Heath's Canoe Rental Inc

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I've been going to Heath's on and off for almost 15 years now and I have to say it is my favorite place to go. As fair warning, this place is like having that old pickup truck that has a few nuances to it, so you have to know how to work with it just right. After reading some of the previous reviews, I have to admit that some of the claims might hold some water but there is probably some context that is missing as well. Not accusing the reviewers of being liars, just misguided. If you become a regular or chat and joke with the employees some on your first trip (especially Johny), they will treat you like family . . . at least the family you like hanging out with.

The route itself, best there is on that stretch. I had been to all 3 companies between the I-40 exit and Heath's and paddled their 5 or 6 mile routes. One place is slightly mistaken on the length of their route because when I had asked to do their 5 mile, it took me no time and after mapping it, it was only 3ish miles. The route itself is also less than scenic in my opinion. The other place has a slightly better route and better option with equipment than the first but it still isn't that impressive.

Heath's route has the best landings, the best scenery, and an incredible rope swing that you can get to by either floating down the 6 mile or you can paddle against the current from the 4 mile. Along Heath's route you will see great trees lines, river beaches, and cliffs along the way with several spots to stop and hang out, swim, or just catch your breath. Along the 6 mile route the river has a nice current so that you're not killing yourself paddling the entire time except for a length about 3/5s in and it picks back up at the end. The only portion of the trip that is a pain is about 100 yards or so from where they drop you off. The infamous "TAKE THE LEFT AT THE FORK!" warning. The current will tend to drag you to the right and it capsized 3 of my friends, pinned a kayak, and creased a random party's canoe. But they do warn you about it when they drop you off, it is just hard to navigate if you are inexperienced. Aside from that little spot, easy peasy the entire way.

The facilities and employees at Heath's are honestly what you can expect from BFE Tennessee. They are good country folk who work hard and party just as hard as anyone. Do not come in expecting 5 star royal treatment, this is the freakin country! Also the website does say you don't have to have reservations (which is true) but it is better to have them because the will be busy on the weekends and holidays. Weekdays you shouldn't need any reservations so come on in while everyone else is at work.

All in all, Heath's is a great little company to do a 6 mile canoeing trip at. It is a very bare ones operation but they get the job done and it is a blast going down their routes. It is a little pricier than the other 2 companies along the the stretch but so worth the extra cash especially for that rope swing.

Just some helpful information:
-Make reservations on weekends and holidays
-Bring cash
-There is no cellphone reception out there, so be organized
-They are on the left about 7.2 miles from the I-40 overpass. Blue sign, gravel/rock drive way on a hill/incline. Be on the lookout. If you're driving through a small town, you've gone too far.
-Take the left fork on the river for crying out loud!

Worst Canoe Rental and Trip Experience EVER. My friends and I go canoeing all the time so we know what to expect as far as customer service and price. The guy that owns this rental company is a complete jerk. Hateful is every way. His prices are off the charts high as well. I am most mad about him not warning us in any way on how bad the water was the day we went. He was more concerned about his money than my kids. We bought the 6 mile trip that ended up almost devasting when all he had to do was tell us how bad the water was in that area and suggest we just do the 4 mile. Lastly the owner laughed at us and claimed he did warn us about the water and continued to laugh at us when we were very upset and exhausted from our experience. He didn't care at all but I'm sure he would have cared if we didn't return the boats by 6pm so he can collect t his $190 late fee. And trust me he sat right there at the take out watching and waiting. Worst experience ever!!

We made reservations for 6 shuttles, plus one kayak. They tried to charge us $266 for everything. When asked about the high price, it was $38 for each shuttle, plus $38 for the rental and $38 for the rentals shuttle. Are you kidding me? Hiwaay robbery!!!!!!!!!!! We decided to take our business elsewhere, especially when the presumed owner stepped in and said he was giving us a deal by not charging us $42 for each one. He kept $42 and said that is what we owed him for reserving one kayak. That is total BS. He was rude and obnoxious. Not a friendly business at all. Go somewhere else. We went to Buffalo River resort and were treated very courteously and professional.

Bad experience, but not totally Heath's fault either. We've been twice and took the 3 mile and 6 mile runs, respectively. Had a blast on the 3-mile run and recommend it highly to families that are new to the Buffalo. The Buffalo is serene in some spots, but definitely challenging in others. We ran into trouble just past the 6-mile put-in spot and almost lost a canoe. It capsized and submerged against a downed tree blocking the river. There are NO SIGNS that direct you which way to go here, so by the time you figure it out, you're in trouble. An off duty employee, Jesse, happened to be floating the river that day and helped us free the canoe. I paid this guy because I thought that canoe was stuck for good and would have been out $1200, but Jesse and his friends knew what they were doing-lifted the tree and let the current take the canoe out the other side! Just prior to this, another older couple did the EXACT same thing as we did and almost hit us. We freed them up and sent them on their way. Recommend Heath's and other Canoe Rentals along the Buffalo team up to put some signage up along the river and CLEAR that one bad spot at the 5.5 mile point of the float. That would help tremendously.

I was very disappointed with this place. After reading their website I thought it sounded like a great place and then once visiting I quickly realized they (especially the lady working the front desk) are unprofessional and very unorganized. The lady working the front was rude and not helpful to any questions. After discussing with her we got lost trying to find the place and tried calling all morning long she stated she had to take the phone off the hook because she was too busy to answer. That is very bad busy when your customers are needing your help as a business to find your location. Then they overbooked their canoes. Sat around waiting for a canoe to become free. Although their website says you don't need a reservation it is not the case at all. We drove almost two hours to try this place out and it definitely was not worth the drive due to the inhospitable attitude of the lady at the front desk. If she wasn't there I'm sure it would have been a pleasant experience.

AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL! We were told one price over the phone, then told a higher price once we arrived. After driving an hour to get there. we had a car full of disappointed children and 2 ticked off parents. The fat man (the owner I think?) was foul mouthed and smelled like a brewery. Fortunately, we found a nicer, CLEANER, more polite group of people just down the road near I40. the day wasn't a complete loss, but we will NEVER recommend Heath's to anyone...even our wost enemies!