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Sometimes floatin’ isn’t all you wanna do. Located ~15 miles northeast of downtown is Old Hickory Lake, an over 22,000-acre lake with 440 miles of shoreline — and plenty of family-friendly activities to keep you moving. Water you waiting for? Start making your summer plans.
🌊 Ways to get on the water
- Old Hickory features 20+ boat access ramps and eight marinas with amenities like boat rentals, launch ramps, fuel docks, restaurants, and ship stores.
- Rent paddle boards and try your hand at yoga on the water with Nashville SUP & Yoga + reserve jet skis and waverunners from JBeez WaterCraft Rentals.
- Take surfing lessons from Nashville Wake Lab. Pro tip: Join the Landlocked Surf Club to meet with other surfers of all ages and skill sets and get out on the water twice a month.
- Is relaxing more your style? Take in the sights on Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville.
If kayaking is more your speed, there’s plenty of that, too.
Photo by @alanastohr
🎣 Notable features along the lakefront
- Plan a fishing day at one of the 15+ “fish attractor” locations maintained by the TWRA. Expect to catch species like striped bass, crappie, and largemouth bass.
- Let the kiddos burn off some energy at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park. The indoor park boasts a ropes course, tumble track, climbing wall, arcade, VR, and more.
- Swim up an appetite? Grab a bite to eat from Awedaddy’s Bar & Grill or Sam’s Sports Grill.
⛺ Camping + hiking
- Old Hickory Lake camping opportunities range from primitive tent campsites to full water and electrical hookup campsites.
- Camping fees range from ~$30-$40 with a $3-$5 daily visitor/reservation fee.
- Explore Old Hickory Trail before switching gears and cycling at Shutes Branch Mountain Bike Trail.
