The Duck River is a beautiful river that is rich in history, wildlife, and folklore.  It is just over 270 miles in length and winds it way through Middle Tennessee.  It is a river that showcases scenic pastoral lands, steep rock cliffs, and forested banks.

The Duck River is one of the most biologically rich and diverse rivers in North America and was recently featured in National Geographic's "One Cubic Foot" article (Jan/Feb 2010 issue).

According to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) the Duck River contains over 500 species of aquatic plants, fish and invertebrates.  This includes over 54 species of mussels and 151 fish species.  The Duck River holds more species of fish than all of Europe.  Many anglers enjoy catching smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, and many other fish on the Duck River.

In 2001, a 37-mile stretch of the Duck River was designated a State Scenic River because of its scenic, ecological, cultural, and historical value.  This section begins near the Maury and Marshall County lines and ends at Iron Bridge Road. 

This is the section that Higher Pursuits features on all our guided trips and rental routes.  One of the unique aspects of this section of river is that it passes through 12,800 acres of land owned by the State of Tennessee.  This 12,800 acres has been designated as the Yanahli Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.

The Duck River is considered a Class 1 River for recreational boaters.  This means that the river has moving water with a few riffles and small waves with few or no obstructions.

Within the Yanahli Wildlife Management Area are six different State Natural Areas that make up the Duck River Complex. Less than a mile from the Higher Pursuits Duck River Base is the Cheeks Bend State Natural Area.  It is an 800-acre area that contains cedar glades, scenic bluffs overlooking the Duck River, and extensive cedar and hardwood forests.  In the Cheeks Bend State Natural Area there is a two-mile hiking trail that leads to the bluffs overlooking the Duck River and also provides access to a small cave.

For more information about the Duck River visit:

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)

Duck River State Natural Area (TDEC)

Map of the Duck River State Scenic River

Trails.com description of Cheeks Bend Hiking Trail