Cumberland River
Today’s featured waterfront is the Cumberland River, which flows right through downtown Nashville and is the source of popular Lake Cumberland the Old Hickory Lake.
The Cumberland River has been known by many names before what it is known as today. During the early colonial period, the river was known as “Warioto” to the local Native Americans and as “Shauvanon” by French traders. It was also known as the “Shawnee” or “Shawonoe” before being dubbed the Cumberland River.
The Cumberland River begins in Harlan County, KY and flows for 688 miles before joining with the Ohio River northwest of Paducah, KY. The River is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for tug-and-barge navigation. It is said to be a river for great fishing and is also home to Cumberland Falls, which is a 68 foot high waterfall, one of the largest of its kind in the eastern U.S.
In Nashville, the Cumberland River can be enjoyed many ways, by simply enjoying its shoreline from the downtown area or hopping aboard the General Jackson showboat for an afternoon or evening cruise.