Things to do nearPercy Priest Lake

Percy Priest Lake was created in the late 1960s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Stones River to provide flood control, water supply, and recreation for the rapidly growing Nashville region. The resulting reservoir, named for Tennessee congressman J. Percy Priest, quickly became one of Middle Tennessee's most visited outdoor destinations. Its proximity to downtown Nashville, roughly ten miles, means locals treat it as a genuine backyard escape rather than a distant weekend trip.

The lake offers more than 200 miles of shoreline, much of it still forested and undeveloped, giving visitors a genuine sense of remoteness even on a busy summer weekend. Anglers prize the lake for its largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish populations. Swimmers gather at designated beach areas, and water-skiers and wake-boarders make use of the broad open channels during warmer months. Several marinas along the shoreline provide boat launches, rentals, and basic supplies.

On land, the surrounding greenway trails attract hikers and trail runners year-round. The cedar glades and hardwood forest that border the water support a variety of songbirds and wading birds, making it a rewarding spot for casual birdwatchers. Picnic pavilions and campgrounds managed by the Corps of Engineers are spread throughout the project area, offering overnight options that put you directly on the water.

Percy Priest Lake holds a particular appeal in the shoulder seasons, when the foliage turns along the bluffs and the crowds thin considerably. For anyone spending time in Nashville and looking for a genuine natural counterpoint to the city, the lake delivers a full day of outdoor experience with little more than a short drive.