The Complete Guide to Boating on Percy Priest Lake

Percy Priest Lake is Middle Tennessee's most popular boating destination, and it's easy to see why. Located just 15 miles east of downtown Nashville with 14,200 acres of water and 213 miles of shoreline, it's close enough for a spontaneous Tuesday evening cruise and big enough to explore for a full weekend.

If you're buying a boat in the Nashville area, odds are Percy Priest is your primary lake. At Bill's Used Boats in Hermitage — just 10 minutes from the lake — we've helped hundreds of Nashville families find the right boat for Percy Priest. This guide covers everything you need to know before you go.

The Basics

Percy Priest Lake sits on the Stones River and is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The lake runs from Nashville's east side down toward Smyrna and La Vergne. Key facts:

• Surface area: 14,200 acres
• Shoreline: 213 miles
• Maximum depth: approximately 70 feet
• No general speed limit on the main lake — no-wake zones near marinas and swim areas
• No overnight anchoring restrictions on most of the lake

Marinas on Percy Priest Lake

Nashville Shores Marina — Located off Bell Road, Hermitage. Full-service marina with fuel dock, slips, and access to resort amenities. Busy on summer weekends.

Elm Hill Marina — Off Elm Hill Pike, close to I-40. One of the most convenient access points from Nashville. Fuel, slips, quick launch access.

Fate Sanders Marina — Southeast side near Smyrna. Bait shop, slips, and ramp access. More of an angler's marina but well-maintained.

Four Corners Marina — South side. Fuel, slips, great sunset views over the main channel.

Hamilton Creek Marina — Home to sailing and kayak clubs. Limited commercial services for powerboats.

Public Boat Ramps

The Corps of Engineers maintains 12 public ramps around the lake. Most are free or low-cost. Popular ones include Anderson Road, Fate Sanders, Seven Points, and Smith Springs. Check the Corps of Engineers Nashville District website for current conditions before heading out.

Best Spots on Percy Priest

Hamilton Creek Cove — Protected from boat traffic, great for families with young kids.

The main channel east of Elm Hill — Best stretch for wake sports. Open water, room to run, minimal traffic early morning.

Anderson Road Beach — One of the few designated swim beaches on the lake. Good anchor spot for a family beach day.

Poole Knobs area — Southeast end near La Vergne. Less traffic, good for fishing and peaceful cruising.

Rules and Regulations

• All vessels must be registered with the state of Tennessee
• Life jackets required for all passengers — children under 13 must wear them at all times underway
• Alcohol enforcement is active — Tennessee BUI laws apply
• No-wake zones strictly enforced near marinas, launch ramps, and swim areas
• Wake boats and surf boats are permitted on the main lake

What Type of Boat Is Best for Percy Priest?

• Pontoons and tritoons — The most popular choice for families. A 22-24 ft tritoon handles weekend boat traffic well and docks easily at Nashville Shores or Elm Hill.
• Bowriders — Great all-around boats for cruising, swimming, and light watersports. Easy to trailer and launch.
• Wake and surf boats — If wake surfing is the primary activity, a dedicated wake boat on Percy Priest is the right call.

Not sure which is right for you? We're just 10 minutes from the lake at 3622 Central Pike, Hermitage. Call us at (629) 245-2628.

Pro Tips for Percy Priest Boaters

• Arrive early on summer weekends — by noon the main channel gets busy and ramps back up
• Wind picks up in the afternoon most days — plan watersports for morning
• Keep an eye on storm cells — Middle Tennessee weather changes fast in summer
• Use a GPS app like Navionics — the lake is tighter in some areas than it looks on a map