Locally the Buffalo River has long been a place for summer adventures. Rent a canoe at Heath's Canoe Rental in Lobelville, go to the Grimes Boy Scout Canoe Camp, or Flatwoods where the creek is crystal clear and deep enough for kayaks and canoes. Contact the following businesses for more information:
- Grimes Canoe Base
Grimes Canoe BaseWith access to over 110 miles of water, Grimes Canoe Base allows Scouts over the age of eight to canoe and camp along the Buffalo River. Located on Highway 13 in Perry County near the town of Flatwoods, Grimes offers campsites with two-person tents including cots. Showers and bathrooms are also available, along with a Trading Post for snacks, T-shirts, and patches.
Grimes is open yearly from April 1 through November 1. Nearly 300 Scouts, leaders and family members can be accommodated on the river each day.
Click Here to learn more about Grimes Pricing.
Middle Tennessee Council - Grimes Canoe Base
- Commodore Hotel River Adventures
Commodore Hotel River Adventures
114 and 120 E Main St., Linden, TN 37096
Owners Michael and Kathy Dumont will lead the canoes and kayaks through the trip for $75 for groups of up to 10 for a trip of up to 5 hours, plus kayak rental fees, pointing out any wildlife and even show a few special, hidden features of this natural river.
Click here to view their information about rentals.
- Heath's Canoe Rentals
Heath's Canoe Rental, LLC
Tennessee Highway 13, Lobelville, TN 37097
Heath's Canoe Rental, LLC, established in 1979, is a privately owned business providing canoes and kayaks for rent. We offer decades of experience, trusted and inspected equipment and the friendliest staff. Heath's Canoe Rental is located in Lobelville, a small town known for its easy access to the Buffalo River and near many of Middle Tennessee's most popular attractions. Check out our Gallery for scenic views of the Buffalo River. Need to find us? Click here.
Currently closed due to Coronavirus concerns, but the situation will be assessed as the 2020 season approaches. The recommendation is to call first to find out the current situation.
More Area Information
Lobelville is a small town known for its easy access to the Buffalo River and local, handmade products from the nearby Mennonite community. Heath's Canoe Rental is centrally located near many of Middle Tennesse's most popular attractions, such as Lorretta Lynn's Dude Ranch - just twenty minutes away. Minnie Pearl's Grander Switch Winery is about 25 miles from us. Or, go back in time a few miles away with a visit to an Amish village.
A variety of lodging and restaurants are close by. There are several hotels, camp grounds, restaurants and bed and breakfasts. Ask for recommendations when placing your canoe reservation. For your convenience, Heath's Canoe Rental has several primitive campsites available on the Buffalo River.
- Bring Your Own Canoe Or Kayak
Public Access Points on the Buffalo River, Tennessee
There are limited Public Output points on the Buffalo River, but you view access points on the Buffalo River, blue squares with a canoe icon: 
Launch sites on the Buffalo River
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency web page on the official State of Tennessee website states:
Site Directions: Access the river via I-40 from exit 143.
Hwy 13 parallels the river through several small towns, including Lobelville, Linden, and Flatwoods.
There are 19 access points along the river below the headwaters in Henryville.
Lat: 35.42742°N Long: -87.40398°W
Hours: daylight hours
Seasonality year-round depending on water levels and location
Fees: none
Site Description: 120 river miles of slow-flowing waters.
Upper portions of the river between Henryville and Flatwoods is floatable from November through August, while the remainder of the river is floatable year-round. Local companies rent canoes and will coordinate trips, including overnight camping trips.
Wildlife to Watch: The waters of the Buffalo River support a high diversity of wildlife.
Eighty-five species of fish have been observed in the river, while snakes and mammals, including deer, beaver, muskrat, abound on the banks.
Double-crested Cormorant, Mallard, Wood Duck, and Belted Kingfisher can be seen, especially in winter near the confluence of the Duck and Buffalo rivers.
Green Herons and Great Blue Herons are often flushed from the banks in spring and summer.
Buffalo River Trip in 2013
