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Tennessee

Looking for the best kayaking in Tennessee? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Tennessee. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Kayaking Spots in and near Tennessee

  • Rock Island, Tennessee

    Twin Falls, Rock Island State Park

    4.4
    0.3 mi / 125 ft gain
    Upon entering Rock Island State Park from the east, the parking area for this trail is located right after the old cotton mill (my friend and I actually ended up getting lost because it is tucked away there quite nicely). The trail that leads to Twin Falls actually starts at the westernmost part ...
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  • Guild, Tennessee

    Climb Lake Nickajack

    4.0
    Lake Nickajack has an incredible stretch of 50' limestone that is only accessible by water. The beauty of this wall is that a majority is vertical to slightly overhung, so you can ascend and at any time and just drop into the deep waters below. The limestone is covered in tufas, so plenty of op...
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  • Lewisburg, Tennessee

    Canoe down the Duck River

    4.3
    Start this canoe adventure from Milltown Dam for an easy five-mile paddle down a wide, scenic river. During the warmer months, you will undoubtebly encounter a variety of wildlife, from water to land. Take your time as you float around small islands and rocks, and dock your boat for a quiet picni...
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  • Moscow, Tennessee

    Float The Scenic Ghost Section of the Wolf River

    5.0
    The Wolf River is a hidden gem for any paddler located in west Tennessee or the greater south. Originally called “Blackbird River” by late 17th century French explorers, the upper Wolf River has been generally untouched by society and luckily has never fallen victim to industrial contamination. T...
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  • Kodak, Tennessee

    Kayak Seven Island Wildlife Refuge

    5.0
    Begin your trip by putting your kayak in the water at Kelly Lane. The parking area is large and grassy. The trip is 4 miles and takes about two hours. On your journey you will have views of flower fields and rock walls. Once you get to the island paddle around and see the wildlife. There is a sec...
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  • Knoxville, Tennessee

    Fort Dickerson Quarry Park

    This is an amazing gem in south Knoxville only 7 minutes away from Gay Street. This is one of the newest parks in Knoxville but it has been a part of Knoxville for centuries. The quarry is a gorgeous place for swimming and kayaking. This park offers numerous outdoor activities all in a great plac...
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  • Copperhill, Tennessee

    Explore Ocoee Whitewater Center

    This location showcases the Ocoee river and the area used in the 1996 Olympics. This area is beautiful and has some amazing views. The drive to the whitewater center is called the Ocoee Scenic Byway and is the first national forest byway. The drive is gorgeous and features some amazing mountain v...
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  • Ocoee, Tennessee

    Whitewater Raft the Middle Ocoee River

    5.0
    The middle Ocoee River offers Class III and Class IV rapids through the southern Appalachian Mountains. Those with their own vessels can put into the river just below the Ocoee #2 TVA Dam. For those who do not have a vessel, there are numerous river guide companies who offer guided adventures. Th...
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  • Knoxville, Tennessee

    Mead's Quarry Park

    3.0
    This quarry is located near the Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville. The quarry is right off of Island Home rd and has a large parking lot. The parking lot has about 30 spaces and about 50 spaces in overflow parking. There is a lot activities to do at the quarry. In the summer there is kayak a...
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  • Adams, Tennessee

    Port Royal State Historic Park

    0.5 mi
    The town of Port Royal was established in 1797, one year after Tennessee became a state. This was a major port for flat boats transporting of tobacco and other goods. The Red River was the life blood of the entire region.  Today, the park encompassing 30 acres, preserves and provides recreation ...
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  • Oneida, Tennessee

    Paddle the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River

    This is an awesome trip because it allows you get a little taste of what it could have been like to explore the nation by waterway hundreds of years ago. Paddling as a means of traveling is an ancient practice. You are able to glide through nature, more a part of it rather than an unwelcome intru...
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  • Hartford, Tennessee

    Whitewater Rafting the Pigeon River

    5.0
    The Pigeon River is a dam controlled river that winds its way through North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The river provides beautiful views as one paddles along via raft or kayak.  Cutting through portions of the Pisgah and Cherokee National For...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Kayak or SUP at Picken’s Bridge

    5.0
    Picken's Bridge has a parking area and boat drop that is accessible to place kayaks or paddle boards. From the boat drop there is a large open area of the lake to paddle around and explore. Northwest from the boat drop there are some cliffs that can easily be climbed up to cliff jump. Please rem...
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  • Elizabethton, Tennessee

    Kayak at Wilbur dam

    Great spot for kayaking! There is a small waterfall across the lake. The water is very still. Great for kayaking. The spot is somewhat hidden so not many people know about it. There are never many people there. It is a beautiful lake with amazing views. There is also a small picnic area in front ...
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  • Bluff City, Tennessee

    Kayak or SUP the South Fork

    5.0
    There is a mud parking area on Lakeview Drive underneath the 11E bridges with a cleared mud parking area with access to the the South Fork of the Holston River. There is a gradual drop to the water where kayaks, canoes, or SUPs can be placed in the water. To the east, the river is more narrow at ...
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  • Colonial Heights, Tennessee

    Kayak Patrick Henry Reservoir

    5.0
    Patrick Henry Reservoir in Warriors Path State Park is a great location for kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddling. The reservoir is not always very clean, but it can still be very beautiful when you're on the water. In the Summer and Fall, the trees are beautiful to view. There is also a small...
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