Waynesboro, Tennessee
Float the Buffalo River in TN
Tennessee's clearest float river, one mile of private frontage, and three float trips you can walk up and take the same day.
Pick your distance
Buffalo River float trips
8-Mile Trip
One Day Trip
Average 4–5 hours
We shuttle you and your group up river to our private Topsy Bridge access, and you float back down to the office.
- Canoe (2 people)$50/boat + tax
- Single Kayak$40/boat + tax
- Tandem Kayak$75/boat + tax
- Your boat, our shuttle$25/boat + tax (single) • $30/boat + tax (double)
Most popular trip
10-Mile Trip
One Day Trip
Average 5–6 hours
Launch from the office, we pick you up at the big painted blue rock anytime between 2pm and dark.
This is the trip with the bluffs, rope swings, waterfall, and cave.
- Canoe (2 people)$50/boat + tax
- Single Kayak$40/boat + tax
- Tandem Kayak$75/boat + tax
- Your boat, our shuttle$25/boat + tax (single) • $30/boat + tax (double)
16-Mile Overnight
Overnight Trip — Two Days, One Night
Two days at your pace
We shuttle you and your group upriver to our private Trace Creek access, drop you off with all your camping gear, you float appx halfway, pick the undesignated primitive campsite of your choice, camp, and then finish your trip at Crazy Horse any time before dark the next day.
- Canoe (2 people)$75/boat + tax
- Single Kayak$65/boat + tax
- Tandem Kayak$110/boat + tax
- Extra nights+$25/boat/night + tax
- Your boat, our shuttle$30/boat + tax (single) / $35/boat + tax (double)
Launch & return times
We do not have set launch times. Launch any time from opening until your trip's last-launch cutoff time which is listed on the float page.
| Trip | Days | Last launch | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-Mile Trip | Daily | 2pm | before dark |
| 10-Mile Trip | Mon-Fri | 11am | before 6pm |
| 10-Mile Trip | Sat & Sun | 2pm | before dark |
| 16-Mile Overnight | Daily | 2pm | before dark, Day 2 |
On Saturdays we recommend being on the water by 10am or earlier to avoid long lines. It is especially important to arrive as early as possible on the Saturday's of Memorial Day & 4th of July weekends. We typically do not run out of boats, but since we operate on a first come first served basis, we still recommend arriving early.
Floating the Buffalo River — FAQs
Are paddles and life jackets included?
Yes. Every canoe and kayak rental includes paddles, USCG-approved life jackets, shuttle transportation to or from the river, and parking. If you bring your own boat, you must provide your own paddle and life jacket — we sell both in the camp store.
What's the difference between a single and tandem kayak?
A single kayak holds one paddler. A tandem kayak holds two paddlers and is a great option for a parent with an older child or a couple who wants to share a boat.
Where do you float the Buffalo River in Tennessee?
We are located at Bell Bridge on Highway 13 in Waynesboro, Tn. We float a 26 mile section of the Buffalo River which includes the counties of Lewis, Perry, & Wayne. The first 16 miles are upriver above our office. The last 10 miles are downriver past our office.
How long does it take to float the Buffalo River?
The 8-mile trip averages 4–5 hours and the 10-mile trip averages 5–6 hours. The 16-mile overnight is spread across two days at your own pace. Times vary with water level and how long you stop at gravel bars.
Do I need a reservation to float?
No. Canoes, kayaks, campsites and personal boat transports are all first come, first served. Cabins and lodge rooms are the only things that require a reservation.
What time do I need to arrive?
We do not have set launch times. Launch any time from opening until your trip's last-launch cutoff time which is listed on the float page. On Saturdays-- especially the Saturday of a holiday weekend-- we recommend being on the water by 10am or earlier to avoid long lines.
What is included in the price?
Your boat, life jackets, paddles, transportation to or from the river, and parking. There are no hidden fees.
What should I bring on a float trip?
- A cooler with food/snacks for the whole day
- More water than you think you'll need
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Water shoes that stay on your feet
- Bungees
- Dry bag/box strapped onto the boat
- Everyone must have a lifejacket, children 12 and under must wear one at all times while in the boat. These are provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
- Most of these items are sold in our camp store, so don't worry if you forget something.
What should I avoid bringing on a float trip?
- NEVER TAKE YOUR KEYS! We're happy to hold them for you in the office while you float-- free of charge.
- We recommend leaving phones, money, wallets, jewelry, cameras, etc locked up in your vehicle. If you decide to carry your phone, make sure it's kept in a dry bag/box that's secured to your boat.
- No glass containers of any kind
- No oversized coolers or anything too heavy to carry over a gravel bar — we recommend soft bag coolers for kayaks
- No fishing poles unless you're 12 and under or have a current TN fishing license
- No trash left behind — pack out everything you bring in