Call 615-807-0222 or email launch@franklinlaunchco.com for more info or to book a tour. Limited spaces available for late summer and early fall 2026.

What Sets Us Apart

• A Different Way on the Water (No Shuttles or Car Shuffles): Forget crowded shuttle vans, dragging beat-up plastic kayaks, floating in inner tubes, or running the multi-car drop-off routine. Dual electric thrusters power us upriver against the current so we start and finish at the exact same wooden stairs at the Franklin Rec Center (1120 Hillsboro Rd). It’s an active, authentic river trip—we’ll hop out to wade a couple of shallow shoals, tilt the thrusters up, push off, and drop them back in once we clear the rocks, with your guide right there to help. Park for free once, get on the water, and return straight to your car.

• Quiet Electric Assist: Joystick-controlled electric thrusters do the heavy lifting upstream so you can relax and take in the scenery. Premium wood and carbon paddles are on board whenever you want to paddle along, steer, or push off the bottom.

• Handcrafted Wood Canoes: Real wood-ribbed heritage canoes with traditional ash webbed seats and backrests. Stable, comfortable, and photogenic—feel free to take plenty of pictures inside the boat and out on the water.

• Sun, Shade & River Wildlife: Enjoy open sunny stretches, sit in cool tree canopy shade along the bluffs, and spot herons, kingfishers, river turtles, smallmouth bass, and longnose gar.

• Leave No Trace: We keep it clean and simple. Whatever we bring out on the water comes right back with us.

The Trip: Launch, Wade, and Return Your Way

• The Launch: Walk down the Rec Center wooden stairs and take a short 30-yard wade in ankle-deep water to where the canoes are waiting. (The water right at the bank is too shallow to run thrusters, so we board where the river gets deep enough to cruise).

• Stop 1 — The Limestone Perch: Pull up on a flat limestone rock shelf just below Harlinsdale. Sit in the sun or find shade under the trees, skip stones, stretch your legs, or wade in clear water.

• Stop 2 — The Harlinsdale Rocks: Cruise upstream to the shallow rocky riverbed at Harlinsdale Farm to explore and splash around in the current.

• Guided Shallow Assists: At a couple of shallow gravel spots along the route, we step out into ankle-to-knee-deep water (depending on river levels), tilt the thrusters up, walk the boats across, and hop right back in with your guide's help.

• Float, Cruise, or Paddle Back—Whatever You Like: Head back downriver with the current your way. Take an easy 25–30 minute electric cruise, kick back for a relaxing drift, or paddle back to the launch stairs.

Tour Options (Flat Rate Per Canoe)

All pricing is a flat rate per canoe.

• 1. The River Run & Rock Stop (1.5 – 2 Hours) — $150 Flat

  An active, scenic upriver run with quick 10–15 minute wading and photo stops at the limestone ledge and Harlinsdale rocks before cruising back. Great for families with younger kids or a quick afternoon float.

• 2. The Harlinsdale River Trip (2 – 2.5 Hours) — $200 Flat

  Our standard, unhurried river outing. Includes extended time to relax in the sun or shade on the limestone shelf, explore the gravel shoals, swim, take photos, or enjoy a cold drink.

• 3. The Harlinsdale & Factory Excursion (3 – 3.5 Hours) — $250 Flat

  Cruise up to Harlinsdale Farm where your guide stays with and secures the canoes. Spend shore time exploring the historic grounds of Harlinsdale Farm and taking a short walk over to The Factory at Franklin for food, drinks, coffee, or treats before floating, paddling or cruising back on electric power.

What’s Included

• Premium handcrafted wood-ribbed canoes with ash webbed backrests

• Dual electric thrusters with simple, handheld joystick control

• Premium lightweight wood and carbon paddles

• Premium USCG-approved life jackets (PFDs) for all ages

• Attached 20L waterproof dry bag

• Dedicated guide in a lead boat assisting across all shallows and stops

• 2 chilled waters per person and clean towel service at the launch

What to Expect & River FAQ

Can we take photos on the water?

Absolutely—bring your phone and take as many pictures as you want. Between the natural rock shelves, the river scenery, and the handcrafted wood canoes, the trip is very photogenic. Your guide is also happy to snap group and family photos for you so everyone gets in the shot.

What kind of footwear do we need?

Water shoes, river sandals with a secure heel strap, or old sneakers are required. You will walk down the launch stairs and take a short 30-yard wade in ankle-deep water to board the boats, plus step into ankle-to-knee-deep water at shallow crossings.

Can we bring gear, snacks, or a cooler?

Yes. Each canoe has an attached 20L waterproof dry bag for phones, keys, and wallets. You can also bring a personal cooler or daypack—your guide will help strap it securely to the canoe frame. Two cold bottled waters per person are also provided in the guide's cooler.

How do we book and check the weather?

Give us a call or text at 615-807-0222 to pick a time. Because we live right by the river, launch times are flexible throughout the day. We monitor daily river levels and weather closely—if pop-up storms or river flows look bad, we’ll text you directly with updates to reschedule or issue an immediate 100% full refund.

What time of day do tours run?

We launch throughout the morning and afternoon, but all trips wrap up and return to the launch stairs well before the sun starts setting.