Overview

Anderson Road Day Use has a swim beach, picnic tables, and grills for guests to enjoy. At just $5.00 per vehicle per day, recreation is affordable for any family. Please remember though to leave the pets at home. Anderson Road Day Use does not allow pets.

Facilities

Anderson Road Day Use provides a swim beach, picnic tables, grills, a shelter and 2 playgrounds. There are also restrooms and a boat launch ramp. Please note this area may be closed on the weekends due to high volume of visitors in the area.

Natural Features

J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its mission. 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.

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, and wildlife viewing. Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie and Cherokee bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers. Anderson Road Fitness Trail is a paved trail winding a little over a mile through the cedar glade area beside the lake. 

Nearby Attractions

J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about ten miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors plenty of cultural activities in addition to the conveniences of a metro area.

Important Notices

• Each vehicle will be charged a $5.00 day use fee upon entrance to the park.

• No pets allowed at day use area.

• No off-road vehicles permitted.

• Activities other than picnicking in the group shelters must be pre-approved by the Resource Manager.

• STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec.

Available Activities

• Boating - Boating
• Water Access - Water Access
• Swimming - Swimming
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Fishing - Fishing
• Hiking - Hiking
• Day Use Area - Day Use Area

Directions

<p>From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east for 5 miles to exit 219. Turn right on Stewarts Ferry Pike and continue straight on Bell Road for 5 miles. Turn left on Smith Springs Road, then left on Anderson Road. Anderson Road dead-ends into the day use.  </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 615-361-9805 (Day use)

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip