Old Hickory Lake: The Complete Guide to Lake Living and Lake Homes

Short answer: Old Hickory Lake touches Hendersonville, Gallatin, Old Hickory, and Mt. Juliet, and it's where I live and sell lake homes. The lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, so dock rights depend on the lot. Every lake guide I've written is linked below.

Start Here

• Living on Old Hickory Lake: Waterfront Homes, Private Docks & Lakefront Living Near Nashville
• Lakefront Homes Near Nashville TN
• Old Hickory Lake vs Percy Priest Lake: Which Is Better for Home Buyers?
• Best Waterfront Homes Near Nashville: Which Lake Is Right for You?

Buying on the Lake

• Old Hickory Lake Dock Permits Guide
• Two Homes on One Lot: Old Hickory Lake Properties With a Guest House or Second Residence
• Homes Near Old Hickory Lake Without HOA (Gallatin TN)
• Lake Homes Near Golf Courses in Nashville TN

Lake Towns

• Living in Old Hickory, Tennessee
• Old Hickory Lake Homes in Gallatin, TN
• Living in Hermitage, TN: Homes Near Percy Priest Lake

Hendersonville Lake Neighborhoods

• Indian Lake Peninsula Hendersonville TN
• Indian Lake Hendersonville TN (Neighborhood Guide)
• Living in Ballentrae, Hendersonville TN: Neighborhood Guide
• Living in Bridgemill at Indian Lake Village, Hendersonville TN: Townhome Guide
• Living in Cherokee Woods, Hendersonville TN: Neighborhood Guide
• Living in Chesapeake Harbor, Hendersonville TN: Neighborhood Guide
• Living in Gates of the Peninsula, Hendersonville TN: Neighborhood Guide
• Living in Hickory Bay Towers, Hendersonville TN: Lakeside Condo Guide
• Living in Lakeside Park, Hendersonville TN: Neighborhood Guide
• Living in Meadows of Indian Lake, Hendersonville TN: Neighborhood Guide
• Living in Nearwater Place, Hendersonville TN: Townhome Community Guide
• Living in Point O View, Hendersonville TN: Neighborhood Guide
• Living in Surfside Park, Hendersonville TN: Neighborhood Guide
• Living in Walnut Hills Estates, Hendersonville TN: Neighborhood Guide
• Living in Waters Edge, Hendersonville TN: Neighborhood Guide
• Living in Windstar Bay, Hendersonville TN: Lake Community Guide

Gallatin Lake Communities

• Living in Harbor Crossing, Gallatin TN: Townhome Community Guide

Watch the Videos

I'm turning these guides into videos on my YouTube channel, Nashville's Nik on YouTube. Each new video gets added to the matching guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What towns are on Old Hickory Lake?

Old Hickory Lake touches Hendersonville, Gallatin, Old Hickory, and Mt. Juliet.

Can you have a private dock on Old Hickory Lake?

Sometimes. Old Hickory Lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, so dock permits and shoreline rules come from the Corps. Confirm dock rights for the exact lot before you buy.

Do lake homes sell differently than other homes?

Top-tier waterfront homes often take longer and negotiate more. My Lakeshore Drive listing in Old Hickory sold after 93 days for about 89% of list, while the typical Davidson County home sold for 98.9% of list over the past year (Realtracs, through September 2026).

Thinking About Buying or Selling on Old Hickory Lake?

I'm Nik Shewmaker, a fifth-generation Nashville native, and I help buyers and sellers across Middle Tennessee. If you want a straight answer on which side of the lake fits you, call or text me at (615) 585-0022.

It matters who you hire to represent you.