Our Favorite Local Lakes

Now that the hot, sticky days of summer are in full swing, there’s probably nowhere you’d rather be right now than relaxing on the lakeshore. Perhaps you’d prefer a scenic hike with a picturesque water view if you’re a more active person. Fortunately, there’s plenty of spots in the greater Nashville area for you to sunbathe, boat, swim, enjoy nature, or fish. Here are our favorites:

Old Hickory Lake

Perched in North Central Tennessee, Old Hickory Lake is a reservoir about 25 miles upstream from Nashville. There’s plenty of full service marinas dotted around the lake, providing great opportunities for fishing and recreational boating. The lake is also surrounded by beautiful parks and campsites—you could make your trip here a three-day staycation!

Percy Priest Lake

Percy Priest Lake is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Nashville and comes with no shortage of things to do. You can rent pontoon party boats at most of the surrounding marinas, or bring your kayak or canoe. Besides being one of the best spots in the area for fishing, Percy Priest Lake offers plenty of other activities like wildlife watching, hiking, and even horseback riding!

Radnor Lake

If you’re a nature lover, there’s no better place to spend a Saturday afternoon than at Radnor Lake State Park. Enjoy almost eight miles of hiking trails, watch a canoe float, and observe owls, herons, waterfall, and otters.