Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500-acre lake on the Cumberland River, stretching about 97 miles from Old Hickory Dam past Hendersonville and Gallatin, just northeast of Nashville.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Old Hickory Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Its 440 miles of shoreline are lined with lake homes, marinas and parks, making it one of Middle Tennessee's busiest boating lakes.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Old Hickory Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Old Hickory Lake with no towing required.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 12 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Old Hickory Lake.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Old Hickory Lake or pulling a tube.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Old Hickory Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Old Hickory Lake into a full beach party.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Old Hickory Lake at a glance
| Location | Hendersonville and Gallatin |
|---|---|
| Size | About 22,500 acres |
| Length | About 97 miles |
| Shoreline | About 440 miles |
| River | Cumberland River |
| Dam | Old Hickory Lock and Dam |
Best things to do on Old Hickory Lake
- Wakesurfing – calm coves on early mornings.
- Jet skiing – miles of open water.
- Water skiing and tubing – the wide main lake.
- Fishing – bass, crappie and stripers.
Where to launch at Old Hickory Lake
- Rockland Recreation Area – Corps of Engineers park near the dam.
- Marinas – marinas around Hendersonville and Gallatin.
Summer weekends are busy near Nashville, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Old Hickory Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Tennessee requires an observer 12 or older or a wide-angle mirror when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in Tennessee.
Tennessee boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children 12 and under must wear one whenever the boat isn't docked or tied up, even when drifting, and everyone on a jet ski must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires a 170-degree wide-angle rear-view mirror or an observer 12 or older besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, marinas and near docks and swimmers.
- Give barges and tows plenty of room on the main river channel, and keep clear of the lock approaches.
Map of Old Hickory Lake
Old Hickory Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Old Hickory Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Old Hickory Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Old Hickory Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Old Hickory Lake?
On the Cumberland River just northeast of Nashville, near Hendersonville and Gallatin.
Can you jet ski on Old Hickory Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Old Hickory Lake.
How big is Old Hickory Lake?
About 22,500 acres, with roughly 440 miles of shoreline.
How far is Old Hickory Lake from Nashville?
It's about 20 minutes from downtown Nashville.