Find River Access Points for Your Summer Canoe Trip

If you’re wondering where to take your canoe or kayak this summer, the Cumberland River Compact has put together a helpful map to show recreational places and river access points for blueways in the Cumberland Basin in Tennessee.

A blueway is much like a greenway, but instead of paths on dry land it relates to paths in rivers and creeks. A blueway is a water trail that has river access points mapped out along the way and is maintained and kept clean by an organization, much like a land trail. Governments are responsible for doing their part to keep rivers clean, but generally blueways are managed by volunteer-based organizations like the Tennessee Scenic River Association, the Cumberland River Compact and the Harpeth River Watershed Association.

The TSRA also has an interactive blueway map on their site at http://www.paddletsra.org/access.html

When going out on the water always put safety first. Wear a life jacket, and make sure it fits properly to avoid it sliding off in the water. Do not tie the life jacket to the boat. Take an experienced paddler with you, especially if you are a beginner. River shoes are highly recommended as there may be glass or sharp rocks underwater.

Watch for obstacles and stop for a minute to scout the best path through before tackling a rapid. If you have to duck to avoid a “strainer”, lean forwards. A strainer is a branch or object that lays over the waterway and is hazardous to floaters. It is courteous to remove a strainer if you see one along your path.

Bring a spare paddle, throw line, first aid kit and plenty of drinking water. Even clean rivers have natural bacteria that could be harmful to you. Know where you are going (perhaps by using the map above), and be sure to use a zip-up plastic baggie or waterproof container to seal up any device, food or item that you don’t want getting wet.

There is always a chance of turning over, and if you capsize, don’t panic! Swim upstream of the boat and grab hold. Keep your feet away from the bottom where there are strong currents, unless you are in shallow water. Check to see if anyone is in imminent danger and forget the boat if someone in your party is struggling and needs help. Try your best to keep track of your paddle.

Check out this video for help in flipping the boat back over: