Are you looking for the best lakes in Tennessee. Wait before we get to this information, you should know some basic details about this state, isn’t it? Tennessee is located in the Southeast region of the United States. This state is popular not just for tourism but also for agriculture. As the state is the mother of many volunteer soldiers during the War of 1812, this state is fondly known as “Volunteer State”. On the other hand, some state that the state got this name following the Mexican-American War.
The good thing about Tennessee is that it is a diverse state. The Appalachian Mountains dominates the eastern part of this state. If you have been a tourist to the state, you might have noticed that the state is the home for not just thriving cities. Yes, you might have seen scenic trails, plantations and even national parks. For these reasons, this state holds the pride of being one of the top 10 tourist destinations in the United States. The great outdoors of Tennessee attracts not only Americans from other states but even people from other countries. Yes, the best lakes in Tennessee is easy to find. Here, we will gather some details about the top 11 of them:
1. Norris Lake:
If you are a person interested in recreation, it awaits you in Norris Lake. With more than 800 miles of pristine water and shoreline, this lake can bring fun to the entire family. Are you a person interested in water sports? Otherwise, you might love camping and fishing. Even, you might wish to spend some time simply watching the pristine water. Irrespective of the category you belong to, Norris Lake in Tennessee is sure to satiate you.
2. Dale Hollow Reservoir:
When you visit this place, you can get the chance to explore the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park. The good thing about this place is that it offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can do the following:
- Play 18 holes of golf on the Nationally Ranked Golf Course
- Hike to Eagle Point Overlook
- Dine in the Island View Restaurant and Bar
- Experience a camping equestrian or cottage trail
- Launch from the Boat Ramp for fishing or fun.
In short, this reservoir created in 1943 for flood control is completely used for recreational purpose now.
3. Cherokee Lake:
If you love outdoor activities like fishing, boating and swimming, this lake has it all for you and your family. One of the best 11 lakes in Tennessee, this lake’s shoreline offers a wide range of hiking and camping opportunities to visitors. The lake is excitingly picturesque with the surrounding Clinch Mountain Range. You can even hire vacation homes and cabins for rent to sit along the shoreline watching the lake. With more than 450 miles of shoreline, this lake spread over 30,000-acre lake offers a peaceful country landscape with rolling hills in the surrounding area. This lake is actually a reservoir formed by the Damming of Holston River.
4. Old Hickory Lake:
Spread over 440 miles of shoreline and 22,000 acres of water, this is one of the best lakes in Tennessee that you should not miss on visiting. Not just boating and fishing, this lake offers a wide range of skiing and hiking opportunities to visitors like you. Even, you will find plenty of other lake activities here. But, the thing to remember when you visit this lake is that there are no lifeguards. So, if you decide to swim, you should swim at your own risk. Remember that you cannot swim near or from boat launches. This lake got its name following President Andrew Jackson.
5. Chickamauga Lake:
Do you wish to visit one of the best lakes in United States, then, you should never miss out on visiting Chickamauga Lake. This lake has gained immense popularity among the locals as a perfect spot for water-centric outdoor activities. With a whopping 810 miles of shoreline, even at the deepest point, the lake is just 72 feet deep. So, in other areas, you can comfortably spend time playing in the water. When it comes to fishing, many locals consider this lake to be the best spot.
6. Percy Priest Lake:
This lake known as one of the best lakes in Tennessee has around 213 miles of shoreline. Further, you will be surprised to know that the lake covers an area of 14,400 acres of land. This lake holds the pride of being one of the finest largemouth bass lakes in the state. If you love fishing, you will love to catch catfish, bream, rockfish and crappie. Not just fishing, the other activities in this lake encompass hiking, canoeing, boating, picnicking, and swimming and even you can camp. So, spending some valuable time with your family during weekends will be worth it.
7. Center Hill Lake:
Center Hill Lake is one of the best lakes in Tennessee. The unique thing about this lake is that it is located right in the centre of the state. In fact, it is located in the central part of Chattanooga, Knoxville and Nashville. This lake stretches over 64 miles covering nearly 18200 acres. With easy-rolling ridge tops and nearly 415 miles of shoreline, this lake is the home for a peaceful and well-preserved sanctuary. Your bucket list of places to explore in this lake will be very huge. So, get ready for the best experience.
8. Reelfoot Lake:
When it comes to visiting one of the best lakes in Tennessee, one thing you should never miss out on visiting is the Reelfoot Lake. You will feel surprised to know that this lake was formed by a huge earthquake that affected the region between 1811 and 1812. The shallow waters in this lake are covered by Majestic Cypress trees. The presence of these trees, make this spot ideal for fishing. Even, the lake offers guided fishing and waterfowl hunting facilities. If you love photography, you should visit this place for sure. The wildlife and beautiful scenery will satiate your hunger for photography.
9. Boone Lake:
Are you interested in water-based recreation and fishing? Then, you will love this lake as one of the best lakes in Tennessee. The unique thing about this lake is that the swimming area is present above the dam in this lake. This lake is the home for waterfalls, float trips, parks, nature centres, golf courses, horseback riding, museums and even hiking trails. So, there are many things for your family to spend some valuable time with.
10. Watauga Lake, Tennessee:
This lake is actually a man-made reservoir. The Tennessee Valley Authority built this reservoir. The purpose of its creation was hydropower generation, the creation of aquatic habitat and flood prevention. But, now, tourism and recreation in this lake have produced better quality-of-life and economic benefits to the locals. So, the tourism here is highly possible. Above all, to attract tourists, the authorities maintain the lake well. The lake is about 600 meters above sea level.
11. Watts Bar Lake:
You will look for other recreational activities to rate a lake as one of the best lakes in Tennessee, isn’t it? Then, Watts Bar Lake will undoubtedly be one of your choices. This lake is the home for not just swimming and fishing. Yes, you can even camp in this lake and can paddle as well. There is an overlook near the dam. From this place, you can get a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and the entire reservoir.
Conclusion:
So, when it comes to water bodies, the best lakes in Tennessee are plenty in numbers. You now know our choice of the top 11. So, plan your visit to each of these lakes during weekends and get plenty of fun and excitement this summer!
