Boating

Boaters sail in a regatta near Old Hickory Beach, Old Hickory, Tenn.

Boating on Old Hickory Lake

Old Hickory Lake provides boaters with a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy their respective recreational interests. Our 22,500 acres of water offer an opportunity for all types of recreation. Pleasure boats, sailboats, personal watercraft, and fishing boats all share the waters on Old Hickory Lake. Each boater has the responsibility to respect other boaters and practice safe operating procedures. Accidents can and do happen if safety rules are ignored. Boaters are urged to wear approved personal flotation devices, maintain all equipment and practice appropriate rules of the road while operating on the lake. Personal flotation devices are required for persons operating personal watercraft and all children under the age of 12.

We hope your boating experience on Old Hickory Lake is a good one. Practice safe boating skills and help us provide a safe boating environment for all to enjoy.

More information on boating rules and regulations are available at the following web sites:

US Coast Guard Office of boating safety

US Coast Guard Regulations and publications

TWRA Boating in Tennessee

TWRA Boating Regulations

Safe Boating Council


For information or a copy of recreational brochures concerning the Cumberland River System, please visit your nearest Nashville District Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office.