Top 7 Lakes in Davidson County

Davidson County lakes offer a variety of trails. For instance, the Radnor Lake Trail takes you around the lake, offering a peaceful environment for hiking and wildlife observation. At Percy Priest Lake, the Bryant Grove Trail winds through woodlands and along the shoreline, connecting to Couchville Lake. You can also find trails within Long Hunter State Park, which boasts over 30 miles of shoreline on Percy Priest Lake.

Yes, many trails around Davidson County lakes are suitable for various skill levels. The Bryant Grove Trail at Percy Priest Lake is primarily dirt and gravel with boardwalk sections, offering a flat and easy walk. Radnor Lake also features trails like the Lake Trail, which is accessible to all-terrain wheelchairs, providing an easy option for a leisurely stroll.

Absolutely. Lakes like Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake are excellent for families. Percy Priest Lake is home to Nashville Shores Waterpark, and both lakes offer numerous picnic areas, designated swimming beaches, and opportunities for boating and fishing. Long Hunter State Park on Percy Priest Lake also provides educational programs for visitors.

Davidson County lakes are rich in wildlife. Radnor Lake is particularly exceptional for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see owls, herons, waterfowl, mink, otters, deer, amphibians, reptiles, and over 211 species of birds, including bald eagles. Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake also host diverse wildlife, including various bird species and other animals along their extensive shorelines.

Radnor Lake is highly recommended for bird watching. It's a Class II Natural Area with observation decks strategically placed along its trails, making it ideal for spotting a wide array of bird species, including bald eagles. Old Hickory Lake also attracts abundant waterfowl and wading birds, making it another excellent location for nature study and photography.

Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake are hubs for water sports. Popular activities include boating, sailing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Both lakes have numerous marinas and public access points to facilitate these activities.

Both Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake offer extensive recreational opportunities, but they have some distinctions. Percy Priest Lake, at 14,000 acres, is known for its water sports, excellent fishing (especially largemouth bass), and features Nashville Shores Waterpark. Old Hickory Lake, a larger 22,500-acre reservoir, is also a fishing hotspot and accommodates all types of watercraft, offering year-round recreation due to its temperate climate. Percy Priest is slightly closer to downtown Nashville.

Yes, some trails around Davidson County lakes are dog-friendly. For example, the Bryant Grove Trail, which winds through woodlands alongside J. Percy Priest Lake, is noted as dog-friendly. Always check specific park regulations for leash requirements and any restricted areas.

Fishing is very popular at Davidson County lakes. Percy Priest Lake is considered one of Tennessee's best largemouth bass lakes, also offering crappie, striped bass, white bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and trout. Old Hickory Lake is also a favored spot for bass, crappie, striped bass, catfish, and bluegill. Fishing permits are generally required; you can find more information on regulations and permits through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Thanks to the temperate climate, many outdoor activities at Davidson County lakes can be enjoyed for most of the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and wildlife viewing, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for water sports and swimming. Even in winter, milder days can be suitable for quiet walks and bird watching.

Yes, Radnor Lake State Park offers accessible options, with its Lake Trail being accessible to all-terrain wheelchairs. This provides a great opportunity for individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the park.

Beyond hiking, you can find various outdoor activities near Davidson County lakes. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous road cycling routes, such as those detailed in the Road Cycling Routes in Davidson County guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like Shutes Branch Mountain Bike Trail near Old Hickory Lake, as highlighted in the MTB Trails in Davidson County guide. Many lakes also offer boating, fishing, and swimming.