Dog friendly lakes? (Spring Hill, Ashland City, Midtown: live in, swimming, parking)

[gunzosu]

Hello,

I recently moved to Nashville and am searching out dog friendly bodies of water for my 10-month old lab to enjoy. I've been to Centennial and Shelby dog park, which are great, but in this heat I'd also like to find a place for him to swim.

I live in the Midtown area, but don't mind driving a bit. Thanks in advance!

[alleycat]

Radnor Lake would be perfect, but I don't think dogs are allowed off leash.

Your best bet might be one of the big lakes like Priest.

[gbone]

Radnor Lake doesn't allow dogs on the trails, in the lake, or off leash. You can only have a dog on leash on the paved road or on the dam road. You may want to try the larger lakes(Percy Priest, Old Hickory) or the rivers and creeks in the area.

[gunzosu]

Thanks. I'll have to check out Percy Priest lake soon.

[alleycat]

You might also check out Marrowbone Lake in Joelton. From where you are you can get there in 20 minutes during non-rush hour traffic. It's much smaller than Priest, but it's still a good-sized body of water.

I don't know the dog regulations at Marrowbone; that would be something you would have to look up.

[Wingz]

There is a boat launching ramp into the Cumberland River in Shelby Park, on the road along the river, just before the railroad bridge. I recently saw someone with a lab swimming there. The current can be strong, so use caution, but it might be okay when the river isn't running fast.

The water at Percy Priest Lake is a lot cleaner.

[ChefCyndi]

The only dog friendly spot that I have gone with my dogs is at Edwin Warner Park, picnic areas entrance off Vaughn Rd. If you go down just past parking area #5 on the left, you will see a small parking annex. That's where I go and it's really nice. Almost like a beach. I swim in the water with my dogs - it's on the Harpeth River.
I can confirm comments above, no dogs off leash at Radnor - nor on walking trails. But, you can walk on trails at Edwin Warner park and go for a swim at the end to cool 'em down.
Regarding Percy Priest lake, no dogs in the common park area off leash. However, if you go to the Volunteer Trail head, you can hike to the lake (no more than 1 mile) and rarely to I run into anyone on that trail - it's on the opposite side from the people, so dogs can swim without disturbing anyone.
Because I live down in Spring Hill, I haven't ventured north of the city. But, I bet there are other wonderful places up there. Maybe even near Ashland City?
One new park, which some doggie friendly friends have told me about, is Cummins Falls, 2 hrs east of Nashville. It's recently opened to public. Big swimming hole, waterfall and dogs galore.
Let me know if you find any other cool spots!

[=^..^=]

Bryant's Grove on Percy Priest lake allowed dogs the last time I was there. That may have changed but it was a nice place to take our dogs before they finally went to Rainbow Bridge. I don't know of any place in the Nashville area or surrounding areas that allow dogs off the leash.