Bedford Lake is a 43-acre reservoir located in Bedford County, Tennessee, approximately 9. 3 miles from Manchester and situated in the rural area of Normandy.

The lake is also known as Coy Gaithers Bedford Lake and is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) as a family fishing lake.

**Access and Facilities** The lake features a boat launching ramp, fishing pier, and picnic area with bathrooms and a small dock. There is a single parking area that serves all lake users.

Access is available via Bedford Lake Road, with detailed driving directions available through either Nashville/Chattanooga via I-24 or through Normandy. **Paddling Regulations and Restrictions** Kayaking is explicitly permitted and encouraged at Bedford Lake.

Only trolling motors are allowed on personal boats - no gasoline motors are permitted. All watercraft must operate at no-wake speeds. Personal boats cannot be left overnight.

The lake is designed for family recreation with no distractions or overcrowding, making it particularly suitable for beginners and those learning to kayak. **Permits and Hours** A daily lake permit ($6. 00) or annual permit ($48.

00) is required in addition to a fishing license for most users. Permits must be purchased from license agents before arriving at the lake. The lake is open seven days per week from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

**Character and Environment** Bedford Lake offers a quiet alternative to larger, more crowded waters in the region. The lake provides beautiful scenery and is perfect for kayakers and newcomers to paddling.

The rural location ensures minimal boat traffic and a peaceful paddling environment.

**Fish and Wildlife** The lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, and catfish, which may be of interest to paddlers for wildlife observation purposes.