Lake Living on Old Hickory Lake, TN

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee

There’s more to the music city than just music. If you take a 35-minute drive outside of Nashville, you will find Old Hickory Lake. Located 25 miles upstream from Nashville in north-central Tennessee on the Cumberland River, it sits on a body of water with much to offer someone looking for a lake home close to the city but not quite in the city. Old Hickory Lake is a man-made reservoir formed by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam. The lake spans five counties: Davidson, Sumner, Wilson, Trousdale, and Smith, and was named after President Andrew Jackson, whose nickname was “Old Hickory.” He lived in the vicinity of the lake at his home, The Hermitage, where it served as his final resting place.

Big City, Small Towns

Nashville was named one of the Top 15 Cities in the U.S. in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. (July 2019). Image by Garrett Hill from Pixabay

The Old Hickory Lake area provides all the convenience of being located near Nashville, with the perks of living in a big city while living in a small town. Nashville always has something to do. Local concerts range in genres, professional sports are popular, and many community-based events keep the city lively.

Old Hickory Lake is also only a 40-minute drive from Nashville’s International Airport, allowing easy access to national and international travel.

Hendersonville is located along the shores of Old Hickory. Known as the “city by the lake,” many celebrities have called Hendersonville home. Johnny and June Cash called this area home for over 35 years. Another country music great, Conway Twitty, and his house, “Twitty City,” were also located in Hendersonville. Trinity Broadcasting Network now owns the home and has changed the name to Trinity Music City.

Landlocked Lakelife

Photo by Tomasz Filipek via Pexels

Although Tennessee is a landlocked state, it is in no short supply of bodies of water. Among the many lakes in the state, Old Hickory Lake is often overlooked due to the popularity of J. Percy Priest Lake, which has more visibility in the Nashville market. That makes Old Hickory a hidden gem for families and those who love adventure.

Outdoor Recreation

Old Hickory Lake is known for fishing, boating, and camping. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming satisfy the healthy activity set. There are many places to rent equipment for participating in all these activities. Higher Pursuits offers kayaking and canoeing classes for various skill levels. You are paired with an American Canoe Association-certified instructor; the sessions are three hours long, and you will learn how to navigate the boat and discover which type of kayak fits you best.

If you are into a peaceful and Zen way of life, Nashville SUP & Yoga offers stand-up paddleboard yoga. You can book classes, and they encourage you to use their rentals, but you can bring your personal board. The classes take place rain or shine unless the conditions are not favorable to the safety of all. You must be able to swim, and children can tag along. Kids under the age of 13 must wear a life vest, and those who are under the age of 9 can share a board with a parent.

Two boys canoeing

At Shady Cove Resort and Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals, you can rent canoes, Jon Boats, and Pontoons. There are also many full-service marinas located on Old Hickory Lake. They offer services like annual dockage, covered wet slips, and dry storage. Many of the marinas have restaurants, ship stores, boat ramps, gas docks, and various hookups. There are 41 access points for boats, which makes it easy to enjoy the lake with friends and family.

Dining for Every Occasion

While on the lake, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants. The Rudder is located in Hendersonville and offers a menu featuring American Eats, a tiki bar, and weekly live music. Moby Dicky’s is a relaxed seafood restaurant and sports bar. This restaurant provides lots of TVs to enjoy various sporting events and patio seating so you can enjoy the vista. Sam’s Sports Grill at Blue Turtle Bay offers multiple TVs for your viewing pleasure and is never in short supply of a beautiful view of Old Hickory Lake. Their made-from-scratch menu features hand-battered chicken tenders, various pizzas, Angus burgers, slow-cooked ribs, and the best wings in town.

Classical Music with a Twist

Historic Rock Castle, Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee
Photo courtesy of Historic Rock Castle.

Not only is Old Hickory Lake a great place to spend time on the lake, but Old Hickory offers many events that are either on the lake or take place in local towns. You can discover the nearby history, hear local artists, and shop and eat locally.

During the summer months, the Nashville Symphony hosts a concert on the banks of Old Hickory Lake at the Historic Rock Castle. Rock Castle is a stately home completed in 1796, which was also the same year that Tennessee became a state. The concert is part of the Symphony’s Free Community Concert Series. Vendors sell food and beverages, but attendees are welcome to bring their own. The family dog can also attend! Local boaters enjoy this event as well! Large speakers are placed on the bank so attendees can enjoy the show from their boats! There is also a petting zoo set up for all to enjoy. Several local musicians and singers perform as warm-up acts to the main stage show by the Symphony.

Retirement Benefits

Retirees paddle boarding

Tennessee’s Department of Revenue does not collect property or state personal income tax, which is a significant draw for retirees. However, residents are still liable for paying local property taxes. The average age of those shopping for a home in Tennessee ranges from 55-64, which correlates well with Tennessee’s affordable living standards.

In Sumner County, located along Old Hickory, you can experience the old and the new. Sumner County is located only minutes away from Nashville and offers many appealing aspects for retirees. The county experiences all four seasons; the summer months of July and August are usually the warmest, while the winter months have an average low temperature of 46 °F. Spring offers many blooming flowers and trees that provide colorful vistas that those who love the outdoors will appreciate.

Sumner County offers the convenience of being near TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center, which is only 15 minutes outside of Nashville. The hospital is the first accredited Chest Pain Center in Sumner County, a certified Primary Stroke Center, and one of the only community hospitals in the area with an accredited Joint Center. Also located close to Old Hickory Lake is Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas, which offers a wide range of services to the community.

Woman standing on deck

Wondering who is looking for homes in Tennessee? It might surprise you to learn that 72% of potential buyers come from outside the state. Chicago is the number one metro area for those searching for homes in the Tennessee market, followed by Atlanta.

If you’re looking for more than the average lake home, Old Hickory Lake has it all! 

Helpful Guide to House Hunting at Watauga Lake

Photo courtesy of HighCountryNC.com.

When you’re house hunting in a specific lake area, there’s a lot to consider before making a down payment. One of these factors is the area itself. Since many people purchase lake houses in a different state, it’s likely you won’t be completely familiar with the location. As such, it’s a good idea to visit, check out the scenery, and explore local restaurants. Essentially, you’re test-driving life as a resident. 

If you’re house hunting at Watauga Lake specifically, we have some advice for you. Located just east of Elizabethton, Tennessee, this reservoir was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority after the Watauga Dam’s installment in 1948. With abundant water recreation and the beautiful nearby Cherokee National Forest, there’s a lot to discover here. Check out our recommendations for your house hunting trip at Watauga Lake.

Stay at an Airbnb

Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

One of the best ways to house hunt is to spend time in the lake area. An easy way to do this is by renting a cabin near the Watauga Lake listing you’re interested in buying. On Airbnb, hosts offer rental opportunities for guests to stay at their home. More personalized than a hotel, this popular booking platform allows you to see the surrounding area like the locals do. 

At Watauga Lake, this Airbnb listing is hosted by Deborah Short Taylor, a Lake Homes Realty agent. Equipped with a full kitchen, dining space, and multiple bedrooms, there’s no better place to relax while enjoying stunning views of the Appalachian Trail. For your next stay, you can browse other Airbnb listings on Watauga Lake as well.

Explore Local Restaurants

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor.

Another excellent house-hunting venture is to explore local restaurants. Food is one of the best ways to become familiar with the local culture. When indoor dining comes back after the pandemic, it’ll also be a chance to chat with locals. 

In Elizabethton, just 45 minutes from Watauga Lake, check out Rico’s Pizza and Subs for casual dining, Mayflower for seafood, and Jiggy Ray’s for pizza and nightlife. Another nearby town is Butler, Tennessee, located a short 20-minute drive from the lake. For seafood dining with beautiful views, book a reservation at Captain’s Table. Then, explore Shirley’s for a home-cooked meal or Butler Trading Post for a relaxing dining experience with subs, specialty pizzas, and other delicious items.

Take a Hiking Trip

Photo courtesy of Smoky Mountain National Park.

Most of Watauga Lake’s shoreline lies within the Cherokee National Forest. Because the U.S. department of agriculture protects the forest, it cannot be developed. As such, the hiking opportunities are abundant, as are recreation centers such as Backbone Rock. While house hunting, it’s a great idea to check out the natural scenery. 

Outside the national forest, one of the most popular trails in the area is the Great Hike to Laurel Falls. This 80-foot waterfall earned its name from the plethora of mountain laurel shrubs in the Smoky Mountains. Of course, one of the most famous trail sites is the nearby Appalachian. The best part about this trail is that you can tailor your route to your skill level. For example, the path by Osborne Farm is an easy 1.5 level walk. If you’re a more intense hiker, you can traverse over 1800 miles through the woods. 

If you’d rather bike than hike, the Virginia Creeper Trail is a perfect destination. This gorgeous trail takes you through farmland, forests, streams, and Christmas tree farms. 

Check out the Fishing Scene

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor.

If you’re an avid angler, you’ll want to check out the fishing scene while house hunting. Lucky for those on Watauga Lake, there’s plenty of fishing. For instance, Blue Hole Falls in Elizabethton is a swimming and fishing hole with nearby picnic areas. Located in Elizabethton as well, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park doubles as a picnic and fishing site. It’s also the site of several important historical events from the 1700s. While you’re on the water, you can check out the other popular water sports. In non-pandemic times, Watauga Kayak offers guided white-water rafting and kayak tours for you and your family. 

We wish you the best with your house-hunting trip to Watauga Lake! 

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Around Chattanooga, TN

Photo courtesy of RootsRated.com via Logan Foll.

There’s nothing like taking to the trails to enjoy the thrill of a hike with beautiful lakeside views, but why not make it more special by bringing your favorite companion along for the walk? For dog lovers all around, it may be difficult to find spots for adventure with your four-legged friend, so we’ve done the work for you! Chattanooga, Tennessee, has some sweet hidden treasures for you and your pup. Thanks to the proximity of numerous lakes, national forests, and historical spots, there’s a variety of options for a nice walk by the water. Check out some trail options to enjoy today!

Chester Frost Park

Our first trail highlight is Chester Frost Park, located right on Lake Chickamauga. This spot is perfect if you and your dog are beginning to go on outdoor adventures together. Chester Frost Park is a great spot to explore the outdoors and enjoy the historical significance of Chattanooga. There is a rich history tied into this park, including Jackson Chapel Cemetery, the first and oldest cemetery in the county. This park has various amenities, including a beach area off Dallas Bay, but unfortunately, you would have to enjoy the beach spot without your pup. Regardless, there are still amazing trails to choose from with great lake views. For hiking maps and more directions, check out their trail guides.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

A little further south of the city, just about 20 minutes from Nickajack Lake, is Cloudland Canyon State Park that houses beautiful woodlands, cliffs, deep canyons, and amazing waterfalls. This park provides a variety of trails for you and your pet ranging from short to moderate and strenuous. The peak in this park is 1980 feet providing an amazing overlook. This option would be great for those dogs that are trained and ready for a more rigorous hiking experience. It is required to keep your pet on a leash as there are steep ledges and cliffs along this walk. Your pet must be restricted to the trails as the park doesn’t allow access to other areas of the park. Visit their site for more information and trail guides. At this time, trail access is limited to 10 hikers at a time.

Enterprise South Nature Park

Photo courtesy of Enterprise South Nature Park.

Another great park to bring your pet along to is Enterprise South Nature Park. With over 2,600 acres of land, this park has a variety of trails featuring mostly moderate hills. We suggest this option if you and your pup are looking for a slightly more rigorous outdoor experience. You will also find a little secluded lake during your walk and a beautiful view of the water. Enterprise South Nature Park is a hidden gem where you will find few crowds compared to other parks in the Chattanooga area. This option will be great for both you and your four-legged companion to enjoy.

There are other options available in this area to visit with your pet. Check bringfido.com for other outdoor excursions. Whichever adventure you may choose for you and your furry friend, you are sure to have a great time in the Chattanooga area.

Most Affordable Lake Areas to Call Home

As any lake lover would agree, owning a lake home is a dream come true. Surrounded by serene nature, a plethora of outdoor activities and a carefree atmosphere, a lake environment is certainly an ideal place to call home. However, many people who dream of owning a lake house might write it off as an impossible fantasy– one that’s only possible once you’ve achieved a certain level of wealth. While this may be true in an expensive lake area, there are several lake regions in the U.S. that are both thriving and affordable. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country.

Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo)

Table Rock Lake, MO
Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com.

Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. If you choose to settle in at Table Rock Lake, you can enjoy water skiing and paddle boarding along this large lake with 750 miles of shoreline. If you enjoy trout fishing, you might make Lake Taneycomo your home, as this lake is known for large trout populations in its clear waters. In the general region, Branson is known for the Silver Dollar Theme Park, where you can enjoy both roller coaster rides and bluegrass music.

Mountain Home, AR (Lake Norfolk & Bull Shoals Lake)

Mountain Home, AR
Photo courtesy of nearsay.com.

If you’re less interested in theme parks and instead, you’re seeking a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, you’ll want to look at Lake Norfolk or Bull Shoals Lake in  Mountain Home, AR, where the median home price is $174,900. At both of these man-made bodies of water, lakeside dwellers can enjoy scuba diving, fishing, and boating. There’s also plenty of opportunities to go camping nearby. With the open space and smaller crowds, you’ll be able to enjoy nature in an undisturbed way. 

Jamestown, NY (Chautauqua Lake)

Photo courtesy of townofbusti.com.

Chautauqua Lake is included in Lake Home Realty’s top 10 real estate areas in the state of New York– and with good reason. Near Lake Erie, it’s recognized for its swimming beaches, boating, and fishing opportunities. There’s also an attractive comedy scene in Jamestown, NY. This town hosts the Annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival (Jamestown is Lucille Ball’s hometown) and claims the interactive humor museum called the National Comedy Center. For both a good swim and a good laugh, look no further than Chautauqua Lake, where the median home price is $59,900.

Sevierville, TN (Douglas Lake)

Photo courtesy of slubne-suknie.info.

Lucille Ball isn’t the only famous name that’s represented among these affordable lakes — Sevierville, TN is the hometown of Dolly Parton, the irreplicable country music legend. This area is also known for Douglas Lake, which has a reputation for good largemouth bass and crappie fishing. This lake also neighbors the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, Tennessee — an area with mountain views and pancake shops that draw many tourists each year. Here, the median listing price is $252,500.

Each of these lake areas truly offers the best of both worlds — a combination of exciting lakeside activities and affordable prices. If you’re looking for a bargain price, we hope you check out one of these markets!