cumberland river cruises gallatin tn

A Guide to Gallatin, TN

Sumner county – old hickory watershed.

• by Taylor Lynch
• September 1, 2023

A GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE CUMBERLAND RIVER BASIN

The City of Gallatin has been my home for the past three years, and I have loved every second of it. While not too far from Nashville, Gallatin is the perfect transition from urban to rural. It is clear the community here values its relationship with the area’s natural beauty as the people and the Old Hickory Watershed are closely intertwined. You will find no shortage of access points to the water, protected wildlife areas, or scenic stops along your travels. In addition, there is a strong sense of appreciation for the local history and small businesses. This wholesome city is a highlight of Sumner County and has a special place in my heart. To help you find the best spots around town, I’ve handpicked my personal favorites. So plan your visit here soon, Gallatin looks forward to meeting you!

Kávé at House of Haggai

879 Green Lea Blvd, Gallatin, TN 37066

Need your daily dose of caffeine? Kávé at House of Haggai is the perfect local coffee shop for you when exploring Gallatin. Special shout out to their seasonal drinks because they are amazing, especially the wintertime Salty Santa coffee. Not to mention, their freshly made banana nut muffin is the perfect pairing with your order. They have indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a drive-through if you need to stay on the move. If you are wanting to live like a local, this is the place to start!

Steamplant Road Access Point

1475 Steam Plant Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066

Looking for a peaceful paddle? This access point is a personal favorite of mine; it is the most serene place to kayak I have stumbled upon. The boat ramp isn’t obvious and is hidden on a back road, but I promise, this launch point is worth it. There is a paved portion for parking but is not ideal for launching large boats. The dock has eroded over time, so it is only suitable for kayaks. When out on the water, definitely start by exploring to the left. There are a few hidden alcoves with shallow water to paddle through. Some of my favorite memories here have been dropping our anchors and swimming or just drifting along with the current.

Odoms Bend Boat Ramp & Access Point

200 Odoms Bend Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066

Once home to a tackle shop, this boat ramp is a great option for launching larger vessels on the Cumberland River. There is plenty of parking, but it does tend to get crowded on the weekends. You can launch kayaks here too. If in a kayak, paddle under the bridge on the right to reach Bull Creek; this waterway is very shallow, but you will see plenty of wildlife. Make sure to bring your binoculars to this spot if you are an avid birder!

The Ice Cream Social

102 N Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066

Located in historic downtown Gallatin, don’t miss this charming ice cream shop. The Ice Cream Social is locally owned and operated, with the goal of creating high-quality, amazing new flavors for everyone to enjoy. They have lots to offer: shakes, sundaes, floats, kid’s cones, pints of ice cream, and tubs of ice cream. Once you have your ice cream in hand, take a stroll downtown and check out the other one-of-a-kind small businesses.

Earth First Plant Co.

142 N Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066

Earth First Plant Co. is an adorable plant shop located in historic downtown Gallatin. It has everything for your indoor plant needs and is also a vintage item shop. Not to mention, it’s my happy place! Visit to pick up your next plant – talking to all you plant moms and dads – or unique piece of treasure.

Tennessee Civil War Trails: Historic Rose Mont

810 S Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066

The Civil War greatly impacted Tennessee and played a significant role in creating the state that exists today. The Civil War Trails program identifies historic Civil War sites for people to visit nationwide, and many are listed in Tennessee alone. Gallatin is one of the cities with multiple historic sites from the War.

I highly recommend picking a couple of sites that pique your interest and visit to learn more. All of the sites are outdoors so you can still enjoy the fresh air! A few sites to mention in Gallatin are Rose Mont, the Douglass-Clarke House, and Trousdale Place. 

Lock 4 Park & Mountain Bike Trailhead

1598 Lock 4 Road Gallatin, TN 37066

Lock 4 Park is just one of the few natural areas in Gallatin. It is home to one of the most popular mountain biking trails/courses in Middle Tennessee; it has 9 miles of single track with multiple races throughout the year. This track was the first and only time I have ever mountain biked, and it was a blast! Don’t get me wrong, I was terrified the entire time, but the course was full of fun twists and turns. The rest of the park includes three different access points, perfect for launching kayaks or bigger boats on the Cumberland River. If you are a fishing enthusiast, plenty of angling competitions occur at the park, so think about signing up for the next one! Also, there are multiple spots for a scenic, lakeside picnic.  

210 Douglas Bend Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066

This locally owned restaurant is in an old farmhouse, hidden between Gallatin and Hendersonville. It is the perfect spot for a cozy brunch or dinner. 

Alberto’s serves incredible Brazilian and European dishes; make sure to order the Coxinha and the Pão de Queijo before your main course. Before you leave, make sure to pick your favorite baked good in the display case; from personal experience, it’s too tempting to leave empty-handed. 

Alberto’s has many pieces on display if you are interested in collecting artwork along your travels. All pieces are from local artists, so check them out and support them!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Featured in this guide, kávé at house of haggai, alberto’s, about this site.

The Cumberland River Basin project aims to promote the ecological and economical health of the Cumberland River Basin, an 18,000 square mile region that stretches across 70 Tennessee and Kentucky counties and home to more than 2 million people. 

Photography

A majority of the photography featured on this site was provided courtesy of Chuck Sutherland. For more information please visit Chuck’s website.

The Cumberland River Compact works to enhance the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland River and its tributaries through education, restoration, and collaboration. Learn more by visiting cumberlandrivercompact.org .