Nashville, TN: where southern charm meets water sports.
Ever considered exploring the best places to paddle board in Nashville?
Get ready to discover Music City’s hidden aquatic gems.
Let’s dive in and experience Nashville’s tranquil waters together. Ready for the adventure?
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Nashville
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Percy Priest Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍Access Point: Hamilton Creek Recreation Area (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Largemouth bass, catfish, herons, ducks
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Surrounding forests, marinas, beaches
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow lake regulations
Percy Priest Lake, located just east of Nashville, offers a scenic paddleboarding experience for visitors.
With miles of shoreline to explore, you can enjoy the tranquility of the water while taking in the beautiful surrounding landscape and wildlife. Be sure to check out the various beaches along the shore for added adventures.
#2 Radnor Lake
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Radnor Lake State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Deer, otters, turtles, birds
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Lush forests, serene wildlife areas
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to park regulations, respect the ecosystem
Nestled within the Radnor Lake State Park, Radnor Lake offers a serene and peaceful paddleboarding experience as you glide through the calm waters surrounded by lush forests.
Wildlife is abundant, making it a perfect place for nature enthusiasts to enjoy observing from the tranquility of their paddleboards. Be mindful of park rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable time on the water.
#3 Old Hickory Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Sanders Ferry Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, blue herons, osprey
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Nearby marinas, coves, and beaches
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow lake regulations
Old Hickory Lake, situated just north of Nashville, provides an idyllic setting for paddleboarders to explore its numerous coves and marinas.
With gentle winds and a variety of wildlife, your experience at Old Hickory Lake will be one of relaxation and enjoyment. Make sure to follow lake rules and be cautious of boat traffic as you venture through this beautiful area.
#4 Cumberland River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Shelby Park Boat Ramp (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, generally calm conditions
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Nashville skyline, lush greenery
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for currents and boat traffic, follow river regulations
The Cumberland River provides a unique urban paddleboarding experience as you glide along with views of the Nashville skyline in the distance.
Enjoy the lush green surroundings and the mild currents as you navigate through this beautiful stretch of water. Be sure to watch for boat traffic and adhere to river regulations for a safe and enjoyable paddleboarding adventure.
#5 Caney Fork River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Happy Hollow Boat Ramp (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, minimal winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, smallmouth bass, birds
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Rock formations, wooded banks
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for anglers, follow river regulations
Though located a bit further from Nashville, the Caney Fork River is a picturesque paddleboarding spot with clear waters and gentle currents.
This river is popular among anglers, so be sure to watch for fishing lines and respect the habitat. The wooded banks and unique rock formations make for a striking backdrop during your adventure on the Caney Fork River.
#6 Harpeth River
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Kingston Springs City Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, calm conditions
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Scenic bluffs, countryside views
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of water levels, respect private properties
The Harpeth River, located just outside of Nashville, features stunning countryside views and scenic bluffs as you paddle through its gentle currents.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you glide past towering cliffs and observe the local wildlife. Be aware of potential changes in water levels and always respect private property along the riverbanks.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Nashville?
Popular places for paddle boarding in Nashville include the Cumberland River, Percy Priest Lake, and Old Hickory Lake.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Nashville?
No, paddle boards do not need to be registered in Nashville.
When is the best time to paddle board in Nashville?
The optimal time for paddle boarding in Nashville is during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall.
