Top Lakes in Middle Tennessee for Boating, Fishing, and Swimming

by Nik Shewmaker

What are the best lakes in Middle Tennessee?
The top lakes near Nashville are Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake for easy day trips, plus Center Hill, Dale Hollow, Cordell Hull, and Tims Ford for weekend getaways with clear water, marinas, and great fishing.

When the weather warms up, Middle Tennesseans head to the water. The region has some of the best lakes in the Southeast for boating, fishing, paddling, and swimming, and several are close enough to Nashville for an after-work cruise.

Here's a guide to the best lakes in Middle Tennessee, starting with the closest to Nashville. Lake sizes are approximate at normal pool levels.

Lakes Close to Nashville

Old Hickory Lake (about 22,500 acres)

Old Hickory Lake stretches along Hendersonville, Gallatin, Mount Juliet, and Old Hickory. It has dozens of public boat access sites, several marinas, and Army Corps campgrounds, and it's popular for boating, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. It's also the most popular lake in the area for buying a home. Learn more in our guide to living on Old Hickory Lake.

J. Percy Priest Lake (about 14,200 acres)

With its dam about 10 miles east of downtown, Percy Priest is Nashville's closest major lake. It offers several marinas with boat rentals, parks and campgrounds, and popular fishing for bass, striped bass, crappie, and bluegill. Long Hunter State Park sits along its eastern shore. Comparing the two? Read Old Hickory Lake vs Percy Priest Lake.

Cheatham Lake

Cheatham Lake runs along the Cumberland River from Nashville toward Ashland City, with free public boat access sites, marinas, and fishing for bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish.

Weekend Lake Getaways

Center Hill Lake (about 18,220 acres)

About 60 miles east of Nashville, Center Hill is known for clear water, rock bluffs, and waterfalls along its shoreline, making it a favorite for boating and camping.

Cordell Hull Lake (about 11,960 acres)

Roughly an hour east of Nashville, Cordell Hull offers campgrounds, day-use areas with swim beaches, boating, fishing, and hiking.

Dale Hollow Lake (about 27,700 acres)

Straddling the Tennessee and Kentucky border, Dale Hollow is Middle Tennessee's largest lake and is famous for clear water, houseboating, and smallmouth bass fishing.

Tims Ford Lake (about 10,700 acres)

In south-central Tennessee, Tims Ford is home to Tims Ford State Park, with marinas, pontoon and kayak rentals, and excellent bass fishing.

Normandy Lake (about 3,000 acres)

Near Tullahoma, Normandy is a smaller, quieter lake that's great for fishing and paddling.

Smaller Lakes for Hiking and Fishing

Radnor Lake State Natural Area: a 1,368-acre natural area in Nashville for hiking and wildlife viewing. No swimming or boating.
Marrowbone Lake: a 60-acre lake in Joelton with fishing piers, boat rentals, and trails.

Thinking About Living on the Lake?

Many buyers move to Middle Tennessee for lake access. Before you buy, understand dock permits, shoreline rules, and how waterfront compares with water-view or lake-access homes. Start with these guides:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest lake to Nashville?
J. Percy Priest Lake is the closest major lake, with its dam about 10 miles east of downtown. Old Hickory Lake is also close, along the north side of Hendersonville, Gallatin, and Mount Juliet.

What is the biggest lake in Middle Tennessee?
Dale Hollow Lake, on the Tennessee and Kentucky border, is the largest at about 27,700 acres. Old Hickory Lake, at about 22,500 acres, is the largest close to Nashville.

Which Middle Tennessee lakes are best for living on?
Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake are the most popular for lake homes because they're within an easy commute of Nashville. Dock rules and shoreline permits vary, so review them before you buy.

Find Your Lake Home With Nashville's Nik

Nik Shewmaker, Nashville's Nik with Real Broker, helps buyers find homes on and near Old Hickory and Percy Priest lakes. Browse Hendersonville, Gallatin, and Mount Juliet homes for sale, or call (615) 585-0022.