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.
The Harpeth rises in the westernmost part of Rutherford County, just east of College Grove in Williamson County. While the lower portion has been designated a scenic waterway, the upper stream has been contaminated for quite some time. It is believed that the contamination has been caused by a lead smelting plant in the area. For, in the 1950s and 1960s, the primary purpose of the plant was to melt automobile batteries.
While the lower stream flows into Rutherford County, the upper stream flows into Franklin, a suburb of Nashville. The upper stream is the main sewage disposal site as well as the source of drinking water for the community. As might be expected, the community has concerns in relation to water contamination. As such, a number of local residents and business owners have installed water purification systems while visitors are advised to bring water purification products or drink bottled water while in the area.
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.
Visitors to the park will find a number of archaeological and natural sites, hiking trails, fishing spots, kayaking and canoeing. While the area is most busy during late Spring and early Summer, canoe access is located at all access locations except those of an archaeological nature. As such, getting on the water is fairly easy even during the busiest time of year.
Considered Class I, the stream is appropriate for beginners to well seasoned paddlers. Individuals can bring personal canoes and kayaks. Park visitors without personal equipment can find rentals available at a number of outfitters in nearby Kingston Springs and the surrounding area.
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.
The Harpeth rises in the westernmost part of Rutherford County, just east of College Grove in Williamson County. While the lower portion has been designated a scenic waterway, the upper stream has been contaminated for quite some time. It is believed that the contamination has been caused by a lead smelting plant in the area. For, in the 1950s and 1960s, the primary purpose of the plant was to melt automobile batteries.
While the lower stream flows into Rutherford County, the upper stream flows into Franklin, a suburb of Nashville. The upper stream is the main sewage disposal site as well as the source of drinking water for the community. As might be expected, the community has concerns in relation to water contamination. As such, a number of local residents and business owners have installed water purification systems while visitors are advised to bring water purification products or drink bottled water while in the area.
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.
Visitors to the park will find a number of archaeological and natural sites, hiking trails, fishing spots, kayaking and canoeing. While the area is most busy during late Spring and early Summer, canoe access is located at all access locations except those of an archaeological nature. As such, getting on the water is fairly easy even during the busiest time of year.
Considered Class I, the stream is appropriate for beginners to well seasoned paddlers. Individuals can bring personal canoes and kayaks. Park visitors without personal equipment can find rentals available at a number of outfitters in nearby Kingston Springs and the surrounding area.
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.
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