Paddling

Knoxville’s beautiful rivers – the French Broad, Holston, and Tennessee – plus mountain streams, deep blue quarries, and peaceful lakes provide unparalleled recreational opportunities.

Paddlers in canoes and kayaks or on standup paddleboards will glide along Knoxville’s sparking rivers and lakes. With over 50 river miles carving a path through the heart of the city, two tranquil quarries, and acres of smooth water lakes, a paddling adventure provides the perfect blend of exercise and fun.

Within about an hour’s drive of Knoxville, many other paddling opportunities await on lakes and rivers throughout East Tennessee. Scenic mountain lakes and wide open rivers call to paddlers of every skill level.

East Tennessee is famous for exceptional whitewater – the Obed Wild and Scenic River area and the Big South Fork National River are regarded as some of the best in the country. And, the Ocoee, Hiwassee, and Pigeon rivers are controlled by dams so provide whitewater paddling long after most free flowing rivers have slowed. Wherever you go in the region, the spray of whitewater is not far away.

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With our abundance of rivers to choose from and the Tennessee River flowing right through our downtown area, Knoxville offers many adventures on the…