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Old Hickory Lake stretches across five counties northeast of Nashville, offering more than 22,000 acres of water and 440 miles of shoreline to explore. Whether you’re paddling peaceful coves, grabbing lakeside cocktails, or launching a pontoon for a day in the sun, this scenic destination offers no shortage of ways to soak up summer. Here’s your guide to the best places to paddle, play, and unwind on Old Hickory Lake.

Table of Contents
  1. Where to Paddle + Play
  2. Where to Eat + Drink
  3. Marinas + Boat Rentals
  4. Waterfront Parks

Where to Paddle + Play

  • Gallatin Kayak Rentals: Explore Old Hickory Lake from the water with Gallatin Kayak Rentals, a mobile outfitter offering easy access at four scenic launch points. With gear provided and options for all ages, it’s a fun, low-key way to switch up your summer plans, whether you’re local or just visiting.
Three bright green kayaks are positioned on the shore of Old Hickory Lake, with calm water and trees in the background under a clear sky—a perfect scene for any summer guide.Pin
Begin or end your day on the lake with a peaceful paddle. Kayaks are available to rent from mobile outfitter Gallatin Kayak Rentals. Image: Instagram
  • Get Up and Go Kayaking: Get Up and Go Kayaking offers unforgettable clear kayak tours — by day, spot wildlife and paddle past dramatic rock cliffs; by night, light up the water with LED glow tours under the stars. Just 45 minutes from Nashville, it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure for date nights, small groups, or anyone craving a scenic and serene adventure.
A person in a kayak with blue and purple lights paddles on Old Hickory Lake at dusk, trees silhouetted against a pink and purple sky—an unforgettable scene for any Summer Guide.Pin
Paddle under the stars and watch the water glow on a magical LED night tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking. Image: Instagram
  • TN SUP and Adventures: TN SUP and Adventures offers more than just paddle board and kayak rentals — they create an uplifting, inclusive space for outdoor connection and confidence-building. From full moon meditations and SUP yoga to fitness classes and beginner lessons, their guided experiences blend movement, mindfulness, and community.

Where to Eat + Drink

  • Sam’s Sports Grill: Based at Blue Turtle Bay Marina in Old Hickory, Sam’s Sports Grill pairs made-from-scratch favorites like hand-pattied burgers and fresh daily sauces with unbeatable lake views and wall-to-wall HD TVs. It’s a go-to spot for game day, sunset drinks, or a laid-back meal on the water.
Covered outdoor patio with tables and chairs, ceiling fan, string lights, and TV screens; boats and docks visible in the background on Old Hickory Lake.Pin
Catch the game, sip a cold beer, and enjoy views of Old Hickory Lake at Sam’s Sports Grill. Image: Facebook
  • Scoreboard: Scoreboard at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet combines epic views, live music, and Southern comfort food for the ultimate summer hangout. From hot chicken and BBQ to ice-cold Bushwackers and shareable bites, it’s a go-to spot for relaxing days and lively nights.
  • The Lucky Rooster: The Lucky Rooster serves up juicy, no-fuss burgers, hand-cut fries, and ice-cold beer right on the lake. With a welcoming atmosphere, a deck overlooking the water, and perks like a kids’ menu and discounts for first responders, it’s a community favorite.
  • The Rudder: Located right on the water in Hendersonville, The Rudder is a lively lakefront hangout serving up burgers, sandwiches, cold drinks, and good vibes. With live music, events, and unbeatable views of Old Hickory Lake, it’s the perfect spot to unwind all summer long.
A Bloody Mary bar setup with shrimp, cheese, pickles, olives, celery, salami, bacon, lemon, Tabasco, and drink stirrers on a black tablecloth—perfect for Lake Activities or relaxing by Old Hickory Lake.Pin
Don’t miss the Bloody Mary bar at The Rudder. Image: Facebook
  • Moby Dickys: A Hendersonville favorite for nearly a decade, Moby Dickys is the ultimate lakeside hangout for seafood, sports, and spirits. With crave-worthy eats, cocktails, and a laid-back patio perfect for summer evenings, it’s where locals and lake lovers kick back and stay awhile.
  • Awedaddy’s Bar & Grill: Awedaddy’s Bar & Grill is Gallatin’s best spot for seafood, signature cocktails, and unbeatable lake views. Enjoy live music most nights, weekly specials like Taco Tuesday and All-You-Can-Eat Catfish Thursday, plus a Sunday brunch with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
  • Cumberland Canteen: Cumberland Canteen at Cherokee Marina is Lebanon’s premier waterfront brunch destination, serving up comfort cuisine with a view. With multiple dining rooms, two bars, and a breezy outdoor patio overlooking the lake, it’s the perfect place to enjoy everything from truffle parmesan fries and handmade pizzas to French toast, breakfast burritos, and eggs Benedict.

Marinas + Boat Rentals

  • Blue Turtle Bay Marina: Blue Turtle Bay Marina, nestled on Old Hickory Lake just outside Nashville, offers premier boat slip rentals and a fleet of luxury pontoon boats available for rent, as well as top-notch service and facilities.
A marina on Old Hickory Lake with docked boats, a floating building with a fuel station, and a large covered boat storage area—perfect for your summer guide to travel and relaxation on a sunny day.Pin
No boat of your own? No problem! Rent a luxury pontoon for the day at Blue Turtle Bay. Image: Facebook
  • Anchor High Marina: Anchor High Marina in Hendersonville is both a marina and sheltered yacht harbor, offering covered wet slips, dry storage, and full-service amenities like fuel and a convenient ship store. With decades of trusted service and a prime location next to Rockland Recreational Park and The Rudder, it’s the go-to spot for boaters seeking top-notch care and easy lake access.
  • Drakes Creek Marina: Drakes Creek Marina in Hendersonville offers boat slip rentals and secure indoor storage. It has full hookups, a fuel dock, and a well-stocked ship’s store, and it’s the perfect launching point for fishing, watersports, or a relaxing day on the lake.
  • Cedar Creek Marina: Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet is your lakeside escape just 25 minutes from downtown Nashville. It offers full-service amenities, including wet slips, a fuel dock, and a stocked ship’s store. Known for its well-maintained pontoon rentals, vacation homes, and floating cabins, it’s the perfect launch point for fishing, family outings, or peaceful days cruising the lake.
  • Gallatin Marina: Gallatin Marina is a convenient and welcoming stop, offering ethanol-free fuel, a fully stocked ship store with snacks, drinks, and supplies, and easy access to the water.
  • Cherokee Marina: Experience the best of both worlds at Cherokee Marina & Campground in Lebanon. With covered docks, RV sites, a pool, clubhouse, and the Cumberland Canteen, it’s a one-stop destination for boating, dining, and lakeside relaxation.
Outdoor bar and dining area with high tables and chairs, a bartender behind the counter, and a scenic view of Old Hickory Lake in the background—perfect for enjoying lake activities from the Summer Guide.Pin
Don’t miss the Bushwacker’s Lounge at Cherokee Marina for a relaxed atmosphere with lakefront views. Image: Facebook
  • Wanderin’ Stars Yacht Charters: Set sail on Old Hickory Lake with Wanderin’ Star Yacht Charters, offering private sailing experiences perfect for sunset cruises, family outings, corporate retreats, or romantic proposals.
  • Harbor Island Yacht Club: Located in Old Hickory, Harbor Island Yacht Club is Old Hickory Lake’s premier sailing club. With a strong focus on competitive racing, community, and education, HIYC welcomes sailors of all ages and experience levels, offering over 15 annual regattas, youth sailing camps, and a vibrant calendar of social events in a family-friendly, all-volunteer environment.
  • Freedom Boat Club: Freedom Boat Club of Tennessee offers the ultimate hassle-free boating experience, with access to premium boats at both Gallatin and Cedar Creek Marinas. As the state’s largest and most awarded boat club, members enjoy unlimited boating at 12 locations statewide (and 400+ worldwide), VIP dockside service, and a top-tier fleet — no maintenance, no worries, just pure lake-day bliss.
  • Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals: Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals, based at Creekwood Marina in Hendersonville, is known for its spotless, modern fleet and unbeatable value. Since 2012, it has helped locals and visitors enjoy full days of fun and relaxation on the water, backed by top-rated customer service.

Waterfront Parks

  • Lock 3 Recreation Area: This Hendersonville park offers a sand beach, picnic sites, a boat launch ramp, and restrooms. There is no fee required to access this recreation area.
  • Mallard Point Park: Also in Hendersonville, scenic Mallard Point features picnic tables, a dock, and a boat ramp.
  • Sanders Ferry: Sanders Ferry Park features a 1.2-mile greenway along the water with a mix of concrete trail and boardwalk, arriving at Mallard Point Park.
  • Shutes Branch: Shutes Branch is one of Wilson County’s best trail systems and a hidden gem just north of Hermitage and Mt. Juliet, offering 8.2 miles of scenic singletrack winding through a former campground. With beginner-friendly paths, technical sections for experienced runners, and quiet paved roads perfect for walking or teaching kids to bike, it’s a versatile outdoor escape right across from the Shutes Branch Recreation Area on the lakeshore.
A duckling with yellow and brown feathers swims in Old Hickory Lake near rocks and green plants, capturing a perfect summer moment.Pin
You never know what kind of wildlife you’ll spot on the lake. Shutes Branch is known for its exceptional birdwatching. Image: Facebook
  • Avondale Access Area: Avondale Recreation Area is a year-round favorite for boating, fishing, and picnicking. With a convenient boat launch offering quick access to the main channel, a reservable picnic shelter for up to 50 guests, and plenty of space for water sports and sunshine, it’s an ideal spot for a laid-back day.
  • Cedar Creek Campground: With a reservable picnic shelter, campsites, picnic sites, sand beach, sand volleyball, boat launch ramp, playground, and restrooms, Cedar Creek is a fun, family-friendly spot in Mt. Juliet to spend the day near the water. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle.
  • Lone Branch Access Area: Lone Branch Recreation Area is a peaceful lakeside escape with everything you need for a relaxing day outdoors — shaded picnic spots, open grassy areas for play, grills for barbecuing, and a convenient boat ramp for easy access to Old Hickory Lake. It’s perfect for families, fishermen, and anyone looking to unwind in nature.
  • Lock 4 Park: Lock 4 Park is a lakeside gem on Old Hickory Lake, known for its top-rated mountain biking trails and scenic outdoor spaces. With a boat ramp, picnic areas, a playground, an accessible fishing pier, and even a model airplane landing strip, it’s a favorite spot for everything from adrenaline-filled rides to laid-back lakeside afternoons.
  • Nat Caldwell Park: Nestled in Gallatin, Nat Caldwell Park is a peaceful retreat, offering shaded picnic areas, walking trails, and easy water access for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. With a covered pavilion, boat ramps, and scenic shoreline perfect for birdwatching, it’s a favorite local spot for outdoor relaxation — leashed pups are welcome, too!

SB Tip: If you are visiting from out of town or looking for a waterfront staycation, check out Fish, Boat & Unwind: Old Hickory Lake Retreat!

See you on the water!

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Kate Feinberg
About the Author
Kate Feinberg

Kate Feinberg is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor & Sponsored Content Specialist, based in Nashville. Kate is a plant-based foodie, avid runner, and fantasy reader.