Cook Recreation Area

The Cook Recreation Area offers convenient lake access for kayakers, canoeists, and other small boaters on the Stones River and J. Percy Priest Lake near Nashville, Tennessee. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility features a boat ramp that provides direct water access. The surrounding park offers grassy picnic areas, hiking trails, and a designated fishing area, making it a popular spot for a variety of outdoor recreation.

J. Percy Priest Lake is a large reservoir impounding the Stones River, providing ample room for paddling, motorized boating, and other water sports. Boaters and paddlers should be aware of the lake's size and potential for wind and waves. The Stones River itself is a relatively slow, meandering waterway, making it well-suited for leisurely kayak or canoe trips. Visitors can consult area maps and depth charts to plan their excursions. Facilities at the Cook Recreation Area include a parking area, but fees and hours may vary, so it's best to check recreation.gov or contact the Corps of Engineers Nashville District office for the latest information.

Overview
Cook Day Use Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.Recreation
The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of its temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have...

Overview
Cook Day Use Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.Recreation
The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of its temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers.

A large sandy swimming beach provides guests of Cook Day Use Area with convenient access to swimming and comfortable sunbathing.
The Three Hickories Nature Trail is a 1.6 mile nature trail located in a wooded area within Cook Recreation Area. Facilities
Cook Day Use Area offers two large group shelters for day use, which can accommodate 75 and 100 guests, making it an ideal spot for large parties and family functions.
A large playground surrounded by lush, grassy areas are perfect for children to run around and enjoy the outdoors. 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.
Nearby Attractions
J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about ten miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities and the conveniences of a metro area.

Cook Day Use Area is also close to the Hermitage, the historic home of President Andrew Jackson.

Read More Read Less