience and safety records so you know that you will be having a great but safe experience. You cannot ask too many questions about their background so fire away, whether you are asking by email or interviewing directly.

Gearing up and preparing for your trip can be fun and also a bit expensive if you are a first timer. It is best to ask people on forums or people more experienced in the area than you. The best part is you can do most of your supply gathering by internet and you can get some good bargains too.

And most importantly do sit around with your mates and buds and list down what you want to do in the trip and if it is practical. Discuss how long you want to stay out also. As canoe trips and such are quite exhausting, it is suggested that you do not make such a trip too long.




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