Ten kayaking facilities across Tennessee made this year’s guide, covering cities from Hurricane Mills and Hendersonville to Gallatin, Columbia, Nashville, Hermitage, Louisville, and Moscow. Review ratings across these selected outfitters, rental spots, and access points range from 4.2 to 5.0 stars, drawing on visitor feedback from dozens up to over six hundred reviews per location. These spots provide organized access to local rivers, lakes, and waterways, offering options for full-day floats, guided segments, and water sports rentals.
Rankings are determined by calculating a score using each venue’s rating multiplied by the logarithm of its review count, with zero paid placements.
1. Bone’s Kayak & Campground
Located in Hurricane Mills, Bone’s Kayak & Campground holds a 5.0 rating across 629 reviews. Visitors note an 11-mile route on the Buffalo featuring less traffic and rowdy paddlers compared to other area waterways. Reviewers highlight that a group of five spent the vast majority of the float without anyone else in sight, making it a solid length for a full day of kayaking and hanging out on the banks.
2. Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals
Situated in Hendersonville at 259 Sanders Ferry Rd, Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals earns a 4.8 rating from 601 reviews. Patrons describe spending a fantastic day on the water to relax and make memories with family and friends, calling it a fun and stress-free experience.
3. Get Up And Go Kayaking Old Hickory Lake
Found in Gallatin at 97 Deer Run Private Rd, Get Up And Go Kayaking Old Hickory Lake maintains a 5.0 rating backed by 409 reviews.
4. Higher Pursuits
Based in Columbia at 3114 Cheeks Bend Rd, Higher Pursuits carries a 4.9 rating across 290 reviews. Visitors mention rafting adventures and notes on bringing personal kayaks to catch a ride with everyone else after paying a small fee.
5. The River Rat’s Canoe Rental
Operating in Columbia at 4361 US-431, The River Rat’s Canoe Rental holds a 4.5 rating from 341 reviews. Reviewers describe a peaceful trip down the Duck, noting a slightly slow start before enjoying a great overall experience.
6. Broken Paddle Outfitters
Located in Nashville at 8547 US-70, Broken Paddle Outfitters achieves a 4.9 rating based on 207 reviews. Patrons praise the great staff and the beautiful river featuring lots of twists and turns, with some visitors driving over two hours to kayak.
7. Cap’n Dave’s Water Sports
Situated in Hermitage inside Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort at 4001 Bell Rd, Cap’n Dave’s Water Sports is rated 4.2 stars with 150 reviews. Visitors highlight a welcoming environment for families, complete with jet-skis, a small sand area for preschoolers, and tables to sit at.
8. All Aboard Rentals/ kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, paddle boat
Found in Louisville at 4438 Wonderland Dr, this rental operation earns a 4.8 rating across 74 reviews. Reviewers emphasize helpful staff guidance on where to go for great spots on a beautiful lake.
9. Ghost River Canoe Run (Outlet)
Located in Moscow at 1580 Bateman Rd, the outlet point holds a 4.8 rating from 43 reviews. Visitors identify it as the takeout spot for the Ghost section of the Wolf River and the put-in point for the Lost Lake trail leading toward the Highway 57 bridge.
10. Ghost River Canoe/Kayak Run (Input)
Situated in Moscow at 13640 Yager Dr, this input location has a 4.7 rating based on 34 reviews. Reviewers describe a gorgeous paddle unlike a normal river run, noting that it is not recommended for beginners without an experienced guide due to a 5-6 hour duration and limited places to pull over.
How we ranked these
Every facility in this guide was evaluated using our methodology, which weights overall review ratings against total review volume to surface the most consistently recommended kayaking spots across Tennessee.