Summary
Located in the southeastern region of the USA, Tennessee is a landlocked state renowned for its agriculture and tourism. It is often referred to as the ‘Volunteer State’ due to the significant number of volunteer soldiers that originated from the state during the War of 1812; however, the nickname is also attributed to the volunteers that participated in the Mexican–American War.
Tennessee boasts diverse landscapes, with the eastern region characterized by the Appalachian Mountains, the central section comprising a dome landscape, and the western area located within the Gulf Coastal Plain. It is home to national parks, historic plantations, scenic trails, and vibrant cities, making it one of the nation’s premier tourist destinations. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Tennessee’s natural beauty, which includes numerous lakes. Below are the 15 most notable lakes in Tennessee.
1. Norris Lake
Norris Lake spans five counties in the eastern part of Tennessee and was formed by damming the Clinch River. The lake covers an area of 137 square kilometers and is situated within the Great Valley of East Tennessee, encircled by hills, rock formations, and forests.
A number of marinas line the lake’s extensive 1,302-kilometer shoreline, in addition to camping areas, vacation rentals, and boat ramps. Water skiing, boating, swimming, and fishing are prevalent recreational activities enjoyed on Norris Lake.
Norris Dam State Park envelops the lake, featuring cabins, camping locations, and a recreation center. It is also home to the Lenoir Museum Cultural Complex, which includes two historical structures: the Crosby Threshing Barn and the Rice Gristmill.
2. Dale Hollow Reservoir
Positioned along the Kentucky/Tennessee border, Dale Hollow Reservoir was established in 1943 by damming the Obey River. The lake resides within three Tennessee counties in the northern section of the state.
The reservoir was originally constructed for flood management; however, it is now primarily utilized for recreational activities. Water skiing and tubing are particularly favored at Dale Hollow Reservoir, as is fishing. Notably, it ranks as a premier location for smallmouth bass fishing, holding the world record for the largest specimen ever captured.
Geiger Island can be found within the lake and is highly sought after during the summer months for its primitive camping experience. Additionally, nearby summer camps and a marina offering boat storage, rentals, and cabin accommodations contribute to its appeal.
3. Cherokee Lake
Cherokee Lake is a reservoir formed by damming the Holston River, situated behind Cherokee Dam in the eastern area of Tennessee, within the Panther Creek State Park.
Visitors can engage in various leisure activities at Cherokee Lake, including swimming, boating, and fishing. The shoreline provides ample opportunities for camping and hiking, especially with Panther Creek State Park featuring a total of 17 trails.
Encircled by the Clinch Mountain Range, the lake presents exceptional picturesque views. Cabins and vacation homes are available for rental along its shoreline.
4. Old Hickory Lake
Situated in five counties in north-central Tennessee, Old Hickory Lake is a reservoir established by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam in 1952. Located approximately 40 kilometers from Nashville, the reservoir’s elevation is 136 meters above sea level.
Old Hickory Lake features eight public marinas, 41 boat access points, and two campgrounds. The area is also home to the Old Hickory Lake Arboretum, which showcases over 60 species of trees and shrubs.
Yachting is a popular activity within the reservoir, alongside fishing, with sauger, saugeye, and walleye prevalent during the morning and early evening hours.
5. Chickamauga Lake
Chickamauga Lake is situated along the Tennessee River, extending from Watts Bar Dam to Chickamauga Dam. It spans five counties, with a total surface area of 147 square kilometers.
With over 1,300 kilometers of shoreline, the lake is home to eight parks and two wildlife centers. It is a favored recreational location, particularly at its southern end, where most of the marinas are concentrated.
Activities such as camping, hiking, swimming, water skiing, boating, jet skiing, and fishing are enjoyed at Chickamauga Lake. The lake operates from March to August, when water levels are at their peak.
6. Percy Priest Lake
Officially recognized as J Percy Priest Lake, this reservoir is located approximately 16 kilometers east of Nashville. Covering an area of 5,700 hectares, it serves as a popular recreational destination, equipped with three campgrounds, 11 picnic areas, 12 boat ramps, and eight marinas.
Several clubs, including the Tennessee Boat Club, Vanderbilt Sailing Club, Percy Priest Yacht Club, Nashville Rowing Club, and the Vanderbilt Rowing Club, operate at Percy Priest Lake. Swimming, water skiing, fishing, and boating are common activities for visitors.
Every year, over 5,000,000 guests frequent Percy Priest Lake, with summer being the peak season when the reservoir occupies 5,700 hectares of water.
7. Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake encompasses approximately 668 kilometers of shoreline, some of which features upper-middle-class vacation properties. The remaining shoreline is home to the Burgess Falls, Edgar Evins, and Rock Island State Parks.
A popular destination for fishing, Center Hill Lake also offers a variety of recreational activities. The reservoir’s deepest point reaches 58 meters, while its surface area exceeds 7,300 hectares.
Located near Smithville, Center Hill Lake was originally constructed for flood management and electricity generation but continues to serve as a major flood control reservoir for the region.
8. Reelfoot Lake
As Tennessee’s only expansive natural lake, Reelfoot Lake is situated in Lake County in the northwestern part of the state. Named in honor of a local Indian chief from the 19th century who had a deformed foot, the lake is recognized for its fishing opportunities.
For many years, it was the sole lake globally where crappie fishing was legally permitted until 2003. Additionally, boating remains a popular activity here.
The lake is relatively shallow and features striking bald cypress trees, bald eagles, and bayou-like ditches. Reelfoot Lake State Park, located nearby, offers excellent hiking and wildlife observation opportunities, particularly for birds of prey and migratory species.
9. Boone Lake
Boone Lake is well-known for its array of recreational activities, including swimming, water skiing, and fishing. Boating ramps are accessible around the 18 square kilometer lake, complemented by a marina.
The lake is renowned for sport fishing, hosting species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black bass, and striped bass, along with populations of carp and catfish.
Originally formed by damming the South Fork Holston River, Boone Lake extends across two counties in northeastern Tennessee, with fluctuating water levels throughout the year.
10. Watauga Lake
Watauga Lake was established in 1948 following the damming of the Watauga River, located east of Elizabethton and enveloped by the Cherokee National Forest.
Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the lake provides a plethora of recreational opportunities, including swimming, water skiing, fishing, boating, and camping.
With a shoreline measuring 169 kilometers, a portion of which lies within the Appalachian Mountains, the lake is situated nearly 600 meters above sea level, attaining a maximum depth of 81 meters.
11. Watts Bar Lake
This reservoir is strategically positioned midway between Chattanooga and Knoxville along the Clinch River, stretching nearly 117 kilometers and located in four counties in eastern Tennessee.
Watts Bar Lake is widely recognized for its exemplary sport fishing, particularly for black crappie, crappie, spotted bass, and largemouth bass. Additionally, the lake hosts a variety of bird species, rendering it an ideal locale for birdwatching.
Spanning 16,000 hectares, the lake encompasses several parks and campgrounds, along with marinas, camping facilities, and vacation cottages. Furthermore, houseboat, pontoon, and fishing boat rentals are readily available.
12. Pickwick Lake
Located in the western part of Tennessee, Pickwick Lake was formed by the Pickwick Landing Dam, extending all the way through Mississippi to Wilson Dam in Alabama. This 174 square kilometer lake features a northern portion that serves as a transportation route to the Gulf of Mexico.
Pickwick Lake is renowned for its sizeable catfish and smallmouth bass, making it a sought-after destination for sport fishing. Furthermore, it is an excellent venue for water skiing, jet skiing, and boating activities.
Situated along the lake’s shoreline, Pickwick Landing State Park offers a golf course, hotel accommodations, a marina, a restaurant, and various picnic pavilions, alongside numerous campsites.
13. Radner Lake
Part of Radnor Lake State Park, Radner Lake is a picturesque waterbody embraced by stunning natural surroundings. It serves as an excellent location for canoeing and kayaking, while the adjacent park is frequently visited for hiking and birdwatching activities.
As a designated Class II State Natural Area, no picnicking or camping is permitted at Radnor Lake. However, guests are warmly welcomed to enjoy the park and lake throughout the day.
A picturesque trail encircles the lake, providing breathtaking views, complemented by several observation decks located along the shoreline.
14. Cordell Hull Lake
Located along the Cumberland River, Cordell Hull Lake is positioned approximately 64 kilometers east of Nashville in north-central Tennessee. Built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the lake serves multiple purposes, including recreation.
Activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming are popular on Cordell Hull Lake, which features a 613-kilometer shoreline housing a marina, a resort, and various campgrounds.
The lake spans three counties, covering an area of over 64 square kilometers and is named in honor of Cordell Hull, a former Secretary of State who served under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
15. Nickajack Lake
Nickajack Lake is a breathtaking body of water, surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Tennessee River Gorge. It was formed during the damming of the Tennessee River when Nickajack Dam was constructed.
Visitors find enjoyment in activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, boating, and swimming at this stunning lake. Notably, in 1972, the lake was the site where the world record for freshwater drum was established.
