I love this lake! I've been coming here off and on for 35 years. The history is fascinating, and it's just the beginning. It sits atop what was an old dying town but once the county seat (I think).
If you're in Nashville, take a day and spend it on this lake. The main body is wide open, but the lake has a number of craggy tributaries and islands. Fishing for striper and bass - exceptional. I've seen stripers in the 50 lb range. And the fishing is great below the dam, tooPontoon boat rentals area avail, and a day spent in the sun swimming and hanging out - ideal.
TVA built the lake. When they flooded the valley the lake didn't fill to the level it was supposed to, because nobody noticed the network of caves under the surface that also had to fill up.