Smith Springs Creek

The Smith Springs Creek boat ramp provides convenient access to J. Percy Priest Lake and the Stones River in Nashville, Tennessee. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed facility is located about 5 miles east of downtown Nashville, off Interstate 40.

The ramp is part of the larger Smith Springs Recreation Area, which offers a variety of other lakeside recreation opportunities. While the area is primarily geared towards motorized boating, the ramp can also accommodate smaller non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes. The surrounding waters of J. Percy Priest Lake are relatively calm, making it a suitable destination for paddlers. However, paddlers should be aware of the potential for boat traffic, especially during peak use periods.

Additional amenities at the Smith Springs site include a picnic area and nearby campground. Visitors should check the Corps of Engineers' website or contact the on-site staff for the latest information on hours, fees, and accessibility.

Overview
Smith Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.Recreation
The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season,...

Overview
Smith Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.Recreation
The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers.

Nearby Anderson Road Fitness Trail is a paved trail winding a little over a mile through the cedar glade area beside the lake. Facilities
Smith Springs Recreation Area offers a large group shelter for day use and can accommodate up to 50 guests. There is limited parking suitable only for 12 vehicles.Natural Features
J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its justification. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water.

In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands.

A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.
Nearby Attractions
J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities and the conveniences of a metro area.

Read More Read Less