Overview

Avondale is a wonderful destination for people looking to launch a boat or have a picnic. Visitors can bring their family and friends for water sports and plenty of sunshine. The boat launch area at Avondale is open year-round. Here, boaters can find quick access to the main channel of Old Hickory Lake. The picnic shelter can accomodate up to 50 people and is reservable on weekdays.
  

Facilities

The group picnic shelter accommodates up to 50 people and approximately 30 vehicles.
Flush toilets (seasonal) and a boat ramp are available for use.

Natural Features

Located in Middle Tennessee, 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.

Recreation

Avondale is an ideal launching point for boat fishing. Bank fishing is also popular. Black bass, crappie, and paddlefish can be found in the area. Water skiing, sailing, wakeboarding, and swimming are also big attractions at Old Hickory Lake.

Nearby Attractions

Cages Bend Campground, with 42 water & electric sites, is just a short drive away from Avondale Access. At Cages Bend Boat Ramp, you can utilize both the launching ramp and fishing pier free of charge. Other nearby recreation areas include Rockland in Hendersonville and Bledsoe Creek State Park in Gallatin.  

Nearby Nashville attractions include sites such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Visitors can also tour President Andrew Jackson's early 19th century home, the Hermitage, a National Histric Landmark. 

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Avondale is a day use area. Camping is not permitted here. 

• Picnic shelter reservations are only available on weekdays from May - Labor Day. The picnic shelter is first-come, first serve during all holidays, weekends, and the off-season. 

• Parking is limited and cannot be reserved with shelter reservation

• Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Available Activities

• Fishing - Fishing
• Boating - Boating
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Water Access - Water Access
• Picnicking - Picnicking

Directions

<p>From Nashville, TN: Take I-65 N to TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. Take Exit 9 from TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd, turn right onto Shute Lane. Continue straight onto Avondale Access Road. Follow signs into recreation area.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: (615) 822-4846

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip