Old Hickory Lake

North central Tennessee, USA

Just 25 miles northeast of Nashville, Old Hickory Lake is one of Middle Tennessee’s premier destinations for boating, fishing, and lakeside leisure.

22,500 acres

Surface Area

160 ft

Max Depth

440 miles

Shoreline

1957

Created

Brad Shoulders

Agent, Vision Realty Partners

As a Mt. Juliet–based Realtor with over 20 years of experience, I help clients find exceptional homes on and around Old Hickory Lake. From lakefront retreats to properties in Hendersonville, Lebanon, and East Nashville, I make sure buyers never miss a great opportunity in Middle Tennessee’s fast-moving market.

615-830-9088

brad@teamshoulders.com

www.oldhickorylakehomesforsale.com

Find Your Lake Home

About Old Hickory Lake

Created by the construction of Old Hickory Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1954–1957, Old Hickory Lake stretches nearly 97 miles upriver through five Tennessee counties. It serves as a vital resource for flood control, hydroelectric power generation, navigation, and recreation. The lake sits at a normal pool elevation of about 445 feet above sea level and maintains remarkably stable water levels, making it ideal for marinas, waterfront homes, and consistent year-round enjoyment.

The surrounding landscape combines rolling farmland, forested hills, and suburban communities, creating a setting that feels both peaceful and accessible. Visitors can enjoy developed parks such as Old Hickory Beach and Cedar Creek, or venture into quiet coves for kayaking and fishing. Wildlife flourishes here—bald eagles, herons, deer, and numerous aquatic species inhabit the lake and its wooded shoreline.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Bledsoe Creek State Park

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Surface Area: 22,500 acres of water
Shoreline: Approximately 440 miles
Length: Roughly 97 miles along the Cumberland River
Elevation (Full Pool): 445 ft above sea level
Completion Date: December 1957 (final hydroelectric unit)
Average Summer Air Temperature: ~80 °F (27 °C)
Fish Species: Over 10 common species including bass, crappie, catfish, and sauger

Old Hickory Lake Vacation Homes For Rent

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Old Hickory Lake EVENT GUIDE

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Old Hickory Lake DINING GUIDE

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What you can do there

Swimming: Old Hickory Lake offers multiple designated swimming areas managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including Old Hickory Beach, Cedar Creek, Laguardo, and Lock 3 Park. Each features sandy shorelines, restrooms, shaded picnic tables, and lifeguard-monitored zones during summer.

Boating & Water Sports: With over 22,000 acres of navigable water, Old Hickory Lake is ideal for boating adventures of all kinds—sailing, pontoon cruising, jet skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and kayaking. Calm coves make it great for beginners, while the main channel allows for high-speed recreation.

Fishing: The lake is known for excellent angling throughout the year, with abundant largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, sauger, and catfish. Spring and early summer offer the best action around creek mouths and submerged structures, and bass tournaments are regularly held on its waters.

Picnicking & Outdoor Leisure: Corps-managed parks provide shaded shelters, barbecue grills, playgrounds, and open lawns ideal for gatherings. Popular spots include Cedar Creek and Rockland Recreation Areas, each offering great views and lake access.

Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding Old Hickory Wildlife Management Area is home to deer, waterfowl, songbirds, and bald eagles, making it a favorite destination for birdwatchers and photographers.

Access, marinas & ramps

Marinas: Old Hickory Lake features numerous full-service marinas, including Cedar Creek Marina, Anchor High Marina, Creekwood Marina, Gallatin Marina, and Blue Turtle Bay Marina. Each provides fuel, boat rentals, slips, supplies, and waterfront dining.

Public Ramps: Over 40 boat ramps are available across the shoreline, including at Laguardo, Cages Bend, and Shutes Branch. Each site offers parking and easy water access for trailered boats.

Non-Motorized Access: Kayak and paddleboard rentals are offered by outfitters near Hendersonville and Gallatin. Guided tours and SUP events are also common during the summer season.

Nearby Access: The lake is just a 30-minute drive from downtown Nashville, making it a convenient escape for weekend visitors and day trips.

Safety & regulations

Boating Safety: Life jackets are required on board for all passengers, and operators are encouraged to avoid alcohol while boating. USACE patrols regularly monitor compliance.
Fishing Regulations: Tennessee state fishing rules apply—black bass daily limit 5 in combination (largemouth minimum 14 inches, smallmouth 18 inches). Additional limits exist for crappie, catfish, and striped bass.
Swimming Rules: Swimming is permitted only in designated areas; swimming near boat ramps or marinas is prohibited.
Wildlife & Hunting Zones: The nearby Old Hickory Wildlife Management Area permits hunting in specific seasons—visitors should observe posted regulations and safety signage.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Visit The Hermitage, the historic home of President Andrew Jackson, just minutes from the lake.
Explore Bledsoe Creek State Park for nature trails, camping, and lakeside relaxation.
Enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment in Hendersonville or Gallatin, two vibrant lake communities.
Take a scenic boat cruise or sunset tour departing from one of the marinas for breathtaking views of the Cumberland River.

Events & community

Old Hickory Lake is at the heart of a vibrant outdoor community. Fishing tournaments, charity regattas, and boating festivals are held throughout the year. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosts environmental education days, cleanup events, and family-friendly programs that promote lake safety and stewardship. Marina communities frequently organize live music nights, food truck gatherings, and social meetups, giving the area a friendly, small-town atmosphere around a major recreation hub.