Shelby Park

The Shelby Park boat ramp provides access to the Cumberland River at mile marker 193, a popular destination for kayakers, canoeists, and small motorized boaters in the Nashville area. Located just minutes from downtown, the ramp is easily accessible from Riverside Drive and Davidson Street.

Due to the size and speed of the Cumberland River at this location, boaters should exercise caution, especially in kayaks and canoes. Water levels can fluctuate significantly based on weather and recent rainfall, so it's important to check conditions before launching. For the safety of all users, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has established restricted areas below the nearby Cheatham Dam that boaters should be aware of and avoid.

While the Shelby Park ramp itself is free to use, there are several nearby campgrounds and recreation areas managed by the Corps of Engineers, including the reservable Smith Springs facility. Paddlers and boaters should plan ahead and familiarize themselves with the river's character and any applicable rules or restrictions before embarking on the Cumberland.

Overview
Smith Springs Recreation 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 the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season,...

Overview
Smith Springs Recreation 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 the 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.

Nearby Anderson Road Fitness Trail is a paved trail winding a little over a mile through the cedar glade area beside the lake. Facilities
Smith Springs Recreation Area offers a large group shelter for day use and can accommodate up to 50 guests. There is limited parking suitable only for 12 vehicles.Natural Features
J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its justification. 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 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities and the conveniences of a metro area.

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