J. Percy Priest Reservoir is a 14,200-acre lake located near Nashville, Tennessee. Created in 1968 by damming the Stones River, it offers 213 miles of shoreline and depths up to 100 feet near the dam. The lake is surrounded by 19,000 acres of public land, providing ample opportunities for paddling and other outdoor activities.

Popular put-in locations include Hamilton Creek, which features protected waters and a floating dock, and Cooks Recreation Area, which opens into the main lake body. Seven Points offers more wind protection but sees higher motorized boat traffic. For a quieter paddle, explore Suggs Creek, accessible from the Vivrett boat ramp.

Paddlers should be aware of potential hazards including choppy conditions, especially near boat ramps and when winds blow unimpeded across the lake. The lake sees heavy powerboat use, particularly on weekends and during bass fishing tournaments. Exercise caution around speedboats, jet skis, and fast bass boats.

Notable paddling routes include trips to Bear Island and Luau Island from Hamilton Creek. A longer journey starts at Cooks, crosses the main lake body past Bear Island and the "party cove," continuing to Hobson Pike Bridge.

The lake experiences a 7-foot water level drop between summer and winter pool. Full pool elevation is 490 feet above sea level, while winter pool is 483 feet.

Facilities for paddlers include multiple boat ramps, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages three campgrounds: Pooles Knob, Anderson Recreation, and Seven Points. Personal flotation devices must be on board kayaks, though wearing them is not mandatory.

J. Percy Priest Reservoir offers diverse wildlife viewing opportunities and fishing. The lake supports populations of largemouth bass, crappie, hybrid striped bass, and catfish. Fish attractors maintained by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provide structure for fish and potential points of interest for paddlers.