Tennessee is a four-season vacation destination whose name came from the Yuchi Indian word “Tana-see”, meaning ‘meeting place’. Living to its name, this state has plenty of attractions to visit and it’s packed with history, nature, and culture. Previously, native Americans tribe inhabited the area, hence some of its places are still named after them. Tennessee also has both iconic natural and man-made attractions that make it a known state and a popular destination. It is the home of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Mountain Dew drink. It is also where Oak Ridge, the energy capital of the world, is located. Moreover, Tennessee has plenty of lakes with green spaces, offering you outdoor and water activities as well as many lake cabin rentals and tiny houses where you can stay in when you decide to visit these beautiful bodies of water. Here’s a list of the most beautiful lakes in Tennessee, USA.
1. Norris Lake
Nestled in Tennessee’s Cumberland Mountains, Norris Lake stands out as one of North America’s cleanest lakes, boasting an array of water-based recreational opportunities. With over 21 marinas, visitors can choose from a diverse range of accommodations and rentals, including boats and jet skis. Beyond its pristine waters, Norris Lake beckons adventurers with options for boating, fishing, skiing, golfing, and 4-wheeling, while simultaneously providing a serene environment for relaxation.
Extending 73 miles (117.48 kilometers) into the Clinch River and 56 miles (90.12 kilometers) up the Powell River, Norris Lake’s vast expanse accommodates a multitude of recreational activities such as swimming, scuba diving, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Its picturesque shoreline encompasses islands, caves, cliffs, and beaches, teeming with diverse wildlife.
Norris Lake
Address: Norris Lake Norris, Tennessee
Website: Norris Lake
2. Douglas Lake
Douglas Lake, located in Tennessee, attracts over 1.7 million visitors annually. Constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1943 for hydroelectric power generation and flood control, the lake spans more than 30,000 acres (12140.58 hectares) at its highest capacity. It is fed by the French Broad River and borders Jefferson, Hamblen, Sevier, and Cocke counties. Despite most of the 550 miles (885.14 kilometers) of shoreline being privately owned, there are numerous access points available for tourists. Douglas Lake is renowned for its exceptional fishing, making it one of the top lakes in the country for angling.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, and sightseeing. The historic Douglas Dam, constructed during World War II, plays a crucial role in regulating water levels, generating hydroelectric power, and offering areas for camping, fishing, and picnicking.
Douglas Lake
Address: Douglas Lake, Tennessee
Website: Douglas Lake
3. Nickajack Lake
Nickajack Lake is the sixth of the twelve Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) reservoirs, which are primarily used to transport grain, wood chips, soybean oil, salt, petroleum, steel products, coal, and other commodities to and from the Tennessee River via huge barges. This body of water stretches from Nickajack Dam through the city of Chattanooga and ends in Chickamauga Dam.
Nickajack Lake is a popular outdoor recreational spot. It features an expansive body of water with a pristine natural beauty surrounding it. Aside from the beautiful views, the lake features several picnic areas, boat launches, and fishing piers along its shores, providing visitors with plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy.
Nickajack Lake
Address: Marion and Hamilton counties, Tennessee, United States
Website: Nickajack Lake
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4. Center Hill Lake
Another awesome lake to explore in the state of Tennessee is Center Hill Lake. It’s centrally located in the heart of the state close to Smithville, between the cities of Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. The lake is a man-made body of water, built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1948 to help with flood control and electricity production.
With its beautiful emerald-like water and the untouched natural beauty surrounding it, the lake draws in lots of visitors from all over the country every year. Some of the fun outdoor recreational activities usually enjoyed here include kayaking, wakeboarding, hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, fishing, and more.
Center Hill Lake
Address: DeKalb, Putnam, White, Warren counties, Middle Tennessee
Website: Center Hill Lake
5. Dale Hollow Reservoir
Dale Hollow Reservoir is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Tennessee and even in the country. It is located in the northern part of the state along the Tennessee-Kentucky borderline. The man-made body of water was completed in 1943 and built by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and hydroelectricity-generating purposes.
Besides its pristine and scenic water, Dale Hollow Reservoir boasts 620 miles (997.7 kilometers) of undeveloped shoreline, providing plenty of outdoor recreational activities for visitors. The main attraction here is fishing as the lake is known to carry a healthy amount of popular angling targets such as trouts, gars, walleyes, muskies, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappies, and more.
Dale Hollow Reservoir
Address: Clay, Pickett, and Overton Counties, Northern Tennessee
Website: Dale Hollow Reservoir
6. Norris Lake
Norris Lake is quietly nested at the foothills of Cumberland Mountains. It is known as one of the clearest lakes in Tennessee. It serves as a sanctuary to approximately 56 species of fish. Wildlife that can be spotted here includes deer, cows, horses, eagles, turkey, and blue heron. You can indulge in a plethora of recreational activities here, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and more. For stay, there are plenty of options near the lake - you can pitch a tent, stay on a houseboat or book a floating cottage. For a complete experience, dine at one of the many restaurants overlooking the lake.
Norris Lake
Address: Ext. 122, Norris, TN 37828
Website: Norris Lake
7. Cherokee Lake
Situated in the foothills of the Clinch Mountains, Cherokee Lake was named after the Native American tribe who previously lived in the area. A dam built in the 1940s can also be seen in this lake. Along its shoreline are campgrounds, boat docks, resorts, parks, picnic areas, playground, and paved trails. There is also a swimming beach, should you want to take a dip. Other popular activities here include lake fishing and birdwatching.
Cherokee Lake
Address: Cherokee Lake, Knoxville, TN 37849
Website: Cherokee Lake
8. Boone Lake
Boone Lake is one of the small lakes in Tennessee. It has a shoreline of 139 miles. It features a swimming area and a boat ramp. Activities popular here are fishing, waterskiing, and other water-based recreation. Through the summer season, the lake has a stable water level. The lake serves as an aquatic ecology to fishes like crappie, bass, and bluegill.
Boone Lake
Address: Sullivan / Washington counties, Tennessee, United States
9. Old Hickory Lake
This lake is named after “Old Hickory”, the nickname of President Andrew Jackson who used to live in the area. Old Hickory Lake is a reservoir situated on the Cumberland River. Several parks can be seen around the lake, offering outdoor and lake activities like fishing, boating, jet skiing, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming. Camping is also possible on its two campgrounds.
Old Hickory Lake
Address: Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075
Website: Old Hickory Lake
10. Watts Bar Lake
Watts Bar is considered one of largest lakes in Tennessee, with numerous large islands and coves. Some of the isles here include Sand Island, Thief Neck Island and Long Island, and Sand Island. A dam built in 1942 can also be seen here. Along its shoreline are four parks, where you can enjoy different recreational activities like birdwatching and camping. Meanwhile, lake activities that you can engage in include paddling, fishing, and swimming.
Watts Bar Lake
Address: Meigs / Rhea / Roane / Loudon counties, Tennessee, U.S.
Website: Watts Bar Lake
11. Chickamauga Lake
Chickamauga Lake is named after the Chickamauga tribe of the Cherokees that once inhabited the area. This large and beautiful lake has an actual water level depending on weather conditions and power needs. In summer, its water temperature gets cooler. Water-centric activities and fishing are popular here. Bluegill, bass, and catfish are some of the fishes that can be typically seen here.
Chickamauga Lake
Address: Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
Website: Chickamauga Lake
12. Watauga Lake
Watauga Lake is a man-made reservoir that was constructed in the mid-20th century. Facilities along the lake allow you to enjoy activities with family and friends. Lake fishing is possible on Rat Branch Boat Launch, Sink Mountain Boat Ramp, and Little Milligan Boat Launch. Meanwhile, Shook Branch Beach is good for swimming. Hikers and target shooting are also possible activities in the area. Camping and having a picnic can be enjoyed on Cardens Bluff Campground, Dennis Cove Recreation Area, and Watauga Point Picnic Area.
Watauga Lake
Address: Carter / Johnson counties, Tennessee, United States
Website: Watauga Lake
13. Percy Priest Lake (from USD 189.0)
This mid-sized lake is named after American politician Percy Priest. Different kinds of boating activities are possible on this lake, from paddle boarding to canoeing and kayaking. You can also use sailboats, powerboats, and houseboats to enjoy the lake. For fishing, you have the option to do it by boat or by staying on bank fishing spots. Some of the marine life you can see here are different kinds of bass fishes, sunfish, catfish, bluegill, and trout. Campgrounds, picnic shelters, and showers are also available near the lake.
Percy Priest Lake Nashville Flyboard Hoverboard or Jetpack
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
14. Radnor Lake
Radnor Lake is home to a variety of wildlife and flora. Depending on the season, an abundance of wildflowers and birds can be found here. Activities you can do here include wildlife spotting, wildflower walks, jogging, and biking. Birdwatching is best here during winter, when the birds are migrating. Radnor Lake State Park also has trails and environmental education programs. This lake is categorized as Class II Natural Area.
Radnor Lake
Address: 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, Estados Unidos
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Website: Radnor Lake
15. Reelfoot Lake
Due to several earthquakes between 1811 and 1812, Reelfoot Lake State Park was formed when the Mississippi River has flowed in a reverse direction. As one of the most beautiful lakes in Tennessee, it is home to a plethora of aquatic plants and flowers, as well as diverse wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise. The lake has nearly 50 species of fishes and 200 species of birds, making the area popular for fishing and birdwatching. Duck hunting is another must-try activity here. The lake has around 150,000 ducks and geese in a year. Some of the waterfowl that can be seen here are Long Point, Grassy Island, Black Bayou, and Lake Isom.
Reelfoot Lake
Address: 2595 Highway 21 East, Tiptonville, TN 38079, Estados Unidos
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
Website: Reelfoot Lake
Enjoy the lake life
Let Tennessee be your vacation destination. Allow the beautiful lakes of Tennessee to provide you with the enjoyment that you need. No matter what season of the year, you can indulge in a range of lake activities here. Let it show you how its natural scenic beauty can blend well with man-made construction as well.
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