About OLD HICKORY BEACH
Overview Old Hickory Beach sits along the lengthy shoreline of Old Hickory Lake. The day-use area is perfect for visitors looking to spend a day on the lake or lounging on the beach. Entertaining is easy with a large group picnic shelter accommodating up to 100 guests and grills for cooking out. Birders can find a mix of waterfowl, wading birds, migratory songbirds and the occasional Blue heron or Snowy egret. Other wildlife in the area includes wild turkey, rabbits and white-tailed deer.Recreation Swimming and sailing are popular activities on the lake, while anglers will find an abundant population of catfish, crappie and bass for exceptional bank and boat fishing. Hikers can explore the 1.1-mile Old Hickory Lake Nature Trail, featuring three loops (the Woodland Loop, Willow Swamp Loop and the Wildlife Loop), covering varying terrain. The trail is located below Old Hickory Dam near the tailwater parking lot.Facilities A sandy swimming beach, a playground for the kids, small shelter near the beach and water, large reserveable shelter, and boat ramps.Natural Features Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River. The lake is named after former president Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee-native nicknamed "Old Hickory" for his tough and aggressive personality. Nearby Attractions Take in the nightlife of downtown Nashville if city entertainment beckons or stick with the great outdoors and sit on the fishing piers at Rockland, Sanders Ferry, Shutes Branch, and Bledsoe Creek State Park. The lake is also near the Hermitage, the plantation where U.S. President Andrew Jackson lived in the early 1800s. Charges & Cancellations If a customer cancels a group day use facility (shelter) reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service charge.
How to Get There
From Nashville, take I-65 North to exit 92, TN-45/Old Hickory Blvd toward Madison, continue until you cross over the Cumberland River then take the 2nd left onto Bridgeway Ave., travel approximately 0.2 miles and turn left onto Ensley Ave., continue approximately 0.3 miles and turn left onto Swinging Bridge Road, continue approximately 0.4 miles and turn right onto Burnett Road. The entrance to the park will be at the end of the road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
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High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to OLD HICKORY BEACH
Heading to OLD HICKORY BEACH? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for OLD HICKORY BEACH?
No central reservation system listed for OLD HICKORY BEACH. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232658) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to OLD HICKORY BEACH?
From Nashville, take I-65 North to exit 92, TN-45/Old Hickory Blvd toward Madison, continue until you cross over the Cumberland River then take the 2nd left onto Bridgeway Ave., travel approximately 0.2 miles and turn left onto Ensley Ave., continue approximately 0.3 miles and turn left onto Swinging Bridge Road, continue approximately 0.4 miles and turn right onto Burnett Road. The entrance to th…
How do I contact OLD HICKORY BEACH?
You can reach the park at phone: 615-847-8091.
References & Official Resources
