Best Canoeing in Tennessee

Trying to find the best canoeing in Tennessee? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Tennessee, White County

02 :08 hrs
2.4 mi
4.850418 ft
I

Center Hill Lake is nestled in the Cumberland Mountains and considered one of the most beautiful reservoirs in Tennessee. Stretching 64 miles, you’ll find 415 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline to paddle and explore. It is known for its clear water, rock bluffs and amazing waterfalls. The US Army Corps of Engineers built it in 1949 for flood control along the Cumberland River. Fishing is a popular activity and the TWRA have places several fish attractors throughout the lake. Cane Hollow access is a large gravel parking area with a ramp into the water. It is close to the popular Burgess Falls and makes a perfect paddle trip to see the falls. Wildlife and birds abound with amazing scenery surrounding you. You can also paddle the other direction towards the main channel of the lake.

2

Tennessee, Warren County

01 :23 hrs
1.5 mi
9.956894 ft
II

Center Hill Lake is nestled in the Cumberland Mountains and considered one of the most beautiful reservoirs in Tennessee. Stretching 64 miles, you’ll find 415 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline to paddle and explore. It is known for its clear water, rock bluffs and amazing waterfalls. The US Army Corps of Engineers built it in 1949 for flood control along the Cumberland River. Fishing is a popular activity and the TWRA have places several fish attractors throughout the lake. Rock Island State Park’s launch ramp offers access to some amazing paddling. Some areas are for experienced whitewater kayakers and can be dangerous. You will have access to view the beautiful Twin Falls as well as some fine fishing.

3

Tennessee, DeKalb County

06 :33 hrs
14.6 mi
24.899963 ft
I

Center Hill Lake is nestled in the Cumberland Mountains and considered one of the most beautiful reservoirs in Tennessee. Stretching 64 miles, you’ll find 415 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline to paddle and explore. It is known for its clear water, rock bluffs and amazing waterfalls. The US Army Corps of Engineers built it in 1949 for flood control along the Cumberland River. Fishing is a popular activity and the TWRA have places several fish attractors throughout the lake. This access point explores the waters of Dekalb County. You’ll paddle along an undeveloped shoreline where wildlife and beautiful scenery surrounds you.

4

Tennessee, Polk County

04 :26 hrs
9.8 mi
8.599976 ft
I

Surrounded by the beautiful Cherokee National Forest, this lake has many miles of shoreline enjoy as well as other recreation. The shoreline is lined with thick vegetation and is undeveloped. You’ll find many coves to explore and have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife. The King Slough access point is located on the southwest end of the lake and has a paved launch ramp, a big parking lot and restrooms.

5

Tennessee, Lake County

02 :37 hrs
5.8 mi
0.93775177 ft
I

Reelfoot Lake is one of the only large natural lakes in Tennessee. It was formed during the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811. The old forest, which stood before the earthquake, still lies just beneath the surface. Most of it is swampy with bodies of water called basins. The average depth is only 5-6 feet. Known for some of the best hunting and fishing around, you may also get to see bald eagles, which call their home in bald cypress trees. The Upper Blue Basin is located on the north end of the lake. The scenery here is mystical with large trees coming out of the water everywhere.

6

Tennessee, DeKalb County

01 :18 hrs
3 mi
10.189011 ft
I

Center Hill Lake is nestled in the Cumberland Mountains and considered one of the most beautiful reservoirs in Tennessee. Stretching 64 miles, you’ll find 415 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline to paddle and explore. It is known for its clear water, rock bluffs and amazing waterfalls. The US Army Corps of Engineers built it in 1949 for flood control along the Cumberland River. Fishing is a popular activity and the TWRA have places several fish attractors throughout the lake. This access point and adventure paddles down one of the many beautiful long and narrow fingers on the lake. The ramp is concrete and owned/operated by USACE.

7

Tennessee, Marshall County

00 :35 hrs
1.3 mi
1.1625671 ft
I

Located in the city of Lewisburg, New Lake is 47 acres offering a concrete boat ramp for launching. The shoreline is covered in thick trees creating a peaceful place for paddling. There is a nice hiking trail and a picnic shelter available to use.

8

Tennessee, DeKalb County

04 :19 hrs
9.6 mi
10.899963 ft
I

Center Hill Lake is nestled in the Cumberland Mountains and considered one of the most beautiful reservoirs in Tennessee. Stretching 64 miles, you’ll find 415 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline to paddle and explore. It is known for its clear water, rock bluffs and amazing waterfalls. The US Army Corps of Engineers built it in 1949 for flood control along the Cumberland River. Fishing is a popular activity and the TWRA have places several fish attractors throughout the lake. Holmes Creek Recreation is located next to Hidden Harbor Marina down a long and narrow arm of the lake in Dekalb County. With the marina close by you’ll have access to full services.

9

Tennessee, Stewart County

04 :04 hrs
4.5 mi
2.899994 ft
I

Kentucky Lake is the largest manmade lake in the eastern United States. Created from damming the Tennessee River, it stretches across the western tip of Kentucky and the entire width of Tennessee. It offers over 2000 miles of shoreline with 48 public access areas. Fishing is probably the most popular thing to do here but there are endless opportunities for recreating. Located in the Land Between The Lakes area, Ginger Bay offers beautiful and scenic shorelines to paddle and explore. The launch ramp is concrete and can accommodate all boat sizes.

10

Tennessee, Putnam County

04 :27 hrs
9.9 mi
21.09999 ft
I

Center Hill Lake is nestled in the Cumberland Mountains and considered one of the most beautiful reservoirs in Tennessee. Stretching 64 miles, you’ll find 415 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline to paddle and explore. It is known for its clear water, rock bluffs and amazing waterfalls. The US Army Corps of Engineers built it in 1949 for flood control along the Cumberland River. Fishing is a popular activity and the TWRA have places several fish attractors throughout the lake. Hickory Ramp is located in Putnam County down a long narrow cove. The US Army Corps of Engineers own and maintain this site. The shoreline is a pleasant paddle and lined with a wooded forest and endless coves to explore.

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