Top 10 Lakes around Nashville-Davidson

For a wide range of water sports and activities, J. Percy Priest Lake is a top choice, known for boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. If you prefer a more tranquil nature experience focused on wildlife observation and hiking, Radnor Lake Trail is highly recommended.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Long Hunter State Park, located on J. Percy Priest Lake, offers over 30 miles of shoreline with opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, along with educational programs. J. Percy Priest Lake itself has sandy and rocky beaches and picnic areas suitable for families.

The lakes around Nashville-Davidson offer diverse natural beauty. You'll find extensive forested shorelines, clear waters, and rolling hills. Radnor Lake is particularly known for its lush greenery and abundant wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. J. Percy Priest Lake features both sandy and rocky beaches, while Old Hickory Lake boasts a unique sandy beach area.

J. Percy Priest Lake is excellent for swimming, with the Anderson Road Recreation Area specifically providing a designated swimming area and a beach. Old Hickory Lake also offers great swimming opportunities, notably at Old Hickory Beach, which provides a genuine sandy beach experience.

For an easy and scenic walk, the Radnor Lake Trail is a well-marked path that encircles Radnor Lake and connects to the old Otter Creek Road. The Bryant Grove Trail near J. Percy Priest Lake is another flat and easy option, winding through woodlands with sections of dirt, gravel, and wooden boardwalks.

Both J. Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake are highly regarded for fishing. J. Percy Priest Lake is known for largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Old Hickory Lake is also a favored spot for fishing, particularly for its diverse fish populations and less crowded conditions.

Absolutely. J. Percy Priest Lake is considered a 'water sports capital,' offering extensive opportunities for boating, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, and wakeboarding. Old Hickory Lake is also popular for boating, jet skiing, sailing, and kayaking, with many boat access sites and marinas available.

Beyond water activities, the areas around these lakes offer excellent hiking and other outdoor pursuits. You can explore various trails, such as those within Long Hunter State Park. For more hiking options, check out the hiking guide for Nashville-Davidson, which includes routes like Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Stones River Greenway.

Yes, the Nashville-Davidson area provides numerous routes for running and cycling. For running, you might explore options in the running trails guide, including the Music City Bikeway. Cyclists can find routes like the Shelby Bottoms Greenway Loop in the road cycling guide for Nashville-Davidson.

Visitors particularly appreciate the accessibility and diverse offerings of these lakes. Many enjoy the well-marked trails, scenic views, and opportunities for wildlife observation, especially at Radnor Lake. The extensive shorelines of J. Percy Priest Lake and Long Hunter State Park are praised for boating, fishing, and swimming, making them ideal for both active recreation and peaceful relaxation.

Old Hickory Lake tends to be less crowded than some other options, even on weekends. Its elongated shape allows visitors to find quieter areas for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the water without the hustle and bustle.

Yes, Radnor Lake State Park is committed to accessibility. The Lake Trail, which encircles the lake, is specifically designed to be accessible for individuals using all-terrain wheelchairs, ensuring a tranquil nature experience for a wider range of visitors.