Mussels on the Duck

A Guided Paddling Trip to Explore the Freshwater Mussels and other Wildlife in the Duck River

Overview of the Mussel Guided Trip

Join us as we explore the most biologically diverse river in North America and learn more about the amazing mussels that are so critical to its ecosystem. This guided trip has a lead guide and assistant guide from Higher Pursuits and a Professor of Biology from Tennessee Tech to lead the interpretive portion of the trip. The trip will stop several times to explore gravel bars for mussels, wade in the river and discuss this unique and important species to the Duck River ecosystem.

Dates

• We are currently working on dates for the 2025 trips

What to Expect:

The trip will be 5 to 6 hours long. We will meet at Higher Pursuits at 9 am and have a short land-based discussion. The group will then move to the river and paddle 5.5 miles while exploring the various gravel bars along the way. We anticipate completing the program by 3 to 4 pm depending on the pace of the group and amount of discussion.

Details:

• The Mussel trip is typically 5 to 6 hours. Weekday trips start at 9 am and typically end around 3 pm. Weekend trips start at 8 am and end around 2 pm.
• The cost of the trip is $75 per person. This includes cost of guides and boat rental. When you book your trip, you can let us know what type of boat you prefer to use for the trip.
• Participants must be at least 12 years old. All minors (17 and under) require a participating adult.
• All guided trips require a minimum of four participants.

What to Bring on the Guided Mussel trip:

• We recommend that you bring water, snack and a lunch.
• There will be a planned stop for snacks, restroom, and to explore.
• Please wear shoes or sandals that will stay on your feet and bring a jacket in case the temperature gets cooler.
• We do not allow alcohol on our guided trips and prefer/recommend that all participants wear their lifejacket (PFD). 

Weather and water conditions:

All guided trips are dependent on the weather, if we are not going to be able to conduct your trip due to water conditions or weather conditions we will text or call before the trip. The Mussel trip requires a fairly low water level so we can fully explore the gravel bars and mussel habitat.

Location