Nashville has long been a tourist destination, especially for lovers of country music. While this is the case, there are also natural areas which most visitors overlook. For example, the Harpeth River State Park and The Nashville Harpeth River can often provide a full day of fun. In addition, the beauty of the lower stream has also won the attention of, and been recognized by, the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Act.
Rising west in Rutherford County, near the town of College Grove, the lower portion of the stream has been designated a scenic river. Whereas, the upper stream has been polluted for over 30 years. Locals tend to believe the pollution stems from an old lead smelting plant where automobile batteries and other parts were melted during the 1950s and 1960s.
The upper stream flows west into Franklin, the county seat of Williamson County. Franklin, being a small town which has been considered a suburb of Nashville since the 1960s. As the Harpeth is the source of community drinking water for the region, residents remain concerned, especially with the stream also being the main site for sewage disposal. In order to avoid illness, most residents have purification systems while tourists are advised to bring bottled water, or water purification products.
Even with the concerns of the lower and upper stream, there are a number of recreational sites open to the public. In one case, Harpeth River State Park provides canoeing and kayaking for locals and visitors. Whereas, there are also a number of archaeological and historic sites along the riverbank which covers 40 miles with nine river access points.
Sites include several historic areas, archaeological and natural sites. Popular for hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, the area is often busiest during Spring and Summer months. Canoe access is located at all access sites except for archaeological areas.
The stream is considered a Class I waterway with flows which are appropriate for beginners to advanced rowers. Visitors to the park can bring personal kayaks, canoes and inflatable rafts or rent equipment in nearby Kingston Springs. While there are rental outfitters located along the river, rentals are generally less expensive in town.
As the area is prone to flooding and high water, access points are closed during these events. Whereas, it is asked that individuals pay attention and obey all signage with regards to speed limits and trespassing laws. For, most of the surrounding property is private land. If caught in violation of these laws, visitors run the risk of jail time and or hefty fines depending on the actions of the landowner in relation to trespassers.
The entire park and access sites are rated for day use only. As such, there is no camping or overnight parking allowed. By planning a trip based on park hours, individuals will avoid being locked inside the park without being able to leave until the park reopens. For planning purposes, visitors should note that average paddle time along the stream is 2 to 3 mph depending on the flow of the river. By following these rules, locals and tourists can often have a great time whether on or off the water while visiting the park.
Rising west in Rutherford County, near the town of College Grove, the lower portion of the stream has been designated a scenic river. Whereas, the upper stream has been polluted for over 30 years. Locals tend to believe the pollution stems from an old lead smelting plant where automobile batteries and other parts were melted during the 1950s and 1960s.
The upper stream flows west into Franklin, the county seat of Williamson County. Franklin, being a small town which has been considered a suburb of Nashville since the 1960s. As the Harpeth is the source of community drinking water for the region, residents remain concerned, especially with the stream also being the main site for sewage disposal. In order to avoid illness, most residents have purification systems while tourists are advised to bring bottled water, or water purification products.
Even with the concerns of the lower and upper stream, there are a number of recreational sites open to the public. In one case, Harpeth River State Park provides canoeing and kayaking for locals and visitors. Whereas, there are also a number of archaeological and historic sites along the riverbank which covers 40 miles with nine river access points.
Sites include several historic areas, archaeological and natural sites. Popular for hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, the area is often busiest during Spring and Summer months. Canoe access is located at all access sites except for archaeological areas.
The stream is considered a Class I waterway with flows which are appropriate for beginners to advanced rowers. Visitors to the park can bring personal kayaks, canoes and inflatable rafts or rent equipment in nearby Kingston Springs. While there are rental outfitters located along the river, rentals are generally less expensive in town.
As the area is prone to flooding and high water, access points are closed during these events. Whereas, it is asked that individuals pay attention and obey all signage with regards to speed limits and trespassing laws. For, most of the surrounding property is private land. If caught in violation of these laws, visitors run the risk of jail time and or hefty fines depending on the actions of the landowner in relation to trespassers.
The entire park and access sites are rated for day use only. As such, there is no camping or overnight parking allowed. By planning a trip based on park hours, individuals will avoid being locked inside the park without being able to leave until the park reopens. For planning purposes, visitors should note that average paddle time along the stream is 2 to 3 mph depending on the flow of the river. By following these rules, locals and tourists can often have a great time whether on or off the water while visiting the park.
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You can get a detailed overview of the factors to consider when booking Nashville Harpeth River tours at http://www.tip-a-canoe.com/river--trip-info.html right now.