What a great little hidden gem! I almost did not want to add it on here, but here goes…read more.. Six months ago, I discovered this place as a nice getaway with a place to take my little one and experience sand. His first steps on a "beach" were taken here. The sand is clean and free of shells or debris. There are several picnic areas with tables scattered along the water and some with shade provided by the trees. When they reopen, you can get a tour inside to see how the dam was built and works. We didn't get to do that yet. It was a spontaneous trip and later in the day, so next time. On the grounds, they do have a few historic parts displayed such as the retired lock (see photo). It was really neat to see. They have a covered pavilion where you can gather to eat at the picnic tables with family and friends. As the weather is warm today, I thought of this place. Unfortunately, this time we are in dealing with the world pandemic and social distancing ... we have to wait. Everything we saw appeared clean and everywhere was open, but it wasn't crowded since school had started already. So, add this to your list of places to check out. Today's high of 80 degrees would be the perfect day to go! :-(

Beautiful area walking hiking trails nearby the park is well kept and monitored. Go to their…read morewelcome office and buy your pass for all the national parks!

Our family fishing spot. Great place to catch your dinner. People are friendly and the view is…read morebeautiful.

Just a wonderful place to walk around and explore. Very well kept and great for the kids to let…read moretheir energy out. Enjoyed our time here while visiting Tennessee.

It is a beautiful spot with amazing views. There are roots from trees on or near paths so be…read morecareful walking. Lots of trees in rough shape and need to be cleared. It is nature so yeah rocks and roots are about. Just look where you are stepping and bring water.

Nice park w a large covered pavilion & tables underneath. Large grassy area w a playground w room…read moreenough to run & play. Has a porta potty. Dog friendly on a leash. Not recommended to swim. Can be dangerous

Love this place me and my dad always used to walk my dog here pretty bridge but the currents of the…read moreriver are not so great went floating a few months ago as we were coming down the river to get off at Billy Dunlap there was a sad drowning of someone who passed away they might be closed down I'm not sure I recommend always being very careful here if it opens back up

Stayed at Montgomery Bell Lodge in Tennessee and it's worth the trip. Clean, modern lodge tucked…read moreright inside the state park, overlooking the lake. Rooms are simple but solid -- everything you need after a long hike or day on the water. Restaurant downstairs is convenient, food's better than you'd expect for park dining, and you can grab coffee before heading out. Best part? You walk right out the door into trails, woods, and lake views without ever touching your truck. Not luxury, but not trying to be. Lodge and loaded with what matters: comfort, location, and that Tennessee outdoors feel.

Tranquility. That defines this beautiful green park as well as the small lake…read more Easy to get to, lots of parking and pavilions and dense with forested areas. Lots of picnic tables and places for kids to have fun! The small relatively clear Southern lake had a couple of fishing boats working the shores. The lake is chock full of bass. Fingerling bass line the shore line and 1-3 pounders were seen in the water everywhere. The trails take you up along the ridges and other areas walk you along the dam and lakeshore. The afternoon sun is filtered through the trees giving a warm greenish yellow backdrop. The shady areas are beyond restful and recharged me for another day!

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.

Steve, the manager is a funny man when many stories. I been fishing here since I was a child. Also…read morebrought my children to the lake many times. Brought a dear friend with me the last time.

It is a pleasant enough lake that brings a peace to your soul and reminds you that there is more to…read morethis world that the hustle and bustle of civilization.

Such a beautiful lake to go watch the sunset/sunrise at!! It's a Tennessee staple, but it's sad…read morethat people are so dangerous around here!! You definitely have to be careful of which area you're in by the lake!

Surprised to see the main entrance already closed for the winter. We took a small trail that was…read moreall paved, which was nice, but not very long. It had very little parking available & no bathrooms at this site so that was very disappointing.