Uncover the attract of Tennessee’s pristine lakes, the place tranquility meets pure magnificence. These beautiful our bodies of water provide varied leisure alternatives for out of doors lovers. Whether or not you search fishing close to Chattanooga, boating in Nashville’s high suburbs, or just unwinding on the shore, Tennessee’s lakes present the proper backdrop for journey, surrounded by breathtaking surroundings and limitless prospects. Discover the wonders of Tennessee’s lakes and embark on unforgettable experiences within the coronary heart of nature.
10 Finest Lakes in Tennessee
- J. Percy Priest Lake – East aspect of Nashville; hottest leisure spot, seaside space, swimming, boating, related to Lengthy Hunter State Park
- Norris Lake – 20 miles north of Knoxville; cleanest lake in Tennessee, crystal clear water, first TVA lake (1936)
- Middle Hill Lake – 50 miles east of Murfreesboro; 18,000 acres of crystal-clear water, excellent for swimming and water sports activities
- Chickamauga Lake – North of Chattanooga; 60 miles lengthy, well-known for bass fishing tournaments, a few of the greatest fishing within the Southeast
- Dale Hole Lake – Tennessee/Kentucky border; 620 miles of pristine shoreline, glorious for underwater exploration and fishing
- Watts Bar Lake – Between Chattanooga and Knoxville; 72 miles lengthy, certainly one of largest TVA lakes with 780+ miles of shoreline
- Douglas Lake – 25 miles east of Knoxville; Nice Smoky Mountains backdrop, glorious crappie and largemouth bass fishing
- Cheatham Lake – 30 miles northwest of Nashville; 320 miles of shoreline, designated swimming areas, number of water sports activities
- Cherokee Lake – 35 miles northeast of Knoxville; picnic areas, campgrounds, islands to discover, hosts occasions and events
- Reelfoot Lake – Northwest Tennessee; distinctive earthquake-formed lake with cypress timber, distinctive fowl watching and crappie fishing
Lakes in East Tennessee
Norris Lake
Norris Lake was Tennessee’s first TVA lake, in-built 1936, and it is nonetheless one of many cleanest lakes within the state. Positioned about 20 miles north of Knoxville, this lake presents crystal clear water that is excellent for swimming and diving.
The lake is widespread with households due to its clear, secure waters. You possibly can truly see the underside in lots of areas – that is how clear it’s! The water stays cool even in summer season, making it an ideal escape from the warmth.
Fishing is superb right here. The lake is understood for walleye, bass, and crappie. The clear water makes it excellent for underwater exploration, too.
Cherokee Lake
Lower than 35 miles northeast of Knoxville in East Tennessee, Cherokee Lake presents loads of picnic areas, campgrounds, islands to discover, and rather more. The lake is a picturesque spot for out of doors actions and hosts varied occasions, akin to fireworks exhibits and events, including a festive contact to your go to.
Whether or not you are seeking to spend a calming day picnicking by the water’s edge or establishing camp for an extended keep, this lake has one thing for everybody. The serene environment and leisure alternatives make Cherokee Lake a well-liked vacation spot for guests. So pack a picnic, seize your tenting gear, and head over to Cherokee Lake for a memorable expertise within the coronary heart of East Tennessee.
Douglas Lake
Douglas Lake, located roughly 25 miles east of Knoxville, presents a haven for fishing, boating, swimming, and watersports lovers. The lake’s proximity to Knoxville makes it a handy getaway for locals and guests alike. The surroundings is really breathtaking, with the Nice Smoky Mountains hovering within the background.
Fishing at Douglas Lake is a well-liked exercise, particularly for these in quest of crappie and largemouth bass. Anglers flock to the lake for its plentiful fish inhabitants and the fun of reeling in an enormous catch. Boating and watersports are additionally a serious draw, with loads of area for jet snowboarding, water snowboarding, and tubing.
Whether or not you are seeking to spend a calming day on the water or in search of some journey, Douglas Lake has one thing for everybody. The serene ambiance and number of leisure alternatives make it a best choice for out of doors lovers.
Nickajack Lake
Nickajack Lake gives ample alternatives for fishing lovers with its abundance of waterfowl and nice spots for profitable fishing excursions. Stretching from Nickajack Dam to Chickamauga Dam, this lake flows by way of Chattanooga, providing a picturesque setting for out of doors actions. Guests can discover the lake 60 miles due south of Fall Creek State Park, one of many greatest state parks in Tennessee.
Throughout winter, waterfowl akin to geese and geese flock to the world, making a vibrant wildlife spectacle. Anglers can reap the benefits of the lake’s glorious fishing spots to reel in varied fish species, making it a well-liked vacation spot for fishing tournaments and informal fishing journeys. With a most depth of 144 inches, Nickajack Lake gives novice and skilled fishermen with thrilling challenges and rewarding catches. Whether or not you are casting your line from the shore or out on a ship, the serene environment and numerous aquatic lifetime of Nickajack Lake make it a must-visit vacation spot for any fishing fanatic in Tennessee.
Chickamauga Lake
Chickamauga Lake sits simply north of Chattanooga and presents a few of the greatest bass fishing within the Southeast. This Tennessee Valley Authority lake stretches for 60 miles alongside the Tennessee River. You will discover crystal clear water excellent for swimming and boating.
The lake is known for its fishing tournaments. Anglers come from throughout to catch largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie. The deeper sections maintain loads of fish year-round.
Need to spend the day on the water? Chickamauga Lake has a number of boat ramps and marinas. The shoreline presents nice tenting spots too. Pack your gear and luxuriate in a weekend getaway simply minutes from downtown Chattanooga.
Watts Bar Lake
Watts Bar Lake extends 72 miles by way of East Tennessee, making it one of many largest TVA lakes within the state. Positioned between Chattanooga and Knoxville, this lake presents easy accessibility from a few of the greatest cities in Tennessee.
The lake is understood for its glorious fishing. You will discover bass, catfish, and crappie in abundance. The quite a few coves and inlets present excellent spots to solid your line.
Boating is large right here too. With over 780 miles of shoreline, you will by no means run out of locations to discover. The lake has a number of marinas and boat ramps for straightforward entry.
Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee is in contrast to some other lake within the state – it was fashioned by earthquakes in 1811-1812. This pure lake is known for its cypress timber rising proper out of the water.
The lake is a paradise for fowl watchers. You will see eagles, herons, and dozens of different fowl species. It is also among the best crappie fishing spots in Tennessee.
The shallow waters and cypress stumps create excellent habitat for fish. Anglers love the problem of fishing across the timber. Simply be careful for the stumps while you’re boating!
Center Tennessee Lakes
Cordell Hull Lake
Nestled within the picturesque Higher Cumberland area of Tennessee, Cordell Hull Lake beckons out of doors lovers with a plethora of enjoyable actions like fishing, looking, tenting, picnicking, boating, mountaineering, and even horseback using. Constructed by the U.S. Military Corps of Engineers, this lake presents a various vary of outside leisure alternatives for guests to take pleasure in. The Lake’s location makes it handy for residents of many alternative areas: it is simply 4 miles from the small city of Carthage and 25 miles northeast of the Lebanon group.
Whether or not you are casting a line into the water, exploring the encompassing woodlands, or just unwinding with a peaceable picnic by the shore, Cordell Hull Lake has one thing for everybody. Positioned amidst the pure great thing about Tennessee, the lake gives a serene escape the place you may immerse your self within the nice outside. Expertise the appeal and pleasure of this unbelievable vacation spot within the coronary heart of the Volunteer State.
Cheatham Lake
Located alongside 320 miles of shoreline simply 30 miles northwest of Downtown Nashville, Cheatham Lake presents glorious fishing, swimming, and boating alternatives. Constructed by the U.S. Military Corps of Engineers, the lake incorporates a designated swimming space at Cheatham Dam Proper Financial institution Recreation Space. Cheatham Lake has one thing for everybody, whether or not you take pleasure in canoeing, kayaking, crusing, mountaineering, water snowboarding, tubing, or just cruising on a ship. The serene waters and picturesque environment make it a well-liked spot for water lovers and nature lovers.
Fishing lovers will admire the number of fish species within the lake, together with bass, catfish, and crappie, offering a rewarding expertise for anglers of all ranges. The calm waters are additionally excellent for a calming swim or an exciting day of water sports activities, and properties on Cheatham Lake are widespread escapes from metropolis life. With its numerous vary of actions and scenic magnificence, Cheatham Lake is a must-visit vacation spot outdoors of Ashland Metropolis for these in search of out of doors journey and rest within the coronary heart of Tennessee.
J. Percy Priest Lake
Certainly one of Tennessee’s hottest leisure spots, J. Percy Priest Lake, presents varied actions for guests of all ages. Positioned on the east aspect of Nashville—with the Hermitage neighborhood to the north and the La Vergne group to the south—the lake is famend for its beautiful magnificence. Guests can take pleasure in a day on the seaside, which is ideal for constructing sandcastles and absorbing the solar. When you’re on the lookout for journey, J. Percy Priest Lake has you lined with a plethora of outside actions to select from. Listed here are three issues you may take pleasure in at J. Percy Priest Lake:
- Picnicking: Pack a scrumptious lunch and luxuriate in a picnic by the picturesque lakeshore.
- Swimming: Cool off on a scorching day by taking a refreshing dip within the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
- Boating: Discover the expansive lake by boat and take within the scenic views from a distinct perspective.
Lengthy Hunter State Park, one of many greatest state parks close to Nashville, presents easy accessibility to the lake. With a lot to supply, J. Percy Priest Lake will certainly present a memorable expertise for all who go to.
Middle Hill Lake
When you’re in search of a serene escape within the japanese highlands of Tennessee, Middle Hill Lake beckons with its 18,000-acre expanse of leisure alternatives. Positioned lower than 50 miles east of Murfreesboro, the lake presents many actions for guests to take pleasure in. Whether or not you are into fishing, looking, tenting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, mountaineering, or just stress-free by the water, Middle Hill Lake has one thing for everybody.
Owned and managed by the US Military Corps of Engineers (USACE), the lake is well-maintained and gives a secure and exquisite setting for out of doors lovers. The crystal-clear waters of Middle Hill Lake are excellent for swimming and water sports activities through the hotter months, whereas the encompassing hills provide beautiful views and mountaineering trails for many who favor to remain on land.
With its handy location and big selection of actions, Middle Hill Lake is a well-liked vacation spot for locals and vacationers alike. Come and expertise the pure magnificence and leisure alternatives this picturesque lake has to supply.
Lake Barkley
Lake Barkley is a well-liked vacation spot identified for its plentiful fishing alternatives and picturesque environment within the border area between Kentucky and Tennessee. The Tennessee portion of the lake is lower than 30 miles west of Clarksville. Shaped by the development of the Barkley Dam throughout the Cumberland River, this lake is a haven for bass fishermen and presents a various vary of fish species akin to sunfish, large bluegill, shell crackers, crappie, and catfish.
It is very important word that Lake Barkley doesn’t have lifeguards on obligation, so all the time prioritize security when having fun with water actions.
Whether or not you’re an avid angler seeking to reel within the catch of the day or just in search of a tranquil spot to chill out by the water, Lake Barkley gives a serene setting for all. Discover the winding shores and immerse your self within the pure magnificence that this scenic lake has to supply.
Dale Hole Lake
Dale Hole Lake, a well-liked vacation spot straddling the Tennessee-Kentucky border lower than 60 miles east of the Hartsville group, presents a variety of enjoyable actions for out of doors lovers. Whether or not you’re an avid angler, water sports activities lover, or nature fanatic, this lake has one thing for everybody. Among the high issues to do at Dale Hole Lake embody:
- Boating: With 620 miles of pristine shoreline, boat using is a unbelievable solution to discover the great thing about the lake and its environment.
- Underwater Exploration: Delve into the crystal-clear waters of Dale Hole Lake to find a world beneath the floor crammed with underwater wonders.
- Fishing: Identified for its glorious fishing alternatives, the lake is house to quite a lot of fish species, making it a paradise for anglers of all ranges.
Whether or not you favor the fun of water actions, the tranquility of nature trails, or the joy of looking, Dale Hole Lake will certainly give you an unforgettable out of doors expertise.
Western Tennessee Lakes
Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee is in contrast to some other lake within the state – it was fashioned by earthquakes in 1811-1812. This pure lake is known for its cypress timber rising proper out of the water.
The lake is a paradise for fowl watchers. You will see eagles, herons, and dozens of different fowl species. It is also among the best crappie fishing spots in Tennessee.
The shallow waters and cypress stumps create excellent habitat for fish. Anglers love the problem of fishing across the timber. Simply be careful for the stumps while you’re boating!
Lake Dardanelle
Lake Dardanelle extends from Arkansas into western Tennessee, providing glorious fishing and boating alternatives alongside the Arkansas River. The Tennessee portion of this lake gives easy accessibility for anglers and boaters on the lookout for a distinct sort of water expertise.
The lake is understood for its unbelievable bass fishing. You will discover each largemouth and smallmouth bass in good numbers right here. The numerous construction of the lake – from shallow flats to deeper channels – creates excellent habitat for various fish species.
Boating is widespread right here too. The lake presents loads of room to cruise, and the surroundings alongside the Arkansas River is gorgeous. It is an ideal spot for a day journey when you’re in western Tennessee.
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake sits within the Arkansas Ozarks however extends shut sufficient to Tennessee to be a well-liked vacation spot for western Tennessee residents. This crystal-clear lake is known for its glorious fishing and beautiful mountain surroundings.
The lake is a bass fishing paradise. Skilled tournaments are held right here commonly as a result of the fish inhabitants is so wholesome. You will additionally discover nice crappie, catfish, and striped bass fishing all year long.
The clear water makes it excellent for swimming and water sports activities. With over 400 miles of shoreline, you will discover loads of quiet coves to discover. The mountain setting creates a few of the most lovely lake surroundings within the area.
Steadily Requested Questions About Lakes in Tennessee
What Is the Most Stunning Lake in Tennessee?
Douglas Lake takes the crown for Tennessee’s most lovely lake. With the Nice Smoky Mountains as its backdrop, this 25-mile stretch of water presents beautiful views year-round. The mix of crystal-clear water, mountain surroundings, and numerous wildlife makes it a photographer’s dream. Whether or not you are watching the dawn over the mountains or having fun with a sundown cruise, Douglas Lake delivers breathtaking magnificence that is onerous to match anyplace else within the state.
What Is the Cleanest & Clearest Lake in Tennessee?
Norris Lake wins arms down as Tennessee’s cleanest and clearest lake. Inbuilt 1936 as the primary TVA lake, Norris Lake maintains water so clear you may see the underside in lots of areas. The lake’s depth and chilly mountain water assist maintain it pristine year-round. Swimming right here seems like diving into a large pure swimming pool – the water stays refreshingly cool even in summer season warmth, and the readability makes it excellent for underwater exploration.
What Is the Largest Lake in Tennessee?
Kentucky Lake claims the title as Tennessee’s largest lake, although it extends into Kentucky. This large TVA reservoir stretches 184 miles and covers over 160,000 acres. For lakes solely inside Tennessee, Watts Bar Lake is the biggest at 72 miles lengthy with over 780 miles of shoreline. These large lakes provide limitless alternatives for boating, fishing, and water sports activities with room for everybody to unfold out and luxuriate in.
What Is the Deepest Lake in Tennessee?
Watauga Lake is Tennessee’s deepest lake, reaching depths of 265 ft. This mountain lake sits excessive within the Cherokee Nationwide Forest and presents a few of the coldest, clearest water within the state. The intense depth creates excellent circumstances for trout fishing and retains the water refreshingly cool even in summer season. Norris Lake is available in second at over 200 ft deep, additionally providing glorious deep-water fishing. These deep mountain lakes present distinctive fishing alternatives you will not discover in Tennessee’s shallower lakes.
What Lake Is Finest for Fishing?
Chickamauga Lake is arms down the very best fishing lake in Tennessee. Positioned simply north of Chattanooga, this 60-mile lake hosts main bass fishing tournaments and constantly produces trophy catches. The lake is known for its largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie populations. Skilled anglers from throughout the nation come right here to compete as a result of the fish are each plentiful and huge. When you’re severe about fishing, Chickamauga Lake must be your first cease.
What Lake Is Finest for Boating?
Watts Bar Lake presents the very best boating expertise in Tennessee. With 72 miles of major channel and over 780 miles of complete shoreline, you will by no means run out of locations to discover. The lake has quite a few marinas, boat ramps, and guarded coves excellent for anchoring. Whether or not you favor cruising the primary channel or exploring quiet inlets, Watts Bar Lake gives limitless boating adventures with beautiful surroundings round each bend.
What Lake Is Finest for Tenting?
Cherokee Lake is Tennessee’s high tenting vacation spot. Positioned 35 miles northeast of Knoxville, this lake presents quite a few campgrounds, picnic areas, and islands to discover. The lake hosts common occasions and events, making a enjoyable, social tenting ambiance. With easy accessibility to provides and actions, plus lovely pure environment, Cherokee Lake gives the proper steadiness of outside journey and comfort for tenting lovers.
What Lake Is Finest for Resort/Resort Getaways?
J. Percy Priest Lake is the clear winner for resort and lodge getaways. Its location on Nashville’s east aspect means you are near the town’s sights whereas having fun with lake life. The world presents upscale lodging, superb eating, and easy accessibility to Nashville’s music scene. Plus, the lake itself gives glorious leisure alternatives with its seaside areas, swimming spots, and connection to Lengthy Hunter State Park. You get the very best of each worlds – luxurious lodging and pure magnificence.
Lake Life Abounds in Tennessee
Whether or not you are seeking to chill out on the seaside, reel in an enormous catch, or discover the pure great thing about Tennessee, there is a lake for you. From Cherokee Lake to a few of the greatest lakes close to Nashville, every vacation spot presents one thing distinctive for each customer. So seize your fishing rod, pack a picnic, and head to certainly one of Tennessee’s greatest lakes for a day of enjoyable and rest within the nice outside.
