Cumberland River
The navigable portion of the Cumberland River, from its mouth at the Ohio River to Celina, Tenn., a distance of 381 miles, consists of four “lakes” formed by a series of dams: Barkley Dam, Cheatham Dam, Old Hickory Dam and Cordell Hull Dam.
The Complete Listing of Marinas and Locks on the Inland and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways
Top Boating Towns
Chattanooga, Tennessee A revitalized riverfront is the springboard for things to do in this picturesque and diverse Southern town. It connects to parks, restaurants, shops and downtown attractions like the nationally recognized Tennessee Aquarium — home to 10,000 animals, an IMAX theater and the River Gorge Explorer excursion boat. Whether you’re a history buff, […] Read More
Destination: Nashville, Tennessee
I love to visit Nashville. Why? It’s a city on the move, home to an incredible multi-faceted atmosphere paired with a rich historical and musical heritage. It boasts of an ongoing modern re-dress to its downtown cityscape, but its warm Southern hospitality provides a downhome flavor all its own. And as country music star Ray […] Read More
Lovin' the Loop, Part 6
It’s 4 a.m. when we wake to a nightmarish sound of grinding metal and straining diesel engines. Suddenly, we’re blinded by a powerful searchlight. Anchored 200 yards off the mighty Mississippi, we’re tucked into the mouth of Little River Diversion Channel, 130 miles south of St. Louis. The huge towboat pushing a long, wide […] Read More
Boat Bums and River Rats on the Cumberland
If love makes the world go round, it can also cause boat trips. A September family wedding in the Nashville area made the perfect excuse for travel up the Cumberland River. As dedicated boat bums will do, we allowed two to three months for this trip. In mid-August, we left our home […] Read More
Profile: Rock Harbor Marine
Rock Harbor Marine is seven miles by land from downtown Nashville, so you’ll be looking for music, fun, good food and showbiz celebrities at this popular site. Pull off the Cumberland River at Mile 175 to find all of these things, plus 150 boat slips, a full-service boatyard and a most accommodating staff. […] Read More
Profile: Clarksville Marina
The Cumberland River has always been one of the most beautiful river trips in America. There are 381 navigable miles on the route from Smithland, Ky., on the Ohio River to Celina, Tenn. Cruise planners in trawler-speed boats calculate Clarksville as the perfect halfway point from Grand Rivers to Nashville. As of last July, […] Read More
Fall Fests
Marked by a pleasant change of color and climate, fall offers boaters in the Midwest a chance to enjoy their favorite pastime from a whole new perspective. What’s more, a variety of annual festivals spread throughout the region add to the seasonal opportunities with their autumn-inspired flavor and attractions. No, it’s not too late […] Read More
Weather Woes
Not even one year after a near-historic drought baked the area, a cold and rainy spring caused the boating season to start late in many places around the Heartland. The impact has seriously curtailed boating plans and slashed profits for marine businesses, bringing comments from “it’s been a lousy year so far” to “ […] Read More