Tennessee / Rutherford County / Smyrna

Jefferson Springs

Closed — Currently closed for the season. The facility typically operates seasonally with day-use hours from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

About

Jefferson Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis in the green hills of middle Tennessee, located on J. Percy Priest Lake about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville. This day-use facility features a large group shelter with electricity that can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it ideal for family gatherings and group events. The recreation area provides access to J. Percy Priest Lake, a 14,200-acre reservoir completed in 1968, surrounded by 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, white bass, catfish, bluegill, and bream. Visitors can enjoy boating, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding natural areas. The nearby Cedar Glades Natural Area is home to diverse wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower. The temperate climate provides a relatively long recreation season for outdoor activities. Jefferson Springs includes a boat ramp for lake access and day-use facilities. The area is conveniently located near Sam Ridley Parkway off I-24, providing easy access from the Nashville metro area while offering a peaceful natural setting for recreation.

Directions

From downtown Nashville, take I-24 east to Sam Ridley Parkway. Turn left onto Jefferson Pike and the recreation area will be on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds