Love the numerous islands on Percy Priest Lake!
1 / 10

J. Percy Priest Lake Stewarts Creek

4.7
·457 reviews·Nashville, United States

A scenic reservoir offering diverse recreational opportunities, from swimming and boating to picnicking and stunning sunset views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easy parking

CrowdLow
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Love the numerous islands on Percy Priest Lake!

J. Percy Priest Lake Stewarts Creek

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easy parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic reservoir offering diverse recreational opportunities, from swimming and boating to picnicking and stunning sunset views.

4.7
(457 reviews)

"Beautiful and nice place with awesome fireworks views and great sunset spots."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The park offers stunning sunset views over the lake. Perfect for photographers and romantic evenings .

⚠️ Be Aware After Dark

Some visitors report feeling unsafe after dark due to potential drug-related activities .

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 457 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Various points around the lake

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over Percy Priest Lake. A perfect, peaceful end to your day.

Fireworks Spectacle

Fireworks Spectacle

Near Stewarts Creek

Enjoy dazzling fireworks displays, especially during holiday events like Labor Day. A truly memorable visual treat.

Water Activities

Water Activities

Designated areas

Boating, swimming, and other water sports are popular. Explore different coves and enjoy the expansive lake.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Weekdays offer a more serene experience with easier parking and fewer crowds. Weekends, especially during summer, can get busy, so arrive early. Be aware that some areas are best enjoyed during daylight hours due to safety concerns after dark.Reddit

Understanding Lake Conditions & Amenities

Water clarity can vary seasonally, so check local reports if swimming is your priority.Reddit While some areas are developed with beaches and picnic spots, others are more natural. Amenities like restrooms might be limited in certain sections.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easy parking
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Warm weather, sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Holiday weekends
Why
Fireworks, lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Since its a holiday weekend... What are some good places on Percy Priest Lake?

What are some good places on Percy Priest Lake for people who don't have access to a boat? I especially like the cliff jumping areas, but I only know where one is.

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The park offers stunning sunset views over the lake. Perfect for photographers and romantic evenings.Reddit

⚠️ Be Aware After Dark

Some visitors report feeling unsafe after dark due to potential drug-related activities.Reddit

reddit.com

Is Anderson Road Percy Priest Area Worth Going To?

My niece is visiting and wants to go to the beach and this seems like the closest option to a beach we have. Google reviews range from “it’s nasty” to “we love it here” so was wondering if anyone had been recently and would recommend it or had any tips. Does it fill up early? Is…

reddit.com

Swimming Spots at Percy Priest Lake

Hey y'all, I'm pretty new to the Nashville area, coming from New Orleans. But a friend of mine from here mentioned that there were some cool swimming spots at Percy Priest Lake, especially some cliffs. Unfortunately, I didn't get the details from her, and I was hoping y'all…

🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas

The park across the street is great for dogs, offering open fields and a safe environment.Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Easy parking on weekdays means great spots for photos of the open fields and water.Reddit

reddit.com

Hit me with your knowledge subreddit! Just moved here from Oregon and have been super excited about Percy Priest lake.

Where I come from, most of the lakes are just mountain snow run off so they are pretty clean. First of all, are there any times of the year where it isn’t so clean to swim? And lastly, any cool local spots around the lake that aren’t camp grounds/Nashville shores?

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The park offers stunning sunset views over the lake. Perfect for photographers and romantic evenings.Reddit

⚠️ Be Aware After Dark

Some visitors report feeling unsafe after dark due to potential drug-related activities.Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas

The park across the street is great for dogs, offering open fields and a safe environment.Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Easy parking on weekdays means great spots for photos of the open fields and water.Reddit

🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash

Some trails can have litter; help keep the park beautiful by taking your trash with you.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(457 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise J. Percy Priest Lake Stewarts Creek for its beautiful sunset views and opportunities for water activities. It's a popular spot for fireworks displays and offers pleasant picnic areas. However, some areas can become less desirable after dark, and litter can be an issue on certain trails.

"It really depends on which area you go to. There’s a side where there’s a beach, but it’s only open in the summer. There’s also another side and it’s OK but not much to do but it’s like a picnic. There are other sides where you can take a boat or do water activities."

Interpreter

"Beautiful and nice place . The view of fireworks is awesome from there . Just visited the fireworks for Labor Day!!"

Vinay Chugh

"It's a nice park to watch the sunset over Percy Priest Lake.
However, it gets really shady as soon as the sun goes down. I don't recommend staying here after dark because of drug-related activities."

JT

What People Like

Beautiful sunset views
Water activities
Fireworks events

What People Dislike

Concerns after dark
Trail litter

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Stewarts Creek is accessible by car, with parking available in various sections of the park. It's located near Nashville, making it a convenient spot for locals and visitors alike. Check GPS for specific access points depending on your desired activity.Reddit

Public transportation options directly to Stewarts Creek are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the lake area.

Parking is usually easiest to find on weekdays. Arrive early on weekends, especially during peak season, to secure a good spot, particularly if you're aiming for specific picnic or beach areas.Reddit

Yes, the lake has multiple access points. Some lead to developed beaches and picnic areas, while others are better for boat launches or more natural trail access.Reddit

The main roads around the lake are generally well-maintained. However, some trails can be less defined, so it's good to have a map or GPS, especially if exploring off the beaten path.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the general park areas is typically free. However, specific facilities like developed beaches might have seasonal operating hours and potential fees, especially during summer.Reddit

Park hours can vary by section and season. While some areas are accessible year-round, developed facilities like beaches may have specific summer operating times. It's advisable to check official park information for the most current hours.Reddit

For general park access, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you plan to reserve picnic shelters or campsites (if available), booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.

Standard park rules apply, including regulations on alcohol, fires, and pets. Be mindful of posted signs and local ordinances. Some areas may have specific access restrictions during certain times or events.Reddit

Keep an eye on local event listings and the official park service websites. Events like fireworks displays are often advertised in advance.Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy picnicking, swimming (at designated beaches), boating, fishing, hiking on trails, and photography. The lake is a hub for various water-based recreation.Reddit

Yes, there are picnic areas available. Some are more developed with tables, while others are more natural settings. Weekdays are best for finding secluded spots.Reddit

Swimming is permitted at designated beaches during the summer season. Water quality can vary, so it's wise to check local advisories if you have concerns.Reddit

Yes, there are trails for hiking, though some can be less maintained or lead to unexpected areas like homeless encampments.Reddit Stick to marked paths for the best experience.

You might see various bird species, squirrels, and other common woodland creatures. The lake itself supports aquatic life.

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Weekday mornings also provide clear shots without crowds.Reddit

The open fields, the lake itself, and the shoreline provide beautiful backdrops. Sunset views are particularly popular for capturing stunning images.Reddit

Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Be mindful of the sun's position for optimal lighting.Reddit

Absolutely! Fireworks displays, like those on Labor Day, offer fantastic opportunities for dynamic night photography.Reddit

Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and park rules. Always check for any restrictions before flying a drone in the area.

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J. Percy Priest Lake Stewarts Creek (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide