Overview

Avondale is a wonderful destination for people looking to launch a boat or have a picnic. Here, visitors can bring their family and friends for water sports and plenty of sunshine.

The picnic area is on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, just a short drive from Nashville, Tennessee. The lake is named after Andrew Jackson, the 7th U.S. President and Tennessee native with the nickname “Old Hickory.”

Recreation

Avondale is an ideal launching point for boat fishing. Bank fishing is also popular, with black bass, crappie and paddlefish in the area. Water skiing, sailing, wakeboarding, and swimming are also big attractions at Old Hickory Lake.

Facilities

The group picnic shelter accommodates up to 50 people and approximately 30 vehicles.
Flush toilets and a boat ramp are available for use.

Natural Features

Old Hickory Lake is a reservoir in north-central Tennessee created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam. The lake receives its primary inflow from the Cumberland River and spans 22,500 acres surrounded by wooded areas and grassy flatlands.

Nearby Attractions

Lock 4 Park is just a short drive away and offers several mountain biking trails as well as a fishing dock for bank fisherman.
The town of Hendersonville is very close and offers various historic districts to explore and great food.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Water access

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Directions

From Nashville, TN, take I-65 N to TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. Take exit 9 from TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd, turn right onto Shute Lane. Continue straight onto Avondale Access Road. Follow signs into recreation area.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 19′ 23.0002″ N

Longitude 86° 32′ 29.0000″ W

Overview

Laurel River Lake Picnic Area is a day-use facility located on a peninsula along the shores of Laurel River Lake. The picnic area provides 19 individual picnic sites which are first-come, first-serve, and two reservable shelters. There is no overnight camping allowed in the area.

Click here for the Laurel River Lake Picnic Area virtual tour.

Recreation

Laurel River Dam was completed in 1974 creating a 5,600-acre lake which provides hydroelectric power, safe drinking water and recreation opportunities for the public. Since its impoundment, the Forest Service and the Army Corps of Engineers have cooperated in developing public recreation facilities on and around the lake.

Facilities

Laurel River Lake Picnic Area offers one small and one large reservable group picnic shelter, with 19 additional picnic sites with tables and grill. Flush toilets, drinking water, playground, horseshoe pit, fishing pier and a volleyball net are also provided.

Natural Features

Laurel River Lake, with its cliff-lined shores and quiet coves, is a favorite destination for thousands of visitors each year. They come to boat, canoe, fish, hunt, hike, camp, swim, scuba dive, view wildlife and relax at one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky.

Nearby Attractions

Less than a mile up the road is a 725-feet long sandy beach area with a parking lot and chemical treated toilets. The beach is unguarded so always wear a flotation device when you’re on or in the water. While visiting the picnic area you can stay at one of the Forest Service drive-in campgrounds located at Holly Bay and Grove Recreation Areas. Whiteoak and Grove boat-in campgrounds are accessible only by boat or trail. Cumberland Falls is the second largest waterfall east of the Rockies. It is about a 20 mile drive from the area. Cumberland Falls State Park provides lodge and cabin accommodations for guests.

Nearby Activities

• Hiking
• Swimming site

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Directions

From London, Kentucky, head west on HWY 192 for approximately 15 miles. Turn slight left onto KY-1193. Continue on KY-1193 until arrive at destination on left. Area is marked by "Laurel Dam Picnic Area" signs.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 58′ 4.4501″ N

Longitude 84° 16′ 4.9699″ W

This recreation area is part of J Percy Priest Lake

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 9′ 43.1708″ N

Longitude 86° 36′ 27.5836″ W

Overview

Jefferson Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and the surrounding woods and grasslands.

Recreation

The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers.

Facilities

Jefferson Springs Recreation Area offers a large group shelter for day use and can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it an ideal spot for large parties and family functions.

Natural Features

J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its mission. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water.

In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands.

A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.

Nearby Attractions

J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities in addition to the conveniences of a metro area.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-24 east to Sam Ridley Parkway. Turn left onto Jefferson Pike and the Recreation Area will be on the left.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 0′ 1.0001″ N

Longitude 86° 28′ 22.0001″ W

Overview

Smith Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.

Recreation

The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers.

Nearby Anderson Road Fitness Trail is a paved trail winding a little over a mile through the cedar glade area beside the lake.

Facilities

Smith Springs Recreation Area offers a large group shelter for day use and can accommodate up to 50 guests. There is limited parking suitable only for 12 vehicles.

Natural Features

J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its justification. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water.

In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands.

A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.

Nearby Attractions

J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities and the conveniences of a metro area.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Fishing
• Picnicking
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east 5 miles to exit 219. Turn right on Stewarts Ferry Pike, then left on Smith Springs Road. The recreation area is on the left after about 2 miles.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 5′ 20.0000″ N

Longitude 86° 35′ 20.0000″ W

Overview

Seven Points Campground is a lakeside oasis in the green hills of Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and the surrounding miles of woods and grasslands.

Recreation

The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers.

The Three Hickories Nature Trail is located in nearby Cook Recreation Area and features a 1.6 miles of nature trail through the wooded area.

Facilities

Seven Points Campground offers 59 shady and spacious campsites, along with two large group picnic shelters. The campground features drinking water, a dump station, flush toilets and hot showers, creating a comfortable camping experience. A boat ramp and swimming beach are provided, allowing guests to take advantage of the vast, sparkling lake.

The group picnic shelters are located in the Day Use Area and can accommodate more than 100 guests each, making Seven Points an ideal spot for large parties and family functions.

Natural Features

J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its justification. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water.

In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands.

A highlight of the region, Couchville Cedar Glade Natural Area, is home to wildlife and rare plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.

Nearby Attractions

J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities in addition to the conveniences of a metro area.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Swimming site
• Kayaking
• Canoeing

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Directions

From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east for 7 miles and to exit 221B. Turn right onto Old Hickory Boulevard, then left on Bell Road, right on New Hope Road and left on Stewarts Ferry Pike. Follow the signs to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 7′ 59.0002″ N

Longitude 86° 34′ 13.0001″ W

Overview

Poole Knobs Campground is a lakeside oasis in the green hills of Tennessee, providing campers with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.

Recreation

The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers.

Poole Knobs Archery Trail is 0.3 miles long and is designed with targets in the woods for archery practice. There is a small shelter and some archery targets at the entrance of the trail.

Facilities

Poole Knobs Campground offers 87 shady and spacious campsites, along with one larger group camping site. The campground features drinking water, a dump station, flush toilets and hot showers, creating a comfortable camping experience. A boat ramp is provided, allowing guests to take advantage of the vast, sparkling lake.

The group campsite can accommodate up to 40 campers, making it an ideal spot for family parties.

Natural Features

J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its mission. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water.

In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands.

A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.

Nearby Attractions

J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about ten miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities in addition to the conveniences of a metro area.

Charges & Cancellations

There is a $10.00 transaction fee for all cancelled reservations.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Wildlife viewing
• Archery

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Directions

From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east to I-24 east. After 15 miles take exit 66B and turn right onto Sam Ridley Parkway. Turn right onto Highway 41 north, and after about 1.5 miles turn right onto Fergus Road. Make another right onto Jones Mill Road and follow the signs to the campground after 4 miles.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 3′ 2.9999″ N

Longitude 86° 30′ 37.0001″ W

Overview

Cook Day Use Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.

Recreation

The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of its temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers.

A large sandy swimming beach provides guests of Cook Day Use Area with convenient access to swimming and comfortable sunbathing.

The Three Hickories Nature Trail is a 1.6 mile nature trail located in a wooded area within Cook Recreation Area.

Facilities

Cook Day Use Area offers two large group shelters for day use, which can accommodate 75 and 100 guests, making it an ideal spot for large parties and family functions.

A large playground surrounded by lush, grassy areas are perfect for children to run around and enjoy the outdoors.

Natural Features

J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its mission. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water.

In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands.

A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.

Nearby Attractions

J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about ten miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities and the conveniences of a metro area.

Cook Day Use Area is also close to the Hermitage, the historic home of President Andrew Jackson.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Hiking
• Picnicking
• Wildlife viewing
• Swimming site

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Directions

From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east for 7 miles to exit 221B. Turn right on Old Hickory Boulevard, left on Bell Road, right on New Hope Road and right on Stewarts Ferry Pike. Follow the signs to the picnic shelters.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 8′ 12.0001″ N

Longitude 86° 35′ 44.9999″ W

Overview

Anderson Road Campground is a lakeside oasis in the green hills of Tennessee, providing campers with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.

Recreation

The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie and Cherokee bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers.

Anderson Road Fitness Trail is a paved trail winding a little over a mile through the cedar glade area beside the lake.

Facilities

Anderson Road Campground offers 37 shady and spacious campsites. The campground features drinking water, a dump station, shower house and a boat ramp. Near the campground is a Day Use area that campers can access with their hangtags, where a swimming beach is provided, allowing guests to take advantage of the vast, sparkling lake. The Day Use also provides picnic tables, grills, a shelter and playground. Please note this area may be closed on the weekends due to high volume of visitors in the area.

Natural Features

J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its mission. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water.

In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands.

A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.

Nearby Attractions

J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about ten miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors plenty of cultural activities in addition to the conveniences of a metro area.

Charges & Cancellations

There is a $10.00 transaction fee for cancelled reservations.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Swimming site

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Directions

From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east for 5 miles to exit 219. Turn right on Stewarts Ferry Pike and continue straight on Bell Road for 5 miles. Turn left on Smith Springs Road, then left on Anderson Road. The campground is ahead about 1 mile on the left or continue straight on Anderson Road to access the day use area and shelter.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 6′ 22.0000″ N

Longitude 86° 36′ 14.0000″ W

Overview

Anderson Road Day Use has a swim beach, picnic tables, and grills for guests to enjoy. At just $5.00 per vehicle per day, recreation is affordable for any family. Please remember though to leave the pets at home. Anderson Road Day Use does not allow pets.

Recreation

The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie and Cherokee bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers. Anderson Road Fitness Trail is a paved trail winding a little over a mile through the cedar glade area beside the lake. 

Facilities

Anderson Road Day Use provides a swim beach, picnic tables, grills, a shelter and 2 playgrounds. There are also restrooms and a boat launch ramp. Please note this area may be closed on the weekends due to high volume of visitors in the area.

Natural Features

J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its mission. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water. In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands. A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.

Nearby Attractions

J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about ten miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors plenty of cultural activities in addition to the conveniences of a metro area.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Picnicking
• Day use area
• Swimming
• Water access

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Directions

From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east for 5 miles to exit 219. Turn right on Stewarts Ferry Pike and continue straight on Bell Road for 5 miles. Turn left on Smith Springs Road, then left on Anderson Road. Anderson Road dead-ends into the day use.  

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ S

Longitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ W