Top Tennessee Kayaking Tours

Observe the winter migration of sandhill cranes while you paddle down the Tennessee River on this special bird-watching kayak tour near Chattanooga. Some 15,000 cranes nest in the area for the season after fleeing the frigid winters of the far north and your perspective from the river is the best way to see them in action. Your guide will provide everything you need, including kayaks, paddles, cold-weather gear, and binoculars.

The Tennessee River’s Chickamauga Dam is a marvel of engineering, holding back floodwaters while producing hydroelectric power. Experience this impressive structure up close by kayaking through the dam’s lock on this remarkable guided tour. Over the course of around three hours, you’ll paddle into the lock, watch the gates close, and slowly sink down some 50 feet before paddling back out into the river.

*Eastern Time Start* Our kayak guide will meet you at Sullivans Landing get you checked in and load up in the Mercedes’ Sprinter van to drive up to Raccoon Mountain for a 4.5 mile downstream kayak adventure through an 17,000 protected forest acres of fall foliage. Enjoy the beautiful fall temperatures with a hot cider or hot chocolate at the end of your tour.

Paddle with an experienced guide. Our guides are experienced paddlers and knowledgeable about the local history, plants, and animals. We will explore shaded coves as we learn about the culture and ecology of the foothills of Southern Appalachia. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife. We frequently see bald eagles, osprey, and aquatic turtles. Sometimes we even see a bear!