Life at the Lake

 Mosey on down to one of Nashville’s best lakes and make a few summer memories. Take a hike, go for a swim, saddle up a horse, throw in a line, climb a cliff, or put up your sail at any one of these adventure-filled waterways.

by Nashville Lifestyles

June 4, 2015

5:00 AM

Tims Ford Lake

Pitch a tent or pile the family in the RV for a weekend getaway at Tims Ford Lake, just minutes away from the historic towns of Winchester and Lynchburg. While you're in town, cruise by the Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Trace Golf Course along with Tims Ford State Park. TimsFordLakeInfo.com

To Do: Plan a weekend gateway to Tims Ford Marina & Resort. The hassle-free resort is equipped with fully furnished lake-view cabins; all you need to bring are sunglasses and a smile.

Center Hill Lake

Follow I-40 east for 50 miles to soak up the sun and take a swim under the luscious waterfalls at Center Hill Lake. Or take advantage of the scenic forestland and 415 miles of unspoiled shoreline. CenterHillLakeInfo.com

To Do: Have a need for speed? Then visit JBeez Watercraft to zoom away on one of their high-powered jet skis. Tour one of the lake’s secluded waterscapes on a Hidden Harbor Marina houseboat or look to Little Big Town your trip by renting a new model pontoon boats for the day from Center Hill Marina. Which ever you choose just remember to pack some sunscreen for a sun-soaked day of fun.

Cheatham Lake

Just 30 miles out of Nashville, off Tennessee Highway-12 West, Cheatham Lake sits near the quintessential Middle-Tennessee town of Ashland City. Facebook.com/cheathamlake/info

To Do: Take a day trip and unwind on Blue Heron Cruises atop the 40-foot party barge. Or, if you’re in more of a woodsy mood, saddle up for some horseback riding and enjoy 320 miles of serene shoreline.

Dale Hollow Lake

 Hovering on the Kentucky border in Celina, Dale Hollow Lake is a two-hour drive east on I-40 and well worth it. Speckled with peaceful springs and hidden coves makes for the ideal bird watching and hiking location. Looking for a catch? Bring a fishing pole and come home with one of the 57,000 rainbow trout that are stocked in the river each year. DaleHollowLake.com

To Do: Mitchell Creek Marina provides fishing boats (equipped and unequipped), jet skis and pontoons (). MitchellCreekMarina.com

Lake Barkley

 Situated in Kuttawa, Kentucky, Lake Barkley is nestled in the Land Between the Lakes and offers an array of water sports, camping, and fishing. Grab your kayak and scan the shore for an elk or bison spotting out of the multitudes of wildlife managed by the U.S. Forest Service.LakeBarkley.org
 
To Do: A pontoon boat is the way to go for this trip. Lounge around the creek-like lagoon, soaking up rays and watching the deer and the antelope play. All of the local marinas present several options from double-deckers to schooners with slides.

Lake Cumberland

 Bring your spontaneity (and your sunglasses) as you scale Lake Cumberland’s Grand Canyon-like rock shelters, then get a running start and dive into the lake’s rejuvenating waters. LakeCumberland.com

To Do: Put your sail up and let the wind take you into the Kentucky blue with a rental sailboat from Water Way Adventures.

Old Hickory Lake

Catch your own dinner at Nashville’s oldest reservoir, home to renowned fishing tournaments and water sports. Just 15 miles north on I-65 in Hendersonville, Old Hickory Lake is Nashville’s most convenient reservoir. It’s an easy track, so slather on some sunscreen, throw your line in and, as Zac Brown preaches, “stick your toes in the water. x93 TennesseeLakeInfo.com

To Do: Looking to catch your own dinner? Calico Jack’s distributes Old Hickory’s finest fishing fleets and boatloads (pun intended) of information on where to catch that 30-pounder.

Percy Priest Lake

 Take a break from the city heat and blow off some steam at one of Nashville’s breezy waterways, Percy Priest Lake. A quick 15-minute drive just 12 miles east of downtown on I-40, this lake is dotted with thirty-eight islands that are ideal for overnight camping excursions. Pack a picnic basket and sail away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. PercyPriestLake.org

To Do: Spend the day tubing, skiing or cruising around in one of Fun Floats’ speedy ski boats. Bored with the lazy river? Scoot from the water park over to Nashville Boat Rentals to snag a family (and pet-friendly) pontoon boat. Join the Nashville Boat Club (monthly fees are less than buying a boat) and have access to their entire fleet with options on both Percy Priest and Old Hickory.