Higher Pursuits
Higher Pursuits
5
Gear RentalsBoat RentalsNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
Join us for a beautiful day on the Duck River. We are located near Columbia, TN and just an hour or so from Nashville, Huntsville, and Murfreesboro. At our Duck River location we provide canoe and kayak rentals on the scenic Duck River. Our goal is to connect you with the natural wonder of the river while providing great service, quality equipment and a family friendly environment. The Duck River is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America and features over 60 species of Freshwater Mussels, 120 species of fish, Great Blue Heron, the occasional Bald Eagle and if you are lucky freshwater Otters. In addition to renting canoes and kayaks, we also offer paddling instruction and guided trips in Middle Tennessee
Columbia, Tennessee
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
566 reviews
Excellent
566
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
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Morgan
Nashville175 contributions
May 2020
We went for a canoe trip on the Duck just a few days after Higher Pursuits opened back up for business. They were running at 50% capacity in order to promote social distancing and did a very professional job with it. Staff were appropriately masked, equipment was regularly sanitized, and transportation was handled with masks and spacing to avoid potential exposures. On top of that, the Duck was beautiful and it was so good to be out in nature after all this time indoors and on screens. We also enjoyed going for a two mile hike to the bluffs overlooking the river afterwards. Highly recommended!
Written May 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are glad you enjoyed the beautiful scenery on the Duck River. We appreciate your business, especially during this challenging time of COVID-19.
Written May 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CaliGirl312
2 contributions
May 2021
Everything about our experience with Higher Pursuits was awesome. I've been Class 1 kayaking throughout the Midwest (Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan) and kayaking on the Duck River in TN far outshined all of those trips. It was a day to remember. I went with my boyfriend and my mom. My BF and I have been on many a kayak trip, but this was my mom's first time kayaking EVER. I wanted to make sure she had a good time and that it was manageable for her.
We reserved 1 premium kayak and 1 premium tandem kayak for the shorter run (Cheek's Bend). We arrived earlier than our reserved time, but it was a Thursday so nobody was around. Jan, the owner, was extremely accommodating upon our arrival and informed us that we were the only reservation for the day. We unloaded and Jan got us our life jackets and gave us a great safety/route overview and sightseeing information about the Duck River.
Two experienced staff members loaded us up in their truck (NICE truck) and off we went. The premium kayaks were worth the extra money. The most comfortable kayaks I've ever used, lots of leg room and storage room.
As for the actual kayak route: WOW. Gorgeous doesn't begin to describe this section of the river--tons of wildlife, picturesque bluffs and waterfalls, lush flora. We saw turtles, hawks, muskrats, carp, mussels (its a mussel sanctuary), and snakes (small ones!). Some of the river shore is private property but you can't see any of it. Just the beautiful wildlife.
We reserved 1 premium kayak and 1 premium tandem kayak for the shorter run (Cheek's Bend). We arrived earlier than our reserved time, but it was a Thursday so nobody was around. Jan, the owner, was extremely accommodating upon our arrival and informed us that we were the only reservation for the day. We unloaded and Jan got us our life jackets and gave us a great safety/route overview and sightseeing information about the Duck River.
Two experienced staff members loaded us up in their truck (NICE truck) and off we went. The premium kayaks were worth the extra money. The most comfortable kayaks I've ever used, lots of leg room and storage room.
As for the actual kayak route: WOW. Gorgeous doesn't begin to describe this section of the river--tons of wildlife, picturesque bluffs and waterfalls, lush flora. We saw turtles, hawks, muskrats, carp, mussels (its a mussel sanctuary), and snakes (small ones!). Some of the river shore is private property but you can't see any of it. Just the beautiful wildlife.
Written May 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for paddling with us. We are so glad you loved the Duck River as much as we do!
Written May 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura Beth Trucks
Franklin, TN3 contributions
Aug 2020
Higher Pursuits is phenomenal because they genuiely care about their clients and the river. They take time to make sure you feel safe on the river and then make sure you are equipped to take care of the river while you are on it. Pick up the phone and book now ~ this crew knows what they are doing and treat you as a person not a number.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
schindelfam6
Franklin, TN87 contributions
Jun 2020
I had never been and heard about this through my girlfriend, Ginny. Can't believe I had never been!! I actually have mixed feelings about posting this because it's a wonderful secret but not really a secret.
The drive for me from Franklin was an easy drive...I took 65 south to Bear Creek to go down but took Franklin Pike/Lewisburg Pike then over to Bethseda to Arno Road. Took me 30 easy minutes both routes.
It's out in nowhere with thousands of acres of Tennessee Wildlife around. The facility is simple, clean, organized, and the surroundings are beautiful. You make your reservations online, choose your kayak, canoe, or boat and then pay. Once you get to Higher Pursuits, you sign your waivers and take you to the drop off with your canoe. No waiting because you've already reserved your device. You can hire a river guide but my girlfriend ended up being my personal guide and she was the bomb.
The river was beautiful, the staff and owners WONDERFUL, and the ride down the river was absolutely fabulous. Having a guide was an awesome treat and I would have missed out on a lot of information had I not had Ginny to tell me so much. I had no idea the Duck River was one of the cleanest in the United States due to the mussel (an endangered species folks...$1,500 fine if you leave the river with a live mussel) which reside in this river.
The kayak's they use are in fantastic condition, and clean life jackets....nothing was smelly. If you've been canoeing at other facilities, you know what I mean. You have until 5pm to be at the debarking place so you can take all day to go the 5 miles down the river. We leisurely kayaked and stopped for about an hour to eat lunch and float down the lazy river section and it took about 3-3 ½ hours.
I will be back and I will tell all my friends about this most wonderful place. I HIGHLY recommend.
The drive for me from Franklin was an easy drive...I took 65 south to Bear Creek to go down but took Franklin Pike/Lewisburg Pike then over to Bethseda to Arno Road. Took me 30 easy minutes both routes.
It's out in nowhere with thousands of acres of Tennessee Wildlife around. The facility is simple, clean, organized, and the surroundings are beautiful. You make your reservations online, choose your kayak, canoe, or boat and then pay. Once you get to Higher Pursuits, you sign your waivers and take you to the drop off with your canoe. No waiting because you've already reserved your device. You can hire a river guide but my girlfriend ended up being my personal guide and she was the bomb.
The river was beautiful, the staff and owners WONDERFUL, and the ride down the river was absolutely fabulous. Having a guide was an awesome treat and I would have missed out on a lot of information had I not had Ginny to tell me so much. I had no idea the Duck River was one of the cleanest in the United States due to the mussel (an endangered species folks...$1,500 fine if you leave the river with a live mussel) which reside in this river.
The kayak's they use are in fantastic condition, and clean life jackets....nothing was smelly. If you've been canoeing at other facilities, you know what I mean. You have until 5pm to be at the debarking place so you can take all day to go the 5 miles down the river. We leisurely kayaked and stopped for about an hour to eat lunch and float down the lazy river section and it took about 3-3 ½ hours.
I will be back and I will tell all my friends about this most wonderful place. I HIGHLY recommend.
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terri Willoughby
2 contributions
Aug 2021
Higher Pursuits is an extremely professional kayaking/canoe company. Before we got cranked up, upon ordering tickets online, we immediately got a confirmation email. Upon arrival, we checked into the cute little office & gave them our release information form that we had downloaded & signed. We then went to the white board area where we were shown a map of the river and what landmarks to look for (the I-65 bridge & bridge #2). These were toward the end of the trip & once you get to the 1st bridge (I-65) then you are to call & they will come & pick you up. By time we drug the kayaks up the boat ramp a bit, they were there. Talk about prompt! The kayaks we rented were top notch sit inside with extremely comfortable high back seats that I would liken to a sling back low beach chair. We lucked out and had a rain upstream a few days before and had a nice little current going in some spots so we didn't have to work so hard to paddle. The river was beautiful & a breath of fresh air...so peaceful. The water was refreshing on a super hot day and we even packed a picnic lunch. Couldn't of had a more positive experience! If you want to kayak the Duck River, this is definitely the place to go!
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Audrey G
7 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We love higher pursuits. The care is felt the second you enter this property. These folks can make an outhouse seem like a sweet (although still smelly) experience. We've been two years in a row with our littles and will continue coming back so long as they are there. Don't miss the chance to enjoy - also get the tripper if you have kids under 6ish to ride with you - our kids LOVE this place too!
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jody M
1 contribution
Jul 2021
I have been kayaking most of my adult life and have used many outfitters. But I have to say, Higher Pursuits is on the top of my list. Last time I was kayaking with them. One of the guest lost her keys in the river and the owner got in a kayak, paddled up the river with her snorkeling mask in hand and dove to find her keys for about 30 minutes. This is typical of their level of care for their customers. I recommend Higher Pursuits to everyone I meet who is looking for a great experience on the Duck River. You won't find better or friendlier service.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsten P
Edmond, OK8 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We thoroughly enjoyed kayaking with this outfitter. We have done many in TN and AR and this one was the best. The water wasn’t super flowing but it was good enough. The river is decently deep and there is no worry of dragging. BUT the people were AMAZING! Their whole campsite (that’s what it feels like) is super cute and just plain awesome. We never had to wait on anything. They were there waiting on us at pick up time which was nice. Also, they have premium kayaks for very little extra and they are worth it.
We had a dog with us and there was another group that finished when we did, the worker (owner?) asked the other group if they were okay riding with a dog. Now how nice is that? Most would have expected all to like in and go.
NOTE- the other lady was fine with it as she is a dog trainer lol.
Highly recommend them!!
We had a dog with us and there was another group that finished when we did, the worker (owner?) asked the other group if they were okay riding with a dog. Now how nice is that? Most would have expected all to like in and go.
NOTE- the other lady was fine with it as she is a dog trainer lol.
Highly recommend them!!
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynne P
Spring Hill, TN6 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
A friend and I had a perfect day on the Duck River. The folks at Higher Pursuits are knowledgeable, professional and VERY customer oriented. We have used other outfitters on the Duck and other rivers and Higher Pursuits are in an elite class of their own. The premium kayaks are worth the little extra that they cost for comfort, but all of their boats are quality. Go and enjoy the beauty of a paddle on the river.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debora Z
Nashville, TN1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Friends
The women who own the business are very organized, helpful, and friendly! We went on a weekday and I would highly recommend going at a time when the river is less crowded. I have used this company several times in the last few years and I think they are the most reliable and efficient. Their customer service is excellent!
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How does drop off/pick up work with our own private kayaks? And do you transport pets? We like to take our small dogs kayaking with us!
Written September 2, 2023
HP is awesome for shuttling! All you do is book your time on their website and arrive at their base at the scheduled time. The awesome Higher Pursuits crew will drive you and your boat(s) to the launch spot. Then, all you do is call when you're near their take-out location, and they'll pick you and your boat(s) up and drive you back to their base. I can't vouch for pets, as I don't have any of my own. Maybe give them a call and ask? There's a reason I drive an hour each way to visit The Duck River and use Higher Pursuits each time - they're wonderful people!
Written September 3, 2023
Our group had a wonderful day on the river!! The staff at Higher Pursuits was super friendly and very helpful!! The kayaks were wonderful and in great shape!! I highly recommend and we will definetly be back!!
Written September 4, 2018
If the river level is good, there are several places you can stop and eat lunch along your route. There are several good swim spots as well. Let know if you have any other questions.
Jan
Co-owner, Higher Pursuits
Written March 11, 2018
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