Visited with my husband and 3 kids (ages 4, 3, and 20 months) on a holiday weekend around 9 a.m…read more There are two entrances -- we used the one off Franklin Rd. This parking lot is smaller, but we were surprised to find a spot easily. When we left around 10:45, there was a line of about 6 cars waiting, though cars seemed to move through fairly quickly. There is a nice bathroom at the top of the parking lot. From this entrance, you can also access the trail along the lake, though strollers and dogs are not allowed on that trail. We chose the lower paved trail instead (part of the mulch trail loop). It's wide -- almost road-sized -- and newly paved the entire way. It took about 15 minutes to reach the lake, and there's plenty more paved trail beyond that. We saw frogs, ducks, turtles, deer, an owl, and even a bald eagle. My kids stayed engaged the whole time. The trail was flat and easy for stroller pushing, and my older kids rode scooters without any issues. There were lots of families, dogs, and walkers out, but it never felt overcrowded. Overall, this is a great near-the-city option for getting young kids into nature without dealing with steep terrain. The other entrance off Granny White has the visitor center and a bit more parking.

First time hiking this place and it was really nice. Not too difficult but doing it during semi hot…read moretemperatures can get you a good workout. I think the hike around the lake was around 2-3 miles.

We just had an awesome day on the water with the help of Stones River Kayak and Canoe. It was very…read moreeasy to book online, waivers were easily completed online and they issue tickets for your Apple wallet. They texted us in the morning to confirm our reservation then promptly met us at the Jefferson Springs boat ramp. We were quickly outfitted an off to explore. We found lots of wildlife and pristine river banks that we were free to explore as all the land on both sides of the river is public. We spent about 3.5 hours on the water and had quick lunch break in the middle at the great park where the ramp is located that is set up with picnic tables, public restrooms and grills! The Stones River company kept in touch with us and were ready at the end of our rental to promptly collect the kayaks. We would highly recommend this company for your kayak rental needs!

Anthony is great, I've gone twice so far and plan to go again. I like that they have a variety of…read morekayak and or canoe options and can most times accommodate you for a last minute paddle session. I also really appreciate being able to book online which makes things super convenient

Came here to do a hike. You're hiking right along the water so it's a beautiful view. It's not a…read morehard hike at all, relaxing, and serene.

Okay, if you're ever in Tennessee, you have to check out Montgomery Bell Tunnel. This hidden gem…read morein Montgomery Bell State Park is packed with history, and it's one of the coolest spots I've explored. Built in the early 1800s, this tunnel was carved by hand to transport iron ore for a thriving industry. But what makes it even more special is the story behind it--enslaved people worked here, and their efforts helped shape the future of Tennessee. It's crazy to think that something so important is tucked away in the middle of the woods, just waiting to be discovered! https://www.tiktok.com/@reessroots/video/7535575693854297374?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7352687494821037610 The tunnel is almost 300 feet long, and standing inside it feels like stepping back in time. You can almost hear the echoes of the past! Most people are out there hitting all the usual tourist spots, but places like Montgomery Bell Tunnel are the ones that actually make you feel something. If you're into history, adventure, or just exploring off the beaten path, this is definitely the place to be. Skip the crowded tourist traps and head to Montgomery Bell Tunnel for some real history! Trust me, you'll be talking about it long after you leave. #HiddenGems #HistoryUncovered #ExploreTennessee

This is my happy place. I got married here back in 2006 under the gazebo. And since then we visit…read morehere often for picnics, fishing, birthday parties or just to relax by the water. We have so many happy memories here. There are multiple tables, grills, trash bins and shelters around the park for everyone to enjoy a picnic. They have a huge shelter available to rent with a kitchen for bigger parties or weddings. A nice doc with benches to fish from and a long sidewalk along the water. Its clean, super shady and well kept. Convenient bathrooms, volley ball net, playground and more. I can't say enough good things about the place. Go yourself and enjoy!

I'm not exactly sure why Rockland qualifies as a "recreation area" and not a full blown park, but…read moreit's a pretty neat area to spend a summer day. It's out in Hendersonville on Old Hickory Lake, and it has a handful of pavilions (five I think) as well as several picnic tables. There is a boat ramp at Rockland, and a lot of people fish or launch their boats from the area. I've been to a handful of picnics and large, organized "get-togethers" (as my family calls them) at Rockland. There is plenty of room for the little ones to run around or for a game of football or frisbee. Rockland has a pretty nice view of the lake, and it's right beside the Old Hickory Dam. There's a great stretch of shore near the dam that makes for some of the best fishing in the area, and it's a lovely place to just take a walk or enjoy the scenery. Not my favorite park in the greater Nashville area, but possibly my favorite in Hendersonville.

Its a beach in Tennessee...what else is there to say!!! There can be some shady looking people…read morethere sometimes...

Long Hunter State Park is such a gem. I ran the Couchville Loop, which is about a 2-mile loop, and…read moreit was perfect for an easy, scenic run. The trail is mostly flat with just a few small hills, so it feels very accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels. The views of the lake are beautiful, and the bridges you get to walk or run over add a really nice touch. I went in January when it was cooler, and it was not crowded at all, super peaceful and relaxing. Parking was free, which is always a win, and there are bathrooms and a water bottle refill station on site. There's also a park ranger station and a boardwalk that goes out to the lake (though it was closed when I went). Other visitors mentioned they sometimes see wild turkeys and other animals along the trail. No wildlife sightings for me this time, but still an amazing experience. If you're looking for a scenic, low-stress running or walking spot, this place is absolutely worth a visit!

Love this trail, a nice 2 mile loop trail around the lake. It's an easy trail and I get to bring…read moremy dog.

"The worst experience I've ever had -- and we paid for this?"…read more We drove two hours excited for a fun day on the water, but what we got instead was a blatant display of racism and disrespect. From the moment we arrived, the welcome was cold and hostile. The service? Absolutely unacceptable. A heavyset white woman with short hair -- who was clearly not happy to see people like us -- immediately started questioning our English. Mind you, we were communicating just fine. Still, she continued to belittle us, asking if we "even understood" what she was saying, in front of other customers. It didn't stop there. The owner, "Dave", came over while we were calmly sitting down and filling out the forms. He suddenly turned on my brother's wife, demanding that she speak English only, and his tone was aggressive and demeaning. That was the final straw. We ripped up the papers, stood up, and decided we were not going to spend a dime in a place that treats people this way. And just when we thought it was over -- Dave came outside and started taking pictures of our license plates, as if we had done something wrong. Apparently, walking away from their dirty little business upset him. To make things worse, we later found reviews saying they keep the $500 deposits from customers. This whole operation feels like a scam with a side of racism. Thanks for ruining our weekend, Cap'n Dave's. We will never come back -- and we'll make sure others know what you really are.

I thought the rentals were a bit pricey (~$45 for 2 hours). They did have kayaks, paddle boards,…read moreand jet skis. This is located within the tolled Nashville Shores entrance.

Love this park!! Tucked away off of W Old Hickory Blvd. Super close to the highway but you can't…read moreeven hear it. The pond is always fun to walk around & there is always wildlife to watch. I love counting all the turtles on a sunny day or watching the geese. There is a playground and swings next to the pond. They allow fishing in the pond. There are baseball fields in the park.

You'll find Cedar Hill Park on Old Hickory and Dickerson, with the main gated entrance half a mile…read moredown Old Hickory. All that being said, it's easy to find! The park offers all the staples from baseball/softball fields, a walking track, a pond, multiple playgrounds and of course ducks! We don't live too far, so we bring the pup here to change the scenery up for our walks. We hit the walking loop that surrounds the pond, where 2.25 loops equals one mile. The pond is fishable, and it is always active with amateur anglers. Everyone is friendly and seems to follow the rules. Surrounding the pond is a first come first serve pavilion with picnics, a playground and a detached swing set. Park is plentiful around the park as a whole. This comes in handy when the fields are all in use. The park is fairly clean and well maintained. Overall, we enjoy having Cedar Hill Park nearby. You will definitely find us cruising around the pond multiple days throughout the year!