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Glide in a clear kayak across Old Hickory Lake from Bledsoe Creek State Park and watch osprey, herons, and turtles through the transparent hull. This small-group tour mixes relaxed paddling with local natural history and sunset views.
Glide in a clear kayak across Old Hickory Lake from Bledsoe Creek State Park and watch osprey, herons, and turtles through the transparent hull. This small-group tour mixes relaxed paddling with local natural history and sunset views.
The clear hull of the kayak turns the lake into a moving window: submerged snags and darting sunfish slide under your paddle while a great blue heron watches from a low branch. You push off from Bledsoe Creek State Park and Old Hickory Lake opens up — wide water, tree-lined coves, and the steady pulse of powerboats far off in the channel.
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Operated by Get Up And Go Kayaking - Old Hickory Lake · Gallatin, Tennessee
The clear hull of the kayak turns the lake into a moving window: submerged snags and darting sunfish slide under your paddle while a great blue heron watches from a low branch. You push off from Bledsoe Creek State Park and Old Hickory Lake opens up — wide water, tree-lined coves, and the steady pulse of powerboats far off in the channel.
This stretch of the Cumberland River basin was shaped by damming in the 1950s to create Old Hickory Lake, and the shoreline still shows limestone bluffs and remnant creek channels carved into the bedrock. The area has long been a seasonal corridor for fishing and waterfowl; today small towns like Gallatin carry that working-water heritage in boat ramps, bait shops, and weekend anglers.
On a clear kayak the natural details come forward: osprey fold wings and drop like punctuation, turtles sun themselves on half-submerged logs, and bald eagles scout the shallows. Guides on this small-group paddle point out species and local lore while giving a short safety and strokes briefing before you glide away from shore.
Practical notes: plan for about 2.5 hours on the water, bring sun protection and a dry bag for electronics, and expect light wakes near the main channel. The tour’s moderate pace suits paddlers with basic fitness; guides handle logistics, life jackets, and instruction. Time your outing for late afternoon if you want the lake’s colors to sharpen toward sunset — the light can make the clear hull feel like you’re floating above the water.
The experience runs about 150 minutes (roughly 2.5 hours) including a safety briefing and guided paddle time.
No—guides provide a short instruction on basic strokes and safety; a moderate fitness level helps for the duration.
Yes, life jackets are provided and must be worn for the duration of the tour.
There is a maximum combined boat weight of 425 lb and no more than 250 lb per seat; the tour is small-group with operator age and health guidelines—check booking questions for specifics.
Get Up And Go Kayaking - Old Hickory Lake operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The clear hull of the kayak turns the lake into a moving window: submerged snags and darting sunfish slide under your paddle while a great blue heron watches from a low branch. You push off from Bledsoe Creek State Park and Old Hickory Lake opens up — wide water, tree-lined coves, and the steady pulse of powerboats far off in the channel.
The clear hull of the kayak turns the lake into a moving window: submerged snags and darting sunfish slide under your paddle while a great blue heron watches from a low branch. You push off from Bledsoe Creek State Park and Old Hickory Lake opens up — wide water, tree-lined coves, and the steady pulse of powerboats far off in the channel.
This stretch of the Cumberland River basin was shaped by damming in the 1950s to create Old Hickory Lake, and the shoreline still shows limestone bluffs and remnant creek channels carved into the bedrock. The area has long been a seasonal corridor for fishing and waterfowl; today small towns like Gallatin carry that working-water heritage in boat ramps, bait shops, and weekend anglers.
On a clear kayak the natural details come forward: osprey fold wings and drop like punctuation, turtles sun themselves on half-submerged logs, and bald eagles scout the shallows. Guides on this small-group paddle point out species and local lore while giving a short safety and strokes briefing before you glide away from shore.
Practical notes: plan for about 2.5 hours on the water, bring sun protection and a dry bag for electronics, and expect light wakes near the main channel. The tour’s moderate pace suits paddlers with basic fitness; guides handle logistics, life jackets, and instruction. Time your outing for late afternoon if you want the lake’s colors to sharpen toward sunset — the light can make the clear hull feel like you’re floating above the water.