Hamilton Creek Recreation Area near the BMX track on Percy Priest Lake
Our boathouse is inside the Hamilton Creek Recreation Area on scenic J. Percy Priest Lake: 2901 Bell Rd., Nashville, TN 37217. (Do not go to the location listed with this address in Hermitage. You must select Nashville in your GPS. If you use Google or Apple maps, you should be able to enter “Nashville Paddle Company” to get straight to us.) We’re about a 25-minute drive from downtown without traffic. Leave extra time during rush hour.
Directions to Nashville Paddle Co.: From I-40 East, exit at Stewarts Ferry Pike (exit 219). Go straight south on Bell Road for 3.3 miles. (Do not turn left to go over the dam. If your GPS is taking you over the dam, you are going to Hermitage, not Nashville.) After 3.3 miles, turn left from Bell Road into Hamilton Creek Park (across from Ned Shelton Road). You’ll see a big brown sign that says “Hamilton Creek.”
Turn right when you see this sign.
There are three different launch locations here. We launch from the beach area near the BMX area: After you turn off of Bell Road, turn RIGHT, toward the Music City BMX/mountain bike area. Then follow that road straight. The road will end in a parking area next to a grassy area with picnic tables next to the lake. Park here. We’re the building next to the parking lot. Check in at the front desk of that building (the only building at this location, as pictured here) for both rentals and classes.
No car? Get $15 in ride credit from Lyft ride by entering the code “nashvillepaddle.”
Check in here
We are proud to be a permitted vendor with Metro Parks and Recreation. Hamilton Creek is a Metro Parks and Recreation facility.
Looking for other places to paddle in town? Here are a few favorites:
To go to the Hamilton Creek Sailboat Marina, after you turn off Bell Road, drive straight, then turn left, following the signs for the sailboat marina and park in the gravel lot. Please note, the docks here are NOT public. You may launch from the shore here, but do not use the docks. If you have your own board, or a rental, here are some other good launch spots for SUP:
Four Corners Marina: 4027 Lavergne/Couchville Pike, Antioch on Percy Priest Lake. (From I-24 East, exit at Old Hickory Blvd. (exit 62).) When you pull into the Four Corners Marina you’ll pay a $5 park use fee. After that, turn to your left. There is a nice launch site in the cove that is the first left after you come in. You’ll see picnic tables and parking.
Vivrett Creek on Percy Priest Lake: Alvin Sperry and Ramp Roads. (From I-40 East, exit at Old Hickory Blvd. (exit 221B).) Park along the back row to give boats with trailers access to to trailer-sized parking places.
Smith Springs Public Use Area on Percy Priest Lake: off of Smith Springs Road past Anderson Road. (From I-24 East, exit at Murfreesboro Road (exit 52).) From Smith Springs Road, turn left into the area with big brown sign. When you pull into the area, go straight to get to the boat ramp. Boaters with trailers use this parking lot. Please park in the BACK row, away from the water. Drive as few cars as possible. If you and a friend bring two cars, park one behind each other in the same space. If there is no space below, park in the picnic area and walk down.
Shutes Branch on Old Hickory Lake: Saunderville Road and Needmore Road. (From I-40 East, exit 221A.) Once you pass Needmore, take the second left (the lower end) into the Shutes Branch parking lot.
Old Hickory Lake Park on Old Hickory Lake: 876 Burnett Rd., Old Hickory. When you pull up to the area, turn right into the gravel lot before the park.
Stones River: Jackson Downs Boulevard and Lebanon Pike. Park in the northeast corner.
Cumberland River: Riverfront Park on the west side or the East Bank Landing.
We share launch locations with kayakers, fisherman, other paddleboarders and rowers. Please be respectful. Carpool to reduce the number of parking spots you use. Be courteous of those driving trailers, loading and unloading boats and more.
