Do you like the idea of a riverboat or lake cruise but don’t have the funds, time or inclination for a lengthy, days-long excursion? Well, you’re in luck because Tennessee offers a number of options for cruises that are shorter in duration — usually just a few hours.
Southern Belle
This Chattanooga-based riverboat offers dining, sightseeing, seasonal and daily cruises as well as private charters. Whether you want to view fall’s changing of the leaves or book a romantic dinner, there are several options available. For more information: chattanoogariverboat.com
Star of Knoxville
If Knoxville is a more convenient departure point, check out the lunch, dinner, sightseeing, special holiday or themed cruises available on board the Star of Knoxville. Also available are private charters for weddings, reunions and the like. For more information: tnriverboat.com
General Jackson Showboat
One of the biggest showboats in the country, the General Jackson is based in Nashville and offers midday and evening cruises complete with live musical entertainment that you’d expect from a trip to Music City. For more information: www.generaljackson.com
Wildlife-viewing tours
While the middle of winter might not be when you think about taking to Tennessee’s waterways, it’s the prime time to view majestic bald eagles. Each January, Land Between the Lakes hosts catered tours that include naturalists helping you spot not only eagles but other wildlife.
Reelfoot Lake is home to one of the largest wintering bald eagle populations, so it’s also a great place to go on an eagle-viewing cruise in January or February. For more information: reelfoot.com/scenic_boat_cruises.htm
The Nashville area has an array of options, too. For example, Blue Heron Cruises offers nature cruises and private pontoon parties departing from Fred Sanders Marina and Restaurant in Mt. Juliet and cruising Percy Priest Lake. For more information: www.blueheroncruises.com
River rafting
With so many waterways, Tennessee is also great for river rafting, kayaking, canoeing and a number of other watersports. Chances are if you live near a river, there is a business or dozens offering rentals or guided excursions. For river rafting, here are a few options:
- Rafting in the Smokies — Enjoy several Class III and IV whitewater rapids along the scenic Pigeon River with a trained guide in every raft. Calmer Class 1 and II rapids along the Big Pigeon River are offered as family floats. raftinginthesmokies.com
- Nantahala Outdoor Center — Located in Bryson City, North Carolina, “the NOC” offers a number of different rafting excursions on several rivers, including the Ocoee, Nolichucky and Pigeon in Tennessee.noc.com
- Ocoee Rafting — This Ducktown company has been taking adventurers on trips down the Ocoee River since 1976. Trips leave from the Ocoee Rafting Center.ocoeerafting.com
An internet search will produce many more hits for various outfitters providing guides and trips along Tennessee’s thrilling whitewater. So start planning now for your next adventure.
An evening river cruise on the General Jackson takes you along Nashville’s skyline on the Cumberland river.
