KINGSTON SPRINGS, Tenn. (WKRN) — Foggy Bottom is a longtime summer favorite in Cheatham County, helping customers take canoe and kayak rides on the Harpeth River since 1987.

The family business is located on US-70 in Kingston Springs. Locals, regulars and tourists from all over the world have come to enjoy a five-mile ride filled with stunning river views and spots to swim.

But with recent heavy rainfall in the area, this summer has been different.

Employees at Foggy Bottom said they've had to close their doors most days so far this season because the water level is too high.

“Any amount of rain, no matter how small — especially if it's down stream — can raise it really fast. It’s really hard to tell until the morning of, so it’s really a last-minute thing if we’re going to open or not," said Shaw Everett, a driver who has worked at Foggy Bottom for the last five summers.

Foggy Bottom's owners said it has been devastating for their business, and they haven't experienced anything like this since the 2010 flood.

News 2 meteorologist Alex Libby said the area has seen an average of about 2.5 inches more rainfall than normal between May 1 and July 1 this year, with heavy downpours some days.

“It’s been pretty frustrating for sure, because I know a lot of people have been wanting to come out here, and we’ll have to turn them away," Everett said. "We want to open just as bad as they want to come out here."

The owners said the ideal water level for canoeing or kayaking on the Harpeth River is between about two and four feet.

“When it gets too high, the current will definitely pick up to where, even someone like me -- it will start pulling me to make it a lot harder to swim. So it really is a safety thing," Everett said. "We really don’t want anything happening to anyone out there.”

On days the water level is just right though, all levels are welcome to head out for a relaxing ride — and furry friends are invited to join.

“It’s a lot slower pace than, you know, Broadway... what most people are attracted to. I think that’s something that people really enjoy. Taking the time to slow down and enjoy time out on the river," Everett said.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/on-tour-middle-tn/harpeth-river-kayaking-cheatham-county/