Tennessee Canoeing / Kayaking

Lots of fun adventure lies ahead for families and groups with canoeing and kayaking in Tennessee. Take on Smoky Mountains rivers, the Tennessee River Gourge, the Ocoee River and other areas of our state.

Great Smoky Mountains

Rapid Expeditions Offers two different rafting trips in the Smokies. The Upper Pigeon River is full of Class I-IV rapids for thrilling rides when the river is flowing. The Lower Pigeon River is a calmer section of water where you'll encounter Class I-II rapids ... perfect for families with small children who still want to experience rafting.

Smoky Mountain Kayaking Lake kayaking, with boat lengths of twelve feet or more, are designed for open water paddling and certainly not to be confused with its whitewater cousins. Touring-style kayaking has found an ideal habitat on the lakes of east Tennessee, and while not the only way to experience the smokies, lake kayaking is one of the best and frankly, our favorite. Quiet and unobtrusive to wildlife, it is a great way to see things "up close and personal".

East Tennessee
Canoe Kayak Chattanooga Explore the Tennessee River Gorge aboard pontoons, canoes, and kayaks. Escape the routines of life, appreciate the beauty of nature, observe majestic wildlife, and experience the world from a different perspective. At the Tennessee River Gorge Island, you will have every opportunity to quench your thirst for adventure. This island is the most beautiful and untouched part of the 26-mile TRG and located at the widest part of the gorge — spanning almost half-a-mile wide.	River Canyon Kayak A great way to experience the best views around. Located in the Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga, you will paddle along the abundant wildlife and be encompassed by magnificent mountain ranges. Overnight and off-site rentals are available. Choose from single kayaks and padadleboards or tandem kayaks with a self-guided sunset tour. Free parking is available with kayak/SUP rental.
River Drifters What better way to enjoy the day than on a single kayak. Sign up for the 1/2 day and paddle worry free without having to check your watch. The River Gorge will not disappoint! Stand up paddling is one of the fastest growing sports out there. Paddling on the Tennessee River, in the River Gorge, is one of the most beautiful places you can experience this fun and healthy activity.	Rusty's Kayaks Rusty's is a family owned business located in Harrison, Tennessee, right outside the Harrison Bay State Park. The 39 miles of Chickamauga Reservoir shoreline makes this 1.199-acre park a water recreation delight. It has one of the most complete marina facilities available on any of the TVA lakes. Wildlife viewing is abundant on Chickamauga Reservoir, with the Savannah Bay mudflats, Booker T. Washington State Park, and the North Chickamauga Creek Greenway nearby.
Outland Expeditions Outland Expeditions offers ocoee river funyaking and kayaking clinics on the Ocoee River. Unless everyone in your group is experienced, this is a beginner class and is open to everyone. A guide will teach you how to control your boat in both flat and moving water as well as when and how to roll your boat. For experienced paddlers, who want to schedule a morning clinic, you can spend the afternoon on the Hiwassee River. Also offers multi-day clinics with the opportunity to paddle on the middle Ocoee River. Experience is the key.	Ijams Nature Center For many folks, Ijams is synonymous with water. Whether it’s cooling off in Toll Creek, exploring Mead’s Quarry Lake by boat, or taking in the scenic view of the Tennessee River, visitors have been enjoying the waterscapes of Ijams for decades. One of the most popular activities at Ijams is paddling on Mead’s Quarry Lake. In partnership with River Sports Outfitters, visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to get a better look at the amazing views of this historic marble quarry.
Norris Paddling Adventures Provides self-guided rentals in top of the line watercraft; single, fishing tandem kayaks, canoes, Stand-Up Paddle Boards and Hydrobikes, for a 1-hour paddle, 2-4 hr. ‘half day’ tour for time to picnic, swim and explore or a full day Lake adventure. We welcome individuals to medium size groups of all ages and skill levels, including young children. An experienced staff can also provide guided excursions. Norris Lake is a magnificent body of water; clear, mellow and serene . . . warming to comfortable swimming temperatures in summer and flanked by a beautiful State Park and Wildlife Sanctuary filled with an abundance of wildlife. Norris Paddling Adventures provides all the equipment needed and instruction for beginning boaters.	Watauga Kayak Get back to nature, nature knows that this is the journey of your soul. Reconnect and rediscover yourself again. This is an experience you will never forget lake & river kayaking. Watauga Kayak has a relaxed teaching style and paddling pace, All tours designed around your interests and abilities whether its paddling the river or a scenic lake adventure, Watauga Kayak is a trip for you. Trips are available seven days a week. Watauga Kayak provides the guide, instruction, kayak, paddle, and transportation. Private lessons are also available. Watauga Kayak is the only outfitter with in 100 miles that will hold your hand every step of the way.
Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club - This non-profit outdoors club, founded in 1946, offers a year-round program of hiking, paddling, and other outdoor activities. A member club of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, with management and maintenance responsibility for 132 miles of the A.T. in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Tennessee Whitewater Kayaking Routes Paddlng in Tennessee - Provides reports and descriptions of places to canoe or kayak in Tennessee. CHOTA Canoe Club - Activities include canoe and kayak whitewater trips (class 3 and above) and hairless trips (class 1,2/3), canoe/kayaking camping trips, touring kayak trips (day and self-contained), youth activities which include evening day trips, and family outings. Tennessee Overhill Experience - Offers outdoor adventure, scenic drives through Cherokee National Forest, heritage trails, arts and antiques, historic sites, and more.

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