Nashville is a jewel of a town tucked away in the lush natural landscape of Middle Tennessee, and it boasts a handful of beautiful geographical spaces. The topography of the state is quite varied, with the lowlands of the Mississippi to the west and the craggy mountains of the Smokies to the east, but it's in Middle Tennessee that you'll find rolling hills and stunning fields. Old Hickory Lake is located right in the heart of the state and it's surrounded by parks and forests that make it one of the most beautiful natural places to visit. Gorgeous and expansive, it also has a history as deep as it is wide. Curious? Check it out below!
Old Hickory Lake is not only the oldest lake in Nashville, but also one of the most beautiful natural spaces in the Middle Tennessee area. It's a popular recreational area, known for its fishing, camping and boating opportunities.
The lake itself is located just outside of Music City, closer to its Hendersonville suburb, at the meeting of Davidson and Sumner Counties. It's in a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike!
The lake is bordered by the towns of Old Hickory and Hendersonville and spans an entirety of 22,500 acres. With 41 access sites for boasts and two campgrounds, Tennessee makes it easy for folks to get out on the lake and have a good time. We wouldn't recommend visiting during a thunderstorm like the one pictured above, however. Although it does make for a moody and beautiful shot!
The lake itself was formed by way of the dam, powerhouse and lock build between the years of 1952 and 1954. Man-made and maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers, it's a feat of design and natural beauty.
There are four marinas on the lake. It's a popular spot for kayaking, swimming, boating, jet skiing, sailing, and all other sorts of water sports. This ease of access lends itself to the entire community, making Old Hickory Lake one of the most popular spots for summertime fun.
Not visiting during the warmer months? No problem! There are plenty of parks that border the lake that are perfect for hiking, trail running, and bird watching. Head to Bledsoe Creek State Park in Gallatin, or maybe head to Avondale Recreation Area in Hendersonville. There are six in total!
Have you been to Old Hickory Lake? Have you enjoyed a day on the water, have you hiked along its beautiful banks? This historic Nashville reservoir is well-trafficked for a reason, and it can't be missed no matter the time of year.
Make sure to check out the Old Hickory Lake official website if you're looking for a full list of access points and parks.
If you're looking for more fun ways to experience the great state of Tennessee, make sure to check out some of the best hiking trails in Nashville for beginners.
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