What a great little hidden gem! I almost did not want to add it on here, but here goes…read more.. Six months ago, I discovered this place as a nice getaway with a place to take my little one and experience sand. His first steps on a "beach" were taken here. The sand is clean and free of shells or debris. There are several picnic areas with tables scattered along the water and some with shade provided by the trees. When they reopen, you can get a tour inside to see how the dam was built and works. We didn't get to do that yet. It was a spontaneous trip and later in the day, so next time. On the grounds, they do have a few historic parts displayed such as the retired lock (see photo). It was really neat to see. They have a covered pavilion where you can gather to eat at the picnic tables with family and friends. As the weather is warm today, I thought of this place. Unfortunately, this time we are in dealing with the world pandemic and social distancing ... we have to wait. Everything we saw appeared clean and everywhere was open, but it wasn't crowded since school had started already. So, add this to your list of places to check out. Today's high of 80 degrees would be the perfect day to go! :-(

Beautiful area walking hiking trails nearby the park is well kept and monitored. Go to their…read morewelcome office and buy your pass for all the national parks!

Our family fishing spot. Great place to catch your dinner. People are friendly and the view is…read morebeautiful.

Just a wonderful place to walk around and explore. Very well kept and great for the kids to let…read moretheir energy out. Enjoyed our time here while visiting Tennessee.

It is a beautiful spot with amazing views. There are roots from trees on or near paths so be…read morecareful walking. Lots of trees in rough shape and need to be cleared. It is nature so yeah rocks and roots are about. Just look where you are stepping and bring water.

Nice park w a large covered pavilion & tables underneath. Large grassy area w a playground w room…read moreenough to run & play. Has a porta potty. Dog friendly on a leash. Not recommended to swim. Can be dangerous

Love this place me and my dad always used to walk my dog here pretty bridge but the currents of the…read moreriver are not so great went floating a few months ago as we were coming down the river to get off at Billy Dunlap there was a sad drowning of someone who passed away they might be closed down I'm not sure I recommend always being very careful here if it opens back up

Stayed at Montgomery Bell Lodge in Tennessee and it's worth the trip. Clean, modern lodge tucked…read moreright inside the state park, overlooking the lake. Rooms are simple but solid -- everything you need after a long hike or day on the water. Restaurant downstairs is convenient, food's better than you'd expect for park dining, and you can grab coffee before heading out. Best part? You walk right out the door into trails, woods, and lake views without ever touching your truck. Not luxury, but not trying to be. Lodge and loaded with what matters: comfort, location, and that Tennessee outdoors feel.

Tranquility. That defines this beautiful green park as well as the small lake…read more Easy to get to, lots of parking and pavilions and dense with forested areas. Lots of picnic tables and places for kids to have fun! The small relatively clear Southern lake had a couple of fishing boats working the shores. The lake is chock full of bass. Fingerling bass line the shore line and 1-3 pounders were seen in the water everywhere. The trails take you up along the ridges and other areas walk you along the dam and lakeshore. The afternoon sun is filtered through the trees giving a warm greenish yellow backdrop. The shady areas are beyond restful and recharged me for another day!

Came here to do a hike. You're hiking right along the water so it's a beautiful view. It's not a…read morehard hike at all, relaxing, and serene.

Okay, if you're ever in Tennessee, you have to check out Montgomery Bell Tunnel. This hidden gem…read morein Montgomery Bell State Park is packed with history, and it's one of the coolest spots I've explored. Built in the early 1800s, this tunnel was carved by hand to transport iron ore for a thriving industry. But what makes it even more special is the story behind it--enslaved people worked here, and their efforts helped shape the future of Tennessee. It's crazy to think that something so important is tucked away in the middle of the woods, just waiting to be discovered! https://www.tiktok.com/@reessroots/video/7535575693854297374?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7352687494821037610 The tunnel is almost 300 feet long, and standing inside it feels like stepping back in time. You can almost hear the echoes of the past! Most people are out there hitting all the usual tourist spots, but places like Montgomery Bell Tunnel are the ones that actually make you feel something. If you're into history, adventure, or just exploring off the beaten path, this is definitely the place to be. Skip the crowded tourist traps and head to Montgomery Bell Tunnel for some real history! Trust me, you'll be talking about it long after you leave. #HiddenGems #HistoryUncovered #ExploreTennessee

This is my happy place. I got married here back in 2006 under the gazebo. And since then we visit…read morehere often for picnics, fishing, birthday parties or just to relax by the water. We have so many happy memories here. There are multiple tables, grills, trash bins and shelters around the park for everyone to enjoy a picnic. They have a huge shelter available to rent with a kitchen for bigger parties or weddings. A nice doc with benches to fish from and a long sidewalk along the water. Its clean, super shady and well kept. Convenient bathrooms, volley ball net, playground and more. I can't say enough good things about the place. Go yourself and enjoy!

I'm not exactly sure why Rockland qualifies as a "recreation area" and not a full blown park, but…read moreit's a pretty neat area to spend a summer day. It's out in Hendersonville on Old Hickory Lake, and it has a handful of pavilions (five I think) as well as several picnic tables. There is a boat ramp at Rockland, and a lot of people fish or launch their boats from the area. I've been to a handful of picnics and large, organized "get-togethers" (as my family calls them) at Rockland. There is plenty of room for the little ones to run around or for a game of football or frisbee. Rockland has a pretty nice view of the lake, and it's right beside the Old Hickory Dam. There's a great stretch of shore near the dam that makes for some of the best fishing in the area, and it's a lovely place to just take a walk or enjoy the scenery. Not my favorite park in the greater Nashville area, but possibly my favorite in Hendersonville.

It is a pleasant enough lake that brings a peace to your soul and reminds you that there is more to…read morethis world that the hustle and bustle of civilization.

NOT a bass lake... but read on…read more Firstly, this is a beautiful lake that is well maintained and managed by friendly staff. Now, please note, this is NOT a secret Tennessee monster bass fishery. This is not a lake that is little known and rarely fished that is holding numerous 6+ lb bass that destroy anything thrown at them cast after cast. As a matter of fact, it's tough to catch numerous bass of any size, at all. I'm a life long Tennessee resident and fisherman and somehow I've never been to Marrowbone until recently. As you pull up to the gate you will be greeted by a massive, iconic, middle Tennessee limestone cliff with a rocky lake cove off to your right as you wrap around to the "lake house" tackle shop. If you're anything like me you'll say aloud to your self, "are you kidding me!", as it sets in that you have missed out in such a beautiful lake for decades. Pulling into the large gravel lot you'll notice a nice fishing pier, the tackle house/welcome office, motor-less Jon boats lining the bank and of course, a beautiful lake nestled in wooded hills. Gas engines are not allowed here but you may bring your own boat with the understanding that you will only be able to use your electric trolling motor. (Another review was incorrect in saying that you could not bring your own boat). Upon arriving you must pay $6 to use the boat rank If you plan to launch your own boat. Which is what I did so I do not know the rental fees. The attendant was a very nice man that seemed happy to have a visitor on a mid Wednesday afternoon. I asked him about the fishing quality with a emphasis on largemouth or spotted bass. He assured me that it was great and even proudly told me about the 9.5lb bass that was caught in April. I was hesitant to believe him as we have all heard our fair share of fishing stories but sure enough, he had a picture to prove it. I immediately thought I stumbled across a gold mine and was pumped to get on the water. He pointed me to a staring point just around the bend and I was on my way to fish the 65 acre lake (approx.) I started fishing right at 3:00pm. By 4:00 I've thrown multiple baits from square bill crankbaits to shakey head worms with a spinnerbait and swim jig in between...nothing. Not a bite. The day was hot and the sun was high so I figured it would be rough. I decided to find shade and fallen timber. I slowed down with a wacky rigged sinko worm and fish a fallen tree with a ton of bait fish around it....nothing. 4:30 I back off to deeper water and fish a perimeter around the timber with various baits....nothing. 5:00 I found a long point in what I would call the middle of the lake and backed off until I could no longer touch bottom with my 6' oar and arm in the water up to my shoulder. Slow rolled a blue gill colored swim jig and craw trailer...nothing. White spinnerbait... nothing. Sexy shad strike king crankbait... nothing. By this point I was starting to question the quality of fishing here. 6:30 I head back to towards the ramp and fish one more stretch of aquatic grass and timber, slowing wayyyyy down with my zoom trick worm presentation (watermelon and then silver flake). Slow and methodically I pick about every branch..ever grass stick up...every submerged stump... NOTHING! It was quitting time. After loading the boat on the trailer by the fantastically maintained floating dock, I stopped in for a can of Sun Drop and to say goodbye to the attendant. As he grabbed my cold drink I thumbed quickly through a pile of 4x6 photos on the counter. Catfish after catfish after catfish were pictures. Huge catfish! Small catfish.. stringers of 10 plus catfish... No bass Pictures... except one. The 9.5 lb bass that was caught in April. So I had to ask what the deal was. He confesses that even though the 9lb bad was caught here, the bass fishing is extremely tough. He believes due to being over fished. He also mention that the lake was recently stocked with 3000 catfish. Right the I realized this may not be the small bass fishery that I've always hoped to find in Tennessee. Maybe it was a slow day for me, maybe the lake is over fished or maybe there are too many dang catfish in the lake. Either way, this place was beautiful and well maintained. Probably a great place to take kids that can have a blast catching bluegill or even catfish. However, I'll venture to say this place does not go on my list of fantastic bass fisheries.... With that said.... I'll be back to try Marrowbone again.

Such a beautiful lake to go watch the sunset/sunrise at!! It's a Tennessee staple, but it's sad…read morethat people are so dangerous around here!! You definitely have to be careful of which area you're in by the lake!

Surprised to see the main entrance already closed for the winter. We took a small trail that was…read moreall paved, which was nice, but not very long. It had very little parking available & no bathrooms at this site so that was very disappointing.