10 Best Rafting and Kayaking Spots in Nashville

Cumberland Kayak offers guided kayaking experiences that can include Nashville skyline paddles and trips to Burgess Falls. The Burgess Falls outing combines paddling with waterfall scenery, hiking, wildlife viewing and, on some itineraries, a swim or local brewery visit. Guides provide safety guidance, local facts and support for first-time paddlers and solo travelers.

Sunshine’s Adventures is a Pegram canoe and kayak rental service offering river floats suited to groups and day trips near Nashville. It handles reservations, directions, instructions, pickup, and drop-off, and accommodates large groups. Tube outings can include connected tubes, a cooler float, Bluetooth, and an ice chest, with full trips reported at about three to four hours.

Broken Paddle Outfitters is a Nashville-area canoe and kayak rental service for relaxed river outings, family floats and first-time paddlers. The business provides shuttle service to a drop-in site, while reported trips included tandem kayaks, swimming, riverbank picnics and dog-friendly outings. The river has been described as slow-moving and leisurely rather than rapid-filled.

Harpeth River State Park in Kingston Springs offers hiking trails leading to the point where the river passes through an 1800s tunnel and forms a waterfall. Visitors can also enjoy bluff views, picnic spots and access for kayaking. The short tunnel path is family-friendly, while the Bluff Trail includes steep or narrow sections and the final portion is more difficult.

Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake is a family-friendly outdoor area with hiking, picnicking, picnic tables, toilets and dog-friendly access. The Hidden Lake area offers easy walks through wildflower fields to a small lake, while nearby trails include overlooks, river views, a tunnel and waterfall, and historic quarry and resort remnants.

Shelby Park is a 300-acre Nashville green space with playgrounds, baseball fields, golf courses, a boat ramp, and a dog run. Its trails and greenway suit walking, running, biking, picnics, and dog outings, while wooded areas, wildlife, and educational nature amenities add an outdoors-focused setting near East Nashville. Families can also use the park for open-air recreation.

Tip-A-Canoe Stores, Inc. is a Kingston Springs canoe and kayak rental service for families, dates, groups, and solo river outings on the Harpeth. It handles practical launch and return logistics, including helping guests into the water and offering a five-mile trip. Some outings include different endpoint options, while river conditions can bring a strong current.

Foggy Bottom Canoe and Kayak Rental provides canoe and kayak trips on the Harpeth River in Kingston Springs, just outside Nashville. It suits families, friends, community groups and dog owners seeking an outdoor outing, with colorful boats, life jackets, paddles and shuttle support. River conditions and weather determine operations, and afternoon trips have a 1:00 p.m. equipment-and-van cutoff.

Riverfront Park is a five-acre Nashville park along the river with an amphitheater and boat docking. It suits visitors who want open space for walking, relaxing, photos, outdoor meals or live events near downtown. The riverfront setting provides broad views for fireworks and skyline reflections, while the band shell hosts concerts and other events.

Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort provides lakeside cabins and RV sites beside a waterpark in Hermitage. Visitors can combine lodging with water attractions, lake rentals, boat activities, walking trails and family events. The resort suits families and groups wanting recreation close to Nashville, while the campground offers bathhouses, laundry facilities and convenient access to the waterpark.