Canoe The Caney, Silver Point, TN, Canoe and Kayak Tips

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Canoe The Caney: A Scenic Float (and a Workout)

If you ever find yourself near the Caney Fork River in Middle Tennessee, you’ll likely spot them: a fleet of bright yellow canoes and kayaks drifting lazily downstream. These belong to Canoe the Caney, a popular outfitter in Silver Point, TN. They offer several trips of varying lengths and provide everything from kayaks and canoes to tandems and even floating cooler carriers.

During a recent camping trip, we decided to trade the campfire for the current. Here is the breakdown of our experience, along with some "lessons learned" so you don’t have to learn them the hard way like we did!

The Logistics

We arrived at the outfitter on the morning of our trip and were greeted by a helpful staff. The check-in process was a breeze. After a brief safety orientation, we piled onto a classic black school bus for a short ride to the drop-off point.

Once your paddle hits the water, you're on your own to enjoy the scenery. The river is perfect for floating, picnicking, skipping rocks, and—if you’re feeling artistic—building rock sculptures. At the end of the line, the outfitter is waiting to shuttle you back. Believe me, after nine hours on the water, that old black school bus looked like a golden chariot sent from the heavens!

The "Dam" Problem

The Caney Fork’s pace is entirely dependent on the Center Hill Dam. When the generators are running, the river moves quickly; when they’re off, it becomes still water.

We had heard that when the water is moving, the shorter trips end too quickly. To play it safe, we opted for the nine-mile trek. The catch? You won’t know the generation schedule until the morning you arrive. On our day, the water only moved for the first hour and a half. This meant we had a nice push for two miles... and a grueling workout for the remaining seven.


Below are some lessons learned from our experience with Canoe the Caney and the Caney Fork River. Please feel free to add to the list in the comments and share your experience.


Canoe and Kayak Tips: Things we wish we had known!

Plan a Shorter Trip: Unless you’re a seasoned pro, you don’t realize how long nine miles is until you’re at mile six with burning shoulders. If the dam isn't generating, go short!

Manage Your Time: If you choose a shorter route, you can actually relax. Stop at the gravel bars, skip some stones, and enjoy the journey rather than racing the sun to the finish line.

Choose the Right Vessel: For our family of three (including a 9-year-old), we should have rented one canoe and one single kayak. Canoes are much more efficient for carrying gear—and much easier to paddle when you’re doing the heavy lifting.

Skip the Cooler Carrier: Do not rent the "floating tube" for your cooler. Dragging a heavy, bobbing weight behind a kayak is an exercise in frustration. Keep your snacks inside the boat.

Pack More Than a "Lunchable": A nine-hour expedition requires fuel. We brought basic snacks, but halfway through, we were dreaming of a buffet. Pack a medium-sized cooler with plenty of protein. 

Bungee Cords are Life: If you ignore my advice and get a kayak, space will be tight. Bring a few small bungee cords to secure your gear to the storage decks so you don't lose your lunch to the river.

Always Wear Your Life Jacket: Seriously. Things can go sideways fast. My son and I got snagged on a downed tree and dumped into the water. Thankfully, he was wearing his PFD. I wasn’t, and that’s a mistake I’ll never make again.
Hard-Sole Water Shoes: The riverbed is a mix of smooth stones and razor-sharp rocks. You’ll want sturdy water shoes for exploring. (Side note: Keep your eyes peeled! I actually found a real arrowhead on one of our stops.)

Safety First for Kids: Children under twelve should not kayak alone unless they are very experienced. If they flip, panic sets in quickly. Keep them in a canoe or a tandem with an adult.

The "TP" Situation: There are no restrooms on the river. Pack some toilet paper and hand sanitizer in a waterproof bag. You’ll thank me later.

Bring the Fishing Poles (and Magnets): The river is beautiful for fishing or magnet fishing. If you rent a canoe, you'll have plenty of room for the extra gear.

Updated 4/3/26
Location: 17055 Smithville Hwy, Silver Point, TN 38582, USA

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