Cook Day Use Area
Cook Day Use Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.
Cook Day Use Area offers two large group shelters for day use, which can accommodate 75 and 100 guests, making it an ideal spot for large parties and family functions.
A large playground surrounded by lush, grassy areas are perfect for children to run around and enjoy the outdoors.
Need to Know
- Each vehicle will be charged a $5.00 day use fee upon entrance to the park.
- No off-road vehicles permitted
- No pets allowed at day use area
- Activities other than picnicking in the group shelters must be pre-approved by the Resource Manager
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec.
Natural Features
J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its mission. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water.
In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands.
A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.
Nearby Attractions
J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about ten miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities and the conveniences of a metro area.
Cook Day Use Area is also close to the Hermitage, the historic home of President Andrew Jackson.
Recreation
The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of its temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers.
A large sandy swimming beach provides guests of Cook Day Use Area with convenient access to swimming and comfortable sunbathing.
The Three Hickories Nature Trail is a 1.6 mile nature trail located in a wooded area within Cook Recreation Area.
Contact Information
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12230 OLD HICKORY BLVD. HERMITAGE TN 37076
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 615-889-1975
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east for 7 miles to exit 221B. Turn right on Old Hickory Boulevard, left on Bell Road, right on New Hope Road and right on Stewarts Ferry Pike. Follow the signs to the picnic shelters.
Available Campsites
- Site COOK2, Loop COOK, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site COOK1, Loop COOK, Type Group Shelter Electric
