About Old Hickory Lake
Over fifty years ago, Old Hickory Dam began power production, but its hydroelectric generators are only a small part of the story. Old Hickory Lock and Dam were authorized for construction by the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1946 as a unit of a comprehensive development plan for the Cumberland River Basin. The project was designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and built by private contractors under the Corp’s supervision. Construction started in January 1952, and dam closure was completed in June, 1954. The project was completed for full beneficial use in December, 1957 with the placement of the final hydroelectric power unit in operation. The lock, dam, powerhouse and lake are operated and supervised by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ personnel under the direction of the District Engineer at Nashville. Old Hickory Lake is a mainstream storage impoundment on the Cumberland River operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The reservoir contains 22,500 surface acres at an elevation of 445 feet (above sea level) and extends 97.3 river miles to Cordell Hull Lock and Dam near Carthage, TN. Water level fluctuations are minimal with minimum pool elevation at 442 feet. Public facilities include eight marinas, Corps operated campgrounds, and 56 boat access sites. Despite its murky appearance, studies show Old Hickory Lake one of the cleanest in Tennessee.
Because of its close proximity to Metropolitan Nashville, Old Hickory Lake attracts millions of visitors each year. It offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking, water skiing, and boating. It has also become one of the most desirable locations for a home. On any day, all types of watercraft can be spotted on the lake, including fishing boats, sailboats, pleasure boats, jet skis, and commercial barges.
Surrounding Counties
Old Hickory Lake is surrounded by five Tennessee counties: Davidson, Sumner, Wilson, Trousdale, and Smith. These counties include the cities of Hermitage, Old Hickory, Lakewood, Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Hendersonville, and Gallatin among others.
Marinas
Eight marinas are located on Old Hickory Lake: Creekwood Marina , Drakes Creek Marina and Anchor High Marina in Hendersonville; Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet; Gallatin Marina in Gallatin; Blackjack Cove, A.K.A. Old Hickory Marina in Old Hickory/Lakewood; Shady Cove Resort in Castilian Springs; and Cherokee Steakhouse and Resort in Lebanon. There are 3 new marinas being built in the area at the present time. These marinas provide a wide variety of services for visitors to Old Hickory Lake. Services such as fuel, long and short-term moorage, fishing and boating supplies, restaurants, groceries and restrooms are all available on Old Hickory Lake.
Public Access to the Lake
There are also approximately nine fishing docks and some 56 boat ramps. These ramps are often close to restaurants and communities so you can relax on the lake during the day and come back to a sumptuous feast at places like Cherokee Steak House.
Nature lovers and photographers can enjoy the numerous species of wild life, water fowl and wading birds that make the Old Hickory Lake area their home.
There are some truly beautiful homes located on Old Hickory Lake, many with private docks, available dock permits, or within a short distance to a public marina with available dock slips.
Camping
Camping is allowed in designated camping areas only. Corps of Engineers designated camping areas on Old Hickory Lake are Cages Bend and Cedar Creek
Fee Areas
Old Hickory Lake has several day use fee areas located at Cedar Creek, Laguardo, and Old Hickory Beach. These areas offer great swim beaches, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, playgrounds, and launching ramps.
Marina Information and Links
Anchor High Marina
www.anchorhighmarina.com
Boat House
3621 Benders Ferry Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
phone: 1.615.758.2999
Cedar Creek Marina
9120 Saundersville Rd., Mt. Juliet , TN 37122
phone: 1.615.758.5174
Cedar Creek Yacht Club
3581 Benders Ferry Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
phone: 1.615.824.2175
Creekwood Marina
P.O. Box 315, Hendersonville, TN 37077
phone: 1.615.824.7963
Drakes Creek Marina
www.drakescreekmarina.com
441 Sanders Ferry Rd., Hendersonville, TN 37075
phone: 1.615.822.3886
Gallatin Marina
727 Marina Dr., Gallatin, TN 37066
phone: 1.615.452.9876
Blackjack Cove (was Old Hickory Marina)
www.blackjackcovemarina.com
phone: 1.615.847.4022
Rock Harbor Marina
www.rockharbor.com
525 Basswood Ave., Nashville, TN 37209
phone: 1.615.356.1111
Flippers Bait & Tackle
www.flippers1.com
200 Odums Bend Rd., Gallatin, TN 37066
phone: 1.615.452.7719
Marinas.com
Providing information on marina facilities throughout the United States including costal and inland location, charts and maps.
Tennesseemarinaassociation.com
Providing information and links to marina and boating information.