Nashville is home to many natural water resources. During summer months, these reservoirs become the top-rated sources for refreshing enjoyment under scenic and serene environment, and with lot of water.
The relaxing activities in these reservoirs include swimming, fishing, paddling, boating. Also, the well-maintained trails are good enough to explore the lakes and lands that are stretching along the shore.
So, read on to discover the best lakes in Nashville that you must visit this summer to beat the scorching heat of the season!
1. Tims Ford Lake
89 Miles From Nashville
The 10, 700-acre Tims Ford Lake is some of the most popular bass fishing destinations in the Southeast, also, the reservoir offers picturesque setting along with 265 miles of shoreline and plethora of entertainment opportunities.
The best offerings of Tims Ford State Park, located on the Tims Ford Lake, include areas for swimming, picnicking, camping, boating and golfing opportunities. The hiking trails are must-to-do activities to explore the beauty of this oasis.
Being one of the cleanest and deepest lakes in the mid South, the clean water of the lake is also popular with kayakers. There are four marinas on the lake, as well. Nearby the reservoir, visitors can explore other popular hanging out spots like Bear Trace Golf Course, George Dickel Distillery in Tullahoma and the historic downtown of Winchester.
2. Dale Hollow Lake
111.1 Mile From Nashville
Located in the hills of northern-middle Tennessee, Dale Hollow Reservoir is the perfect destination to relish summer charm and many water-crafted activities. A popular year-round destination, in this lake visitors can get involved with multiple adventurous activities.
The 27,000 acres of clean water and the 620 miles of natural shoreline provide ample space for boating, fishing, hunting, learning, playing, camping or anything outdoors. Though the most popular water activity is fishing, but water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding are also seen regularly enjoyed by many of the visitors.
For accommodation, there is endless opportunity. Cabins, houseboats, motels, camping— all are available for the visitors’ sake.
3. Marrowbone Lake
19.6 Miles From Nashville
Located in Davidson County, on Marrowbone Lake Road, Marrowbone Reservoir is a beautiful 60-acre lake. This lake is also a fishing paradise among locals. Useful facilities to get indulged with include the picnic area, restrooms and a concession area.
The notable fish species in the reservoir include crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish. Must try your luck in catching one of the biggest fish if you’re interested in this fun activity. The best thing is the terrain offers larger greenery to get some respite from the busy life without going far from the city.
So, hit the road to this closer city lake to take in the breathtaking views and to spend an incredible family outing in this unique outdoor landmark.
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4. Cheatham Lake
31.6 Miles From Nashville
Cheatham Lake, the 7,450-acre recreational hub, is packed with many opportunities, and ideal for fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, camping, picnicking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities under the breathtaking views.
Owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the lake doesn’t have any fishing piers, but boasts sixteen public boat access sites and two marinas. Largemouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, catfish are the notable fish species.
Interestingly, people can enjoy bank fishing that is available at the public boat access sites. To explore more exciting thing, head to Cheatham Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for public hunting with opportunities for deer, dove and turkey.
Also Read: Most Beautiful Parks You Must Visit in Nashville.
5. Old Hickory Lake
28.5 Miles From Nashville
This is another popular lake, located close to the city and is best known for its variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Each year millions of visitors come to Old Hickory Lake to enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing, picnicking, hiking and camping in this natural wonder.
The additional fun activities include wildlife watching. And must explore the most popular Old Hickory Nature Trail. This trail is totalling 1.1 miles and covers three loops, with unique characteristics of each one. There are some other scenic trails you can explore while enjoying the area.
So, going to Old Hickory Lake is a must-to-do activity when you’re in Nashville. You can really relish the lakefront views, safe and fun water activities and enjoy calmness and serenity with your family and friends.
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6. Watts Bar Lake
164.5 Miles From Nashville
Watts Bar Lake is located on the Tennessee River and was created by the Watts Bar Dam. The South’s one of the largest lakes is covering 39,000 acres of area with 771 miles of shoreline. Like other Nashville lakes, Watts Bar Lake is also popular with crappie, spotted bass, and largemouth bass fishing opportunity.
With three main hiking trails, the entire terrain is easy to explore and anyone can enjoy the nature all around the lake. The family-friendly easy hike includes the 0.3-mile The Forest City Trail. Starting from the Watts Bar Dam Reservation on the right side of the day-use area, this is a paved trail with restrooms available nearby.
Rich with flora and fauna, Watts BarReservoir offers closer views of bird species like osprey, herons and bald eagles, especially in winter. And wildlife to watch out include bear, dear, ducks, rabbits and some other native animals.
Give some effort in hunting turkeys, bear, white-tailed deer, ducks, elk, rabbits, or squirrels at the undeveloped public lands. Note, hunters need to collect a Tennessee hunting license before going for this activity.
As the lake is not very close to the city of Nashville, you may skip this stunner. But when you’ve enough time, must go to this reservoir as opportunities are literally endless!
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7. Cedar Hill Lake
10.8 Miles From Nashville
Cedar Hill Lake is one of the prettiest waterbodies the city provides us. This outdoor destination is a perfect place to enjoy natural charm, soft breezes along with scenic walk around the reservoir. Kids love to learn kite flying in the designated kite flying fields, and adults can indulge in biking or hiking trails.
Have some incredible time in the picnic pavilion with your close ones to make it a memorable day with your crew. Also, there is a basketball field. Fishing is quite fun in Cedar Hill Lake, and notable fishes are bass, catfish, bluegill and rainbow trout.
Water lovers can enjoy multiple outdoor recreational opportunities, making swimming, boating and skiing most engaging among them.
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8. Center Hill Lake
70.9 Miles From Nashville
Created in 1948, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Center Hill Lake is a multi-purpose usable lake, though the main two purposes are electricity production and flood control. But no worries! This Middle Tennessee reservoir is equally popular with unmatched beauty that is surrounding the pristine water.
So, get ready to explore a plethora of entertainment activities in the Center Hill Lake’s Parks and Recreation Areas where swimming, sunbathing are popular along the lakeshore, and boating, canoeing, skiing and fishing are most popular water-crafting activities.
To get the services of boat docks, head to any of the nine marinas that Center Hill Lake is having.
To enjoy some laidback things, the Center Hill Lake Information Center, located at the Resource Manager’s Office in Lancaster, TN, is a great place where visitors can enjoy a wildlife exhibit featuring many native birds and animals.
Also Read: Most Beautiful Lakes To Visit in Georgia.
9. Two Rivers Lake
11.3 Miles From Nashville
Within the city, there is another beautiful waterbody and that is Two Rivers Lake. This lake is a paradise among the locals who are hardcore lovers of fishing. Bring your family and friends to the comprehensive 374-acre Two Rivers Park locating beside the Cumberland River.
Also, having a great campground with lot of amenities, the park’s 10.2-mile Stones River Greenway is a perfect place where visitors like to enjoy cycling.
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10. Percy Priest Lake
11.6 Miles From Nashville
Formed by J. Percy Priest Dam, J. Percy Priest Lake, or simply known as Percy Priest Lake is packed with a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for year-round for millions of visitors each year. Both the lake and dam are named for Congressman Percy Priest.
Along with fishing, boating, hiking, camping, picnicking, and hunting opportunities, horseback riding is one of the most popular adventurous activities that is loved by many kids. Scuba diving is another fun activity. Note, divers must display their flags to inform about their exact location in the reservoir.
Now beat the scorching heat of summer in any of the three swimming areas. Remember, swimming is strictly prohibited at marinas, launching ramps and public docks.
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11. Nickajack Lake
114.9 Miles From Nashville
Another spectacular lake in Tennessee is the Nickajack Lake, created by Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Nickajack Dam. The reservoir is extending 46 miles upstream from Nickajack Dam to Chickamauga Dam.
This outdoor destination is always ready to help visitors make the most of these fleeting summer days while enjoying the scenic footbridge along with the concrete fishing pier. Though activities are limited, the unmatched beauty of the surrounding area make it a great place to go and enjoy just being with the self without doing anything.
Picnicking and TVA camping are great ways to make your family outing a more delightful experience!
12. Normandy Lake
67.3 Miles From Nashville
Located in south-central Tennessee with a major portion in Coffee County, Normandy Lake is a popular entertainment destination, especially in summer months. The reservoir with its 3,048-acre impoundment, offers quitter spots to escape from the busy city life and into nature.
Moreover, you can’t miss the United State’s one of the most popular lakes, when you’re in Nashville. Also, it is the second largest lake in Tennessee after the Great Lakes.
Talking about the engaging activities, the 17-mile reservoir is ideal for boating, water skiing and jet skiing. Also, there are 17 miles of trails around the lake. With limited camping, the recreation area doesn’t have any accommodations. But there are beaches and boat ramps available for the visitors.
Interestingly, visitors can explore the cliffs and tributaries of the Duck River when exploring the trail.
Also Read: Beautiful Lakes Near Bakersfield You Must Visit With Family For A Perfect Day Trip.
13. Sevier Lake
4 Miles From Downtown Nashville
Located among the tranquil tress of Shelby Park, Sevier Lake is one of Nashville’s top-rated fishing spots, and offers ample space and opportunities for all ages. The adjacent park is a favorite among the locals for a short escape from busy city life.
No matter where your interests lie, it’s for sure you’ll find something to get excited in this day trip. Reach there early morning and enjoy the serenity of nature, calm water and the softness of rising sun.
All these effortless activities are enough to rejuvenate your body and mind to fight back your fast and hectic lifestyle.
FAQs
1. What is the largest lake near Nashville Tennessee?
Percy Priest Lake is the largest lake that is locating 11.6 miles from Nashville. This huge reservoir covers an area of 14,400 acres with the elevated shoreline of 213 miles.
2. What is the deepest lake in Nashville?
Percy Priest Lake is the deepest lake in Nashville. Though, the depth is not equal everywhere and the deepest part of the lake is 100 feet that is close to the dam.
3. What is the clearest lake in Nashville?
One of the cleanest and deepest lakes in mid-South, the cleanest water of Tims Ford Lake is popular with multiple activities. Swimming, canoeing, boating, fishing, kayaking are few among them.
