Percy Priest Lake
A vast reservoir near Nashville offering 213 miles of shoreline for boating, swimming, and exploring natural parks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm water for swimming
Percy Priest Lake
Best Time
Warm water for swimming
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast reservoir near Nashville offering 213 miles of shoreline for boating, swimming, and exploring natural parks.
"Get yourself a boat, some friends, and some drinks. This lake is an awesome hangout for swimming and just lounging around."
Boat Day Essentials
Pack drinks, snacks, and sunscreen for an epic boat day! Consider a floating cooler.
Paddleboard Rentals
Rent paddleboards or kayaks for affordable fun on the water. Book online for potential savings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Party Cove
Percy Priest Lake
The ultimate Nashville boat party destination. Expect a lively atmosphere with numerous boats gathered for swimming and socializing.
Shipwreck Cove
Elm Hill Marina
A popular lakeside restaurant offering dining with a view. Enjoy a meal or drinks right on the water.
Long Hunter State Park
Percy Priest Lake
Offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and boat ramps, providing a serene escape with over 2,600 acres of wilderness.
Cliff Jumping Spots
Various locations
For the adventurous, several spots offer thrilling cliff jumping opportunities into the lake's refreshing waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Access is Key
Embrace the Natural Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Day Essentials
Pack drinks, snacks, and sunscreen for an epic boat day! Consider a floating cooler.
Paddleboard Rentals
Rent paddleboards or kayaks for affordable fun on the water. Book online for potential savings.
Island Camping
Experienced campers can explore island camping on spots like Trigger Island. Plan carefully for smaller islands.
Sunset Views
Catch breathtaking sunsets from various points around the lake, especially from marinas.
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Day Essentials
Pack drinks, snacks, and sunscreen for an epic boat day! Consider a floating cooler.
Paddleboard Rentals
Rent paddleboards or kayaks for affordable fun on the water. Book online for potential savings.
Island Camping
Experienced campers can explore island camping on spots like Trigger Island. Plan carefully for smaller islands.
Sunset Views
Catch breathtaking sunsets from various points around the lake, especially from marinas.
Family-Friendly Beaches
Anderson Road Beach is a good option for families, though pets are not allowed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Percy Priest Lake for its natural beauty and abundant opportunities for boating and water activities, especially during warm months. While some find it less developed than expected, nature lovers appreciate its rugged charm. It's a popular spot for swimming, parties, and peaceful relaxation, though accessibility without a boat can be a consideration.
"Going there late at night might be a risky business as it’s dark, not too many lights, close to the forest. It was pleasant on a windy summer evening with pink skies there. We walked down near the footpath close to the water. Didn’t see any water animals around though. Good, peaceful place for couples, families and friends. Take some drinks and food with you to enjoy."
Paridhi
"It was gorgeous. If you're not sure what to expect and you come from somewhere with a large lock and damn your going to feel a little under whelmed. It seemed under deveoped.But as an avid nature lover you'll appreciate the ruggedness & that's its not more modernized. Even cool & breezy we saw several people enjoying the area. They had a dog park& lookout area as well as places to pull over for views."
Anna Black
"Get yourself a boat, some friends, and some drinks. This lake is an awesome hangout for swimming and just lounging around if you have a boat. The water is quite warm from late spring to early autumn. Definitely worth a few trips with a group of friends."
Rob Vucinic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about 10 miles from downtown Nashville. Major access points include marinas and parks like Long Hunter State Park. Driving is the primary way to reach the lake.
Public transportation options directly to Percy Priest Lake are limited. It is best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have your own vehicle.
Several marinas offer boat ramps and rentals, including Elm Hill Marina and Four Corners Marina. Long Hunter State Park also has boat ramps.
Some access points, like Anderson Road Beach, have an entrance fee, typically around $5 per car.
Yes, Percy Priest Lake is a large reservoir with access points near Nashville, Smyrna, and other surrounding communities. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General access to the lake and its public areas is usually free. However, specific parks or beaches might have day-use fees, and boat rentals or marina services will have their own costs.
Operating hours vary by park and facility. Long Hunter State Park, for example, is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's best to check the specific park's website for current hours.
Yes, boat rentals are available at various marinas around the lake. Options range from jet skis to larger pontoon boats. +1
Paddleboard rentals typically range from $30 per hour, while kayaks can be around $25-$40 per hour. Booking online might offer discounts.
Pet policies vary. Anderson Road Beach, for instance, does not allow pets, while other areas might be more accommodating. Always check local regulations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular activities include boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and cliff jumping. Party Cove is a famous spot for boaters. +2
Yes, the water is generally warm enough for swimming from late spring to early autumn. Many people enjoy swimming off their boats.
Long Hunter State Park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, providing opportunities to explore the natural surroundings.
Camping is possible, including island camping on designated islands. Popular spots include Trigger Island, Bear Island, and Goose Island.
Party Cove is a well-known gathering spot for boats, especially on weekends during warmer months. It's a lively area for socializing and swimming. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Shipwreck Cove at Elm Hill Marina is a popular lakeside restaurant where you can dine on the water.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended, especially if you plan to spend a day on the water or at a less developed access point.
Many parks and access points around the lake offer picnic areas, providing a great spot to enjoy a meal outdoors.
Marinas often have convenience stores or small cafes that offer snacks, drinks, and basic food items. For full dining, Shipwreck Cove is a prime option.
Some designated picnic areas may have grills available for public use, but it's always best to confirm with the specific park or area you plan to visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic overlooks, marinas at sunset, and the natural beauty of Long Hunter State Park. The lake itself offers many picturesque moments.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Weekday evenings can be less crowded.
Consider capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Party Cove on a busy day, or the serene moments of kayaking at dawn. The 'fairy doors' found on some trails can also be a unique find.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance water and sky colors.
Absolutely! Being on the water provides unique perspectives for photography, capturing the shoreline, other boats, and the open water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Renting a kayak or paddleboard can be a fun, active way for older kids to enjoy the water. Many of the parks around the lake have picnic areas perfect for family lunches. If you have a boat, the lake becomes an even bigger playground for kids to swim and explore safely. Consider visiting Long Hunter State Park for easy hiking trails that are manageable for younger children.
Keep an eye out for unique finds like the 'fairy doors' sometimes left along trails, which can add an element of discovery for kids. 💰 Budget Travelers
If you don't have a boat, focus on enjoying the beaches, picnic areas, and hiking trails in places like Long Hunter State Park. Many of these activities are low-cost or free. 💑 Couples
+1 Renting a kayak or paddleboard for a quiet paddle together, or enjoying a picnic by the water, can be very peaceful. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Boating and Water Activities
Party Cove is legendary for its lively boat gatherings, especially during peak season. It's a place where hundreds of boats congregate, creating a vibrant, social atmosphere.
For a unique perspective, consider renting a lakeside cabin at Nashville Shores for a relaxing stay with direct lake access.
The lake's warm waters from late spring to early autumn make it ideal for extended water activities. Exploring the Shoreline and Parks
The park's trails cater to various skill levels, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Tennessee's natural beauty. Several beaches and access points dot the shoreline, such as Anderson Road Beach, which is family-friendly but has restrictions on pets.
These areas are perfect for a day of sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the lakeside environment. Some visitors have noted that certain areas can feel 'underdeveloped,' which can be a positive for those seeking a more rugged, natural experience away from commercialization. For the truly adventurous, cliff jumping is a popular activity at specific, albeit unofficial, spots around the lake.
Always exercise extreme caution and be aware of your surroundings if you choose to partake in such activities. The lake's natural ruggedness is part of its charm for many visitors. History and Sunken Secrets
This means that remnants of the past, including potentially submerged structures or historical sites, lie beneath the water. While not a primary tourist draw, this 'sunken history' adds an intriguing dimension to the lake's narrative. For those interested in local lore, discussions about camping on the lake's islands, such as Trigger Island, Bear Island, and Goose Island, reveal a community that has long utilized these natural spaces.
Social
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