Boat House at Benders Ferry

The Boat House at Benders Ferry offers convenient access to Old Hickory Lake, a major Corps of Engineers recreation destination on the Cumberland River near Mt. Juliet. This modern $2 million public dry stack storage facility is ideally positioned for paddlers and boaters launching onto the 688-mile Cumberland River system. The access point provides entry to a major waterway—classified as a major river with an average flow of approximately 39,000 cubic feet per second—making it suitable for various water sports and recreation.

Old Hickory Lake ranks third in Corps-wide visitation due to its proximity to Nashville and excellent recreational opportunities. Paddlers should note that the Cumberland River through this section moves at an average velocity of 4.4 feet per second with a modest 1.2 ft/mile gradient, creating generally manageable conditions for kayakers and canoeists. The site's location at mile marker 216 on the Cumberland provides access to scenic waterways with abundant shoreline recreation. For current information on amenities, hours of operation, and any facilities fees, contact the Nashville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.