🛶 Get on the Water

Our favorite paddles, kayak drops + guided adventures around Seven Springs.

Choose your adventure:

💦 Paddle to the Base of Burgess Falls

Best for: the bucket-list adventure

Want to experience Burgess Falls from an entirely different perspective? Paddle to it.

Bring your own kayak and launch from Cane Hollow Recreation Area for an approximately 4-mile round-trip paddle to the base of Burgess Falls and back. Unlike the hiking trail at Burgess Falls State Park, this route brings you right up to the base of the falls — and the view from the water is pretty hard to beat.

Don't have a kayak? Book a guided adventure with Cumberland Kayak & Adventure Company or Kayaking Adventures of Tennessee. Their seasonal Burgess Falls trip includes your kayak, paddle, life jacket, orientation + guide, making this an easy option even if you've never kayaked before.

Before or after your paddle, stop by Sway Cafe & Bar at their basecamp for coffee or a quick bite when open.

Seven Springs Pick ⭐ If you're choosing just one paddling adventure during your stay, make it this one.

🌿 Float the Caney Fork

Best for: an easygoing river day

For something slower, spend the day floating the Caney Fork River — cold, clear water, wooded riverbanks, wildlife + some of Middle Tennessee's prettiest scenery.

This is less about paddling to a destination and more about settling in and enjoying the ride downstream.

For the easiest experience, book with Canoe the Caney or a local Caney Fork outfitter and let them handle your kayak, launch + return shuttle.

Seven Springs Tip 🌿 Water levels and currents on the Caney Fork are affected by releases from Center Hill Dam. Always check current conditions before getting on the water and follow your outfitter's recommendation for that day's launch + pickup.

🛶 Paddle Rock Island

Best for: bringing your own kayak + exploring at your own pace

Already traveling with kayaks? Pack them up and head to Rock Island State Park for a quieter day on the water.

The waters around Rock Island and Great Falls Lake offer beautiful scenery where the Caney Fork, Collins and Rocky Rivers come together. Sandbar Beach is an easy place to start exploring the calmer water around the park.

Bring lunch, take your time and make a day of it.

Because water conditions around Great Falls Dam can change, we recommend sticking to designated recreation areas and checking current conditions before launching. If you're hoping to explore moving river water, go with a local outfitter who can recommend the safest route for the day.

🌾 Looking for something a little more off the beaten path?

Head toward McMinnville and paddle the Collins River with MAD MUSKY Water Sports Rentals. They offer kayak rentals, river floats + shuttle service and are a fun alternative if you've already explored Burgess Falls and the Caney Fork.

Paddle all day. Come home tired, sun-kissed + ready for a fire.