Nashville isn’t just a music city — it’s a water city too. The Cumberland River runs right through downtown, and within an hour’s drive in almost any direction you’ll find some of the most ecologically remarkable waterways in the eastern United States. Whether you’re looking to fish, paddle, camp, or simply get outside, here’s your guide to the rivers and lakes near Nashville, Tennessee.
Rivers Near Nashville
1. Cumberland River
The Cumberland River is Nashville’s river — the one that defines the city’s skyline and its history. The 688-mile river originates in Harlan County, Kentucky, at the confluence of the Clover, Martin’s, and Poor Forks, then loops through Middle Tennessee before returning to western Kentucky and joining the Ohio River near Smithland. Nashville’s two-mile Riverfront Park sits along the Cumberland’s banks downtown, offering picnic areas, playgrounds, performance venues, and waterfront walking routes.
The river’s upper section in Kentucky is ideal for kayaking and canoeing, and the 68-foot Cumberland Falls — one of the largest waterfalls in the southeastern United States and one of the few places in the Western Hemisphere where you can see a moonbow — is a landmark attraction along the route, though boats cannot navigate it directly. Downstream from Nashville, larger vessels have access to the river and its connected lakes. The Cumberland’s current is generally calm within the Nashville area, making it accessible for recreational boating.
2. Caney Fork River
A major tributary of the Cumberland River, the Caney Fork is famous for its fly fishing. Below Center Hill Dam, cold, clear tailwaters support wild populations of rainbow, brown, and brook trout — some of the best trout fishing in Tennessee. Farther west into Smith County, striped bass fishing becomes the main draw. The river is also excellent for canoeing and kayaking, with beautiful limestone bluffs framing much of its course.
The surrounding landscape rewards hikers too. Burgess Falls State Park, the Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness Area, and Bone Cave State Natural Area all offer dramatic hikes through rock formations and forested gorges within the Caney Fork watershed.
3. Duck River
The Duck River is 284 miles long and holds the distinction of being the longest river located entirely within Tennessee. It is also, by virtually every scientific measure, the most biologically diverse river in North America — and one of three recognized global hotspots for freshwater fish and mussel diversity. The river is home to more than 151 species of fish, 56 species of freshwater mussels, and 22 aquatic snail species. Many of these are found nowhere else on Earth.
The free-flowing majority of the Duck River is ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Wildlife along the banks includes blue herons, kingfishers, beavers, mink, deer, and wild turkey. The upper Duck passes by Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, a roughly 2,000-year-old Native American ceremonial site — so you’ll paddle through both natural and human history. Camping is permitted at select locations along the river. Worth noting: the Duck was named to America’s Most Endangered Rivers list in 2024 due to increasing pressure from water withdrawals as Middle Tennessee’s population grows.
4. Harpeth River
The Harpeth River is 125 miles long and one of Middle Tennessee’s most beloved waterways — particularly for paddlers. It rises in southwestern Rutherford County and winds through Williamson, Davidson, and Cheatham counties before joining the Cumberland River near Ashland City. A portion running through the Nashville metro area is designated a State Scenic River under Tennessee law, and Harpeth River State Park protects a 40-mile linear corridor of the river linking natural, historical, and archaeological sites.
Fishing on the Harpeth turns up smallmouth bass, crappie, bream, bluegill, and channel catfish. History lovers should seek out two landmarks along the river: the Narrows of the Harpeth, where 19th-century ironmaster Montgomery Bell’s workers blasted a tunnel through solid rock to power a steel mill, and Hidden Lake, a former quarry now turned scenic swimming hole. The Harpeth is one of the only major un-dammed rivers in Tennessee.
5. Tennessee River
The Tennessee River is 652 miles long and one of the most significant waterways in the southeastern United States. It rises from the confluence of the Holston and French Broad rivers in Knoxville, Tennessee, flowing southwest before looping back north through Alabama and into western Tennessee, ultimately joining the Ohio River at Paducah, Kentucky. The Tennessee River system drains portions of seven states and covers roughly 41,000 square miles.
Along Tennessee’s western border near Nashville, Paris Landing State Park and Pickwick Lake in Savannah offer excellent access to the river for boating, fishing, and camping. The river is heavily managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which operates a series of dams and reservoirs along its length.
6. Stones River
The Stones River is a tributary of the Cumberland River, flowing approximately 40 miles northwest through Rutherford and Davidson counties before entering the Cumberland about eight miles east of Nashville. It was named for Uriah Stone, a longhunter who explored the river with a party of fellow hunters in 1767. The Stones River is closely associated with J. Percy Priest Lake (see below), which was created when the Army Corps of Engineers dammed the river in 1968.
The Stones River winds through much of Murfreesboro, and locals enjoy the connected greenway trails, kayak and canoe rentals on the lake, and the Stones River National Battlefield — site of a major Civil War engagement fought from December 31, 1862 through January 2, 1863.
7. Buffalo River
The Buffalo River flows approximately 125 miles through southern Middle Tennessee, making it one of the longest free-flowing (unimpounded) rivers in the state — in fact, it is considered the longest free-flowing river in Tennessee. The Buffalo is the largest tributary of the Duck River, joining it in southern Humphreys County. Its watershed covers Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Wayne, and Perry counties.
Canoeing is most popular on the middle section of the Buffalo, where the river runs through forested bluffs and remote stretches that feel genuinely wild. Buffalo River Resort near Lobelville serves as a hub for paddling trips and camping in the area.
Lakes Near Nashville
1. J. Percy Priest Lake
J. Percy Priest Lake sits just east of Nashville, formed by the Army Corps of Engineers’ dam on the Stones River, completed in 1968. The reservoir covers approximately 14,200 acres and spans parts of Davidson, Wilson, and Rutherford counties. With 213 miles of shoreline and easy highway access, it’s one of Nashville’s most-used recreational lakes.
Several marinas ring the lake, and boat rentals are available for independent exploration. Fishing is a major draw, with healthy populations of largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Numerous parks and campgrounds provide easy outdoor access throughout the year.
2. Old Hickory Lake
Old Hickory Lake is a reservoir on the Cumberland River created by Old Hickory Lock and Dam, located at river mile 216.2 in Davidson and Sumner counties — about 25 miles upstream from Nashville. The lake spans 22,500 acres across 97.3 river miles, with the community of Old Hickory on its southern shore and Hendersonville on the northern side.
The Army Corps of Engineers manages two campgrounds, four marinas, and 41 boat access points on the lake. Five counties border its shoreline: Davidson, Sumner, Wilson, Trousdale, and Smith. Popular activities include fishing, boating, jet skiing, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming.
3. Cheatham Lake (Cheatham Reservoir)
Cheatham Reservoir is a 7,450-acre riverine impoundment of the Cumberland River that meanders from Nashville through to Ashland City, Tennessee. Sixteen public boat access points are available free of charge. Rock Harbor Marina and the Commodore Yacht Club both offer boat rentals, restaurant service, and fuel. Top fish species here include walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and rainbow trout.
4. Marrowbone Lake
Marrowbone Lake is a small, 60-acre lake near Joelton, Tennessee, about 19 miles from Nashville. The park is open from dawn to dusk daily with free parking. Anglers come for well-stocked populations of trout, bass, and channel catfish, with fishing piers, launch ramps, and an on-site bait store. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required. Boat rentals with trolling motors are available, and the lake is surrounded by hiking paths and a picnic area.
5. Radnor Lake
Radnor Lake State Park is a 1,368-acre Class II State Natural Area just south of Nashville — one of the most visited natural areas in the entire state, and treasured by Nashville locals as a peaceful retreat from the city. The park focuses on wildlife observation, environmental education, and hiking; it is not open for boating, swimming, or fishing in the main lake. The only trail where pets, running, and cycling are permitted is Otter Creek Road, and an all-terrain wheelchair accessible route is available. Ranger-led programs throughout the year include canoe floats (on seasonal ponds), wildflower walks, night hikes, snake talks, and birding events.
6. Tims Ford Lake
Tims Ford Lake is a 10,700-acre reservoir on the Elk River in south-central Tennessee, near Winchester — about 90 miles southeast of Nashville in the shadow of the Cumberland Plateau. It is consistently ranked as one of Tennessee’s most beautiful lakes and one of the best bass fishing destinations in the Southeast. Tims Ford State Park (3,546 acres) sits on its shores and offers camping, hiking, and a marina with pontoon boat and kayak rentals.
7. Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake is a 64-mile reservoir on the Caney Fork River, located about 60 miles east of Nashville across DeKalb, Putnam, White, and Warren counties. The lake is known for its dramatic sandstone bluffs and waterfalls, and is popular with bass anglers, houseboaters, and campers. Fish species include multiple bass varieties, sunfish, walleye, and catfish. Tennessee fishing licenses are available through Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency retail outlets and online. Hidden Harbor Marina rents houseboats, pontoon boats, and fishing boats, and campgrounds ring the lake for overnight stays.
8. Pickwick Lake
Pickwick Lake is part of the Tennessee River system, formed by Pickwick Dam in Hardin County — about 14 miles south of Savannah, roughly two hours from Nashville. Pickwick Landing State Park sits on the lake’s shores, offering boating, swimming, fishing, and a full-service marina. Accommodation options include a lodge, cabins, and campgrounds. Beyond the water, the park has tennis courts, a golf course, disc golf, birding trails, and picnic areas set across 1,416 acres of wooded hills.
Pickwick is a top destination for Tennessee River catfish and smallmouth bass, with crappie, bluegill, white bass, and sauger also biting year-round. Three public swimming beaches — Circle Beach, Sandy Beach, and Bruton Branch Primitive Area — provide nearly two kilometers of shoreline swimming access.
9. Cordell Hull Lake
Cordell Hull Lake is a reservoir on the Cumberland River in north-central Tennessee, near Carthage, about 40 miles east of Nashville and covering roughly 12,000 acres across Smith, Jackson, and Putnam counties. The Army Corps of Engineers manages two campgrounds — Defeated Creek and Salt Lick Creek — along with several day-use areas with swim beaches, picnic spaces, and playgrounds. Outdoor activities include camping, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.
10. Bedford Lake (Coy Gaithers Bedford Lake)
Bedford Lake is a small, 47-acre lake in Bedford County, Tennessee, located about 14 miles east of Shelbyville and Wartrace. It’s a quiet, uncrowded fishing spot with a boat launch, fishing pier, and fish attractors. Picnicking is available lakeside. A good choice if you’re looking for a relaxed half-day outing away from the busier Nashville reservoirs.
Planning Your Nashville Water Adventure
A Tennessee fishing license is required to fish in any of these lakes and rivers — licenses can be purchased online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or at most outdoor retailers. Water conditions on rivers like the Caney Fork and Harpeth can change quickly depending on dam releases, so check current flow data before paddling. And for the best experience on Nashville’s lakes in summer, booking marina rentals and campground spots well in advance is strongly recommended.
Have a favorite Nashville-area river or lake that made your summer? Share it in the comments below.
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