Nestled Between Nashville And Chattanooga Is Tennessee's Underrated Lake For Camping, Hiking, And Fishing

If your idea of paradise includes peaceful waters, wooded trails, and uncrowded campsites, Normandy Lake might just be your perfect escape. This glittering, underrated oasis doesn't appear on lists of the best fishing spots or hiking spots in the state, but outdoorsy travelers will feel as though they have stumbled upon a real gem.

Situated around 67 miles from Nashville and 82 miles from Chattanooga, residents of both cities may show a preference for closer bodies of water. But Normandy Lake's magnetic, rural charm will soon win visitors over with perfectly placed lakeside camp sites, waterfall-filled hiking trails, and abundant fishing. To get there, Nashville International Airport is 65 miles away, and you'll take Interstate 24 southeast from the city, passing the soulful southern city of Murfreesboro. Before reaching Manchester, take Highway 41, followed by Blanton Chapel Road and then Lyndell Bell Road until you hit the lake.

Those looking for great outdoor excursions and fishing near Nashville might head to Hendersonville by default, but traveling that little bit further will bring you to a stunning lake that boasts moderate temperatures, plenty of water activities for the family, and bountiful, year-round fishing. For those interested in camping and hiking, Normandy Lake delivers with scenic lakeside campsites and a network of nearby trails that showcase the area's natural beauty. You can also expect serene forest paths and waterfalls just a short drive away. This hidden gem is the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and fully embrace Tennessee's great outdoors.

In the summer, average temperatures in the area can swell to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but in winter, they're usually 40 to 50 degrees. Spring and summer also bring showers, which fishing enthusiasts know can attract more bites from several types of fish that live in Normandy Lake. The species you catch usually depends on the season; in the spring, crappie, in the fall, largemouth and spotted bass, and in the summer, catfish. Sunfish and bluegill are more common near the shallower docks, so this is a good place to bring young children. In neighboring Bedford Lake, a 60 to 70-pound catfish was caught back in 2020, so who knows what you might hook in Normandy Lake!

Like any fishing spot, pay attention to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for up-to-date advice on regulations. It's also crucial to come prepared: bring your fishing gear, a drinks cooler, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to shield your eyes from the glare of the water's surface. Mosquitoes are likely, so don't forget bug spray. Beginners who need more direction might choose to book a tour company to show them the ropes (and rods).

Normandy Fish Hatchery lies on the west side of the lake. If you park up at the Normandy Hatchery River Walk area to explore the walking trails (like the Duck River Loop Fishing Trail or the Normandy Hatchery River Access path), make sure to pass by the hatchery to see the scope of what they do there. Manager Nathan Singer told Good News Magazine, "We're the most productive warm-water hatchery in Tennessee." He adds, "We concentrate on five sportfish species, [and] raise around 2.3 million fish a year on average, all species combined."

If a fishing trip isn't complete without a night under the stars, Barton Springs Campgrounds — on the south side of Normandy Lake — is an idyllic spot. This picturesque site has lake views and 11 premium waterside pitches for fishing fanatics. It's open from March until November, has its own beach, and is rated 4.5 stars on Google (at the time of writing). One reviewer said, "[w]hat a beautiful place! We had a waterfront view, and it was less than 20 footsteps to the water." Cedar Point Campground is another tranquil, 4.5-star-rated option if you're heading to the north side of the lake.

Despite its calm atmosphere, Normandy Lake is buzzing with activity. Launch a boat from one of four free-to-use access sites, rent a kayak from Lucky Duck River Rentals in Normandy (starting from $25), or simply kick back with a cold drink by the blissful water's edge. Nashville residents often flock to Warner Park for peaceful forest hikes, but Normandy Lake offers its own buffet of trails ranging from easy strolls to treks that'll have you huffing and puffing.

Head to Short Springs Natural Area, just a 15-minute drive from the lake, where you'll find trails dispersing from the parking lot. To find majestic waterfalls, aim for the bridge over Bobo Creek, then continue past the purple markings to Laurel Bluff Loop and onto Machine Falls Loop, which takes you back towards the parking lot. The whole journey is 3.2 miles and takes between one and 1.5 hours to complete. You'll need waterproof shoes for this moderate, sweaty, and somewhat steep hike. Whether exploring its surrounding wilderness or bobbing on the lake itself, Normandy Lake is an enchanting retreat that invites you to stay a while.