Smith's Spring Park

Smith's Spring Park offers convenient boat access to the scenic Stones River and J. Percy Priest Lake. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation area features a well-maintained boat ramp, allowing kayakers, canoeists, and small boaters easy launch and retrieval.

The park is situated on the southern shore of J. Percy Priest Lake, a popular reservoir known for its expansive waters and diverse recreational opportunities. Paddlers can explore the meandering Stones River as it flows into the lake, or venture out onto the larger lake itself. The river is generally wide and calm, making it well-suited for both novice and experienced paddlers.

Visitor amenities at Smith's Spring Park include a covered pavilion, picnic tables, and grills, providing an ideal spot to rest and refuel after time on the water. Those interested in overnight stays can check availability at the nearby Anderson Road Campground. Overall, this access site offers a convenient launch point for enjoying the beautiful waterways of middle Tennessee.

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