Nashville is known for its rivers and its cityscape, for a booming and youthful population that coexists peacefully with farmers and country folk who make their home just outside city lines. Still, the landlocked heart of Tennessee has a couple of watery gems that make a lazy Saturday spent out and about well worth the effort. How many of these best lakes near Nashville have you checked off of your summer to-do list…?

1. Tims Ford Lake
Tims Ford Lake, Tennessee, USA
csm242000 Photography - Flickr
This is one of the most beautiful and underutilized (by Nashvillians!) Nashville lakes and one of our favorite places to spend a lazy Saturday. You can camp at one of their primitive campsites if you'd rather spend the entire weekend along the water, otherwise, you can enjoy the 1,321-acre space right on the Cumberland Plateau.

Take a look at this video by @wadeblaylock9694:
2. Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake, Tennessee, USA
Tyler - Flickr
Center Hill Lake is one of the best lakes near Nashville. Only an hour from downtown, this lake has crystal clear water and three waterfalls to boot. It's one of the most lauded waterways in the entire state, and has 415 miles of shoreline that are perfect for sightseeing and wandering to your heart's content. Burgess Falls is just a hop, skip, and a jump away so we'd recommend rounding out your gorgeous day out and about with a waterfall hike.
3. Radnor Lake
Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
You won't be swimming in Radnor Lake, but the Lake Loop Hike is one of the best ways to enjoy the quiet and natural underbelly of Nashville on a pretty day. Make sure you keep Fido on a leash and come prepared for all sorts of pretty shoreline views at one of the most scenic lakes near Nashville.

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4. Old Hickory Lake
Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee, USA
Martin Lutz/Google Local
Old Hickory Lake is known for being one of the best lakes near Nashville to go fishing and enjoy a man-made natural area. Make sure to head over to the sandy beach area if you're looking to go swimming, and bring a picnic lunch if you're worried about getting the munchies while you're out and about. It's also boating and fishing-friendly, but make sure you're headed to a recreational area where it's appropriate.
5. Cheatham Lake
Cheatham Lake, Tennessee, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
When the weather is warm, head to Cheatham Lake, one of the best places to swim near Nashville. This 7,000-acre lake is located in Dickson County, and it's located roughly thirty miles from Nashville in Ashland City. It's a great place for clear and freshwater scuba diving and offers up to 320 miles of shoreline that are great for swimmers and fishermen.
6. J. Percy Priest Lake
Percy Priest Lake, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
Denise Mattox - Flickr
Known colloquially as Percy Priest, this is one of the Nashville lakes that is gorgeous at sunset and perfect for swimming just a short drive from the heart of the city. The Nashville Paddle Company offers the opportunity to kayak and paddle board, and the Anderson Road Recreation Area offers a great swimming area and beach.
7. Marrowbone Lake
Marrowbone Lake, Nashville, TN 37080, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
This is one of the low-key and beautiful fishing lakes near Nashville in Joelton, and it's tucked away from the rest of the world, which makes it stand out stunningly. Pristine, beautiful and chalked with lush greenery and local wildlife, this is the kind of beauty that you never forget. You won't be swimming, but you can rent a boat and enjoy a view of the shoreline front and center.

These best lakes near Nashville may be gorgeous, but don’t stop there! Check out these must-visit places in Nashville. Each one is more beautiful than the last – we promise.

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More to Explore

Lakes Near Nashville

Libby Monson | May 31, 2022

Where are the best places to swim near Nashville?

Some of the best places to swim near Nashville are:

  • Rutledge Falls in Tullahoma. This gorgeous swimming hole comes complete with a set of stunning cascades.
  • Blue Hole in Carter County has four separate waterfalls and a lovely trail to hike.
  • If you are looking for something secluded, head north to Old Hickory Lake. This little lake has four swim beaches, so you can wiggle your toes in the sand and take a dip in the cool lake water.

Check these places to swim near Nashville.

Is there a lake hike near Nashville?

Hiking is a great activity, especially near Nashville, where you can enjoy all of our great city's natural beauty. Hidden Lake Double Loop Trail is an easy 1.9-mile trail that will lead you along the Harpeth River. Surrounded by lush green vegetation, this shady hike is perfect for a summer day. You'll enjoy the sounds of water from the river, but the lake is true to its name and stays hidden until you are at its shores. Hidden Lake is one of the lakes near Nashville worth visiting!

Are there any lakes near Nashville where I can camp overnight?

Dale Hollow Lake is known to be one of the clearest lakes near Nashville, and you can enjoy all of its beauty for the whole weekend when you camp lakeside. This hidden gem has both primitive and developed campsites. You'll enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water, or you might want to try your luck with the rod and reel. However you choose to spend your time at Dale Hollow Lake, you will come away with some treasured summer memories.

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