The Best Kayaking River In Tennessee Is One You May Never Have Heard Of
By Meghan Kraft|Published August 10, 2021
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Kayaking is a great pastime in Tennessee, especially when the weather is warm and the summertime rain holds. There are numerous lakes and rivers throughout the state that offer unforgettable views and beautiful experiences, as well as outfitters in Tennessee that have made it their mission to give you an outdoor adventure worth remembering for years to come. Smooth Rapids Outfitters of Central Tennessee helps folks enjoy the beauty of Barren Fork, one of the most out-of-the-way waterways in the state that’s perfect for a kayaking trip.
Smooth Rapids Outfitters offers a little bit of everything in McMinnville, Tennessee. From water adventures to guided floats, outdoor events, and even overnight tent camping, the Middle Tennessee locale is a one-stop shop for fun in nature.
The outfitter operates on Barren Fork, one of the least tributaries of the Collins River. At just over 23 miles long, Barren Fork flows from west to east, and eventually through the town of McMinnville. It is perhaps most famous for the dam that sits just outside of downtown McMinnville.
Barren Fork is named for what is known as the "Barrens" area located in Middle Tennessee. It's a largely bare area, mainly unforested, in the middle of what is naturally a dense hardwood forest. You may even find that part of the area feels swampy!
Barren Fork strikes its way through an area that's both beautiful and unsettled, one that is lush in the summer season and shockingly beautiful come wintertime. It is ideal if you're looking for a smooth, steady current that lends itself to a lazy float.
Smooth Rapids Outfitters offers same-day trips, shuttling to and from the waterway, and even overnight camping, making it THE place to visit if you're looking to experience Barren Fork. Kayaks are available for rental as well as water tubes.
Have you ever kayaked Barren Fork? Are you looking forward to visiting Smooth Rapids Outfitters sometime soon, or have you been before? There are so many opportunities it's almost hard to keep them straight!