Rest, relax, and recharge when you visit Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee. Whether you seek a romantic rendezvous or a week of family fun, you can easily enjoy the best that nature has to offer. Whether your main goal is relaxation or charging full-speed toward outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone here. The lake teems with fish and is home to one of the largest Bald Eagle wintering populations in the region. Visit historic landmarks tucked away in the mountains and valleys of the Tennessee Highlands, all within a convenient distance of your vacation rental on Dale Hollow Lake. Here are the ten best places on and near Dale Hollow Lake where you can stay during your vacation.
1. On the Shores of Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee
Take a break from the daily grind and cut loose when you stay right on the shores of picturesque Dale Hollow Lake. Jump right in and experience everything the lake offers, including fishing, swimming, and boating. Enjoy waterfront chalets or cabins that take you miles away from it all. With conveniently-located marinas and undeveloped lakefront areas, Dale Hollow Lake offers 620 miles of shoreline for you to explore. Picture yourself reeling in a big fish, speeding along on a wakeboard, or just floating on the water and letting the stress float away.
2. Byrdstown, Tennessee
When you stay in Byrdstown, the heart and soul of small town America surround you. You can rent a lakefront cottage or a rustic cabin in the woods, or stay right in this small town, which is named after Civil War veteran Colonel Richard Byrd. Take the kids to Obey River Park Recreation Area, which is right on Cultus Lake and one of the most popular places to visit in the area. Once there, you can swim in the lake, walk through the woods, or camp for a night or two if you’d like to spend more time outside. This is also the site of an annual Civil War bivouac in September, and locals love to talk about it.
3. Free Hill, Tennessee
Free Hill sits tucked away among the wooded hollows and ridges above Celina in the Upper Cumberland region where history says Virginia Hill bought property to free her slaves, giving them a protected and secluded home place. For more than two centuries, the freed slaves and their descendants occupied this tiny enclave although few remain. Visitors who stay in the Celina area drive through Free Hill to see the Rosenwald School and Free Hill’s United Church of Christ, both over 100 years old.
4. Celina, Tennessee
Staying in Celina treats visitors to some of the best trails and water adventures the Cumberland region offers. Besides hiking through the pristine forests, experience the breathtaking beauty of the Cumberland River Bluffs. Enjoy your peaceful nights to recharge for your days of adventures as you swim, fish and explore lakes, rivers, and wilderness trails.
5. Moss, Tennessee
Wave at the locals and they’ll wave back when you stay near Moss, a tiny town situated on the Eastern Highland Rim of Tennessee near the Cumberland River. Country churches, family farms, sawmills, and log homes dot the rolling hills. Here, you’ll enjoy majestic vistas and forests of magnificent hardwood trees. Life moves slowly here, and you are invited to slow down and savor it too.
6. Allons, Tennessee
What better way to see the countryside than on horseback? The Allons area features access to guided horseback trail rides for the family. Saddle up and enjoy the leisurely ride through deep woods and past cool mountain streams. Take a camera along to capture some of the thrilling mountain vistas.
7. Monroe, Tennessee
Settle down in the Monroe area to spend some time at the Obey River Park Recreation Area, where your family might spot an American Bald Eagle. Watch to see them flying overhead or perched in a nearby tree from late fall through early spring. Vacationing in this area in the summer and spring is an ideal time to go fishing — the Obey River is known for its excellent supply of trout.
8. Eagle Cove Road, Byrdstown, TN
Treat yourself to a relaxing retreat on the waterfront with the lake before you and forest behind you. Explore the acres of wilderness while you help the kids spot local wildlife or enjoy the beach. Experience a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of the city in this delightful highlands refuge.
9. Willow Grove Highway
Find your personal Shangri-La along the Willow Grove Highway and get close to nature by the crystal blue waters of Dale Hollow Lake. Wash away your stress with a leisurely swim or enjoy a quiet sunset on the beach. Revel in the sound of the water splashing against your canoe as you paddle across the lake with view of green, rolling hills.
10. Swan Ridge Road
You dream of the wind whipping through your hair as your jet ski dashes through the waters. Wake up and make it happen when you vacation along Swan Ridge Road. In this area, you will have easy access to the lake, especially to fishing areas. Cast a lure into the cool water of the lake and reel in a smallmouth bass, or pull in a rainbow trout from the Obey River below the dam. Take a hike up to the top of the hills to see spectacular views of the lake.