Nashville’s waterways offer excellent paddling opportunities, and I’ve found three standout experiences worth your time.
The guided tours along Shelby Bottoms Greenway are perfect for beginners, with expert instruction and peaceful waters.
The Cumberland River self-guided routes deliver the best city views – you’ll paddle past downtown’s impressive skyline.
My favorite is the clear kayak experience on Old Hickory Lake, which combines unique equipment with pristine waters.
These outfitters provide quality gear and straightforward rental processes.
I particularly love the Shelby Bottoms tours for their knowledgeable guides and well-planned routes.
Check our tested recommendations below for the full details on Nashville’s top paddling adventures.
Key Points
- Two-hour guided kayak tour along Shelby Bottoms Greenway with a maximum group size of 15 for personalized attention and high recommendation rate.
- Self-paced exploration of the Cumberland River with downtown Nashville skyline views, suitable for both seasoned kayakers and first-time paddlers.
- Clear kayak tour of Old Hickory Lake with a maximum of 10 travelers, providing scenic views and including all necessary equipment.
- 1.5-hour urban kayaking experience along the Cumberland River with shuttle service to the launch site, praised for its convenience and scenic options.
- Smooth and hassle-free kayak rental process in downtown Nashville, allowing for self-paced exploration of the river.
Nashville Guided Kayak Adventure
The Nashville Guided Kayak Tour offers adventurers a chance to paddle through the city’s scenic waterways, providing a unique perspective of the iconic Nashville skyline.
This two-hour guided tour takes small groups of up to 15 guests downstream along the Shelby Bottoms Greenway, showcasing panoramic views of the downtown area. Led by experienced, friendly guides, the tour provides personalized attention and assistance as needed. Travelers will be transported to the launch point and equipped with all necessary gear, including water and sunscreen.
With a 95% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence from Big Willies Nashville, this tour is a popular choice for those seeking a relaxing yet active experience.
However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Pregnant travelers and those with serious medical conditions are also advised to reconsider.
Read our full review: Nashville Guided Kayak Adventure Review
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Nashville: Downtown Kayak Rental
Downtown Nashville’s kayak rentals offer an exhilarating way to explore the city’s scenic waterways.
For those seeking an adventure, the Nashville: Downtown Kayak Rental experience provides access to the Cumberland River right in the heart of the city. With a duration of 1-2 hours, this rental allows visitors to paddle at their own pace, taking in the skyline and landmarks from a unique water-based perspective.
Priced at $31.73 per person, the rental includes the kayak, paddle, and life jacket, making it an affordable option for both solo and group adventures.
Reviews praise the smooth and hassle-free rental process, as well as the stunning views of the city.
Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a first-time paddler, the Nashville: Downtown Kayak Rental is an excellent way to learn about the city’s vibrant atmosphere from a refreshing vantage point.
Read our full review: Nashville: Downtown Kayak Rental Review
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Small Group Clear Kayak Tour of Old Hickory Lake
Visitors seeking a unique and immersive kayaking experience on Old Hickory Lake can embark on a Small Group Clear Kayak Tour. This 5-star rated tour, located in Nashville, USA, offers a maximum of 10 travelers the opportunity to explore the lake’s serene waters in clear kayaks.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, such as kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, as well as dry bags and quick instruction on paddle techniques from a knowledgeable guide.
The tour’s meeting point is at 97 Deer Run Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066, where participants can park in the overflow area near the green fence. The activity ends back at the same location.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness levels, with a weight restriction of 425 pounds per boat or 250 pounds per seat.
Cancellations due to poor weather or minimum traveler requirements may be eligible for a different date or full refund, but no refunds are available for cancellations by travelers.
Read our full review: Small Group Clear Kayak Tour of Old Hickory Lake Review
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Nashville: Downtown Kayak Rental With Shuttle
For those seeking a more urban kayaking adventure, Nashville’s downtown area offers a convenient kayak rental option with shuttle service. This 1.5-hour experience allows visitors to paddle along the Cumberland River, taking in the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks like the Ryman Auditorium.
The Nashville: Downtown Kayak Rental With Shuttle tour begins with a shuttle ride to the launch site, where participants can pick up their kayaks and safety equipment. The easy-to-navigate route provides a relaxing way to explore the river, with the option to stop and admire the views or snap photos.
At the end of the excursion, the shuttle service transports paddlers back to their starting point. Priced at $37.27 per person, this activity is a great way to experience Nashville’s waterways and get a unique perspective of the city.
With 4.6 out of 5 stars from 365 reviews, it’s a popular choice for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy an active and scenic adventure in the heart of Music City.
Read our full review: Nashville: Downtown Kayak Rental With Shuttle Review
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Recap
Nashville offers a variety of exciting canoe and kayak experiences. Explore the city’s waterways on a guided adventure, rent a kayak downtown, or take a clear kayak tour of Old Hickory Lake. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, there’s an option to suit your interests and skill level. With convenient rentals and shuttle services, it’s easy to get out on the water and enjoy the scenic beauty around Nashville.