How To Plan A Kayak Harpeth River Trip

By Brian Price


A great outdoor experience cannot be made without some sort of experience that will include kayaking or canoeing down the river in the wilderness, just like the explorers of old did in this great nation. Rivers connected not only people with each other, but connected them to nature as well. A lot of untouched natural areas can only be reached by canoe or kayak. If you are planning a kayak Harpeth river trip then do read on.

You should prepare a checklist, but one that does not only show what things to bring. It should also show you what things to do so that you can be both mentally and emotionally prepared for it. A good checklist is like a good friend that will advise you on the best course of action and will assist you in making an informed decision.

First and foremost on your list will be where to go. Of course you have already decided on a kayak trip via the Harpeth River in the state of Tennessee. The Harpeth is should be noted is one of the major tributaries to the Cumberland and Ohio Rivers, and both of these rivers together make up the Mississippi Watershed. Since you have basically chosen a river, you should study it well.

Next to know about it is the location of the whitewater areas. In this case a majority if not all of the whitewater areas are located in the Harpeth tributaries, one being called the Little Harpeth. It is suggested that unless you are an experienced kayak enthusiasts, that you stay away from these areas until you are more adept.

The course of the river is generally smooth sailing all the way through, but it will meander quite a bit. Meandering means that it will have a few big twists and turns along the way, which will result in differing currents and water flows. Ask an expert on the river where such currents are and how strong they are on the river.

Getting a good guide cannot be overstated enough. A good and experienced guide will cost you a bi more, but then you must always put a premium on safety. A good guide will have a good safety track record. When you find a guide, do interview as much as you can to ensure that you will enjoy and be safe on your trip. Remember that a safe trip will mean that it will be a more enjoyable one for you.

It is also fun to gear up and buy things for your trip, but if its your first time it is very easy to go overboard. Ask experienced kayakers what to get in terms of necessities from forums and such so you do not overspend. Shopping is also very convenient nowadays for most can be bought online and delivered to you.

It is also nice to make a new or separate list on things that you want to do with your group. Do sit down for a few minutes to thoroughly discuss with each other what you want to get out of the trip and how long you will want it to be. Canoe and kayak trips can be very tiring, so keep the trip as short as possible not exceeding 2 or 3 days.




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