Top 20 Lakes in Tennessee

Tennessee offers several lakes with distinct natural beauty. Norris Lake is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty, stretching across five counties. Douglas Lake, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, provides breathtaking mountain views. For a truly unique experience, Reelfoot Lake in Northwest Tennessee is the state's only large natural lake, formed by earthquakes, and is characterized by its cypress-filled waters and diverse wildlife. Parksville Lake (Lake Ocoee), the oldest lake in Tennessee, is cherished for its scenic views within the Cherokee National Forest.

Many Tennessee lakes are renowned for fishing. Norris Lake offers over 14 species, including bass and walleye. Douglas Lake is excellent for bass and crappie, while Nickajack Lake is a bass fishing paradise. Cherokee Lake is known as a 'bass fisher's paradise,' and Center Hill Lake is a haven for anglers. Chickamauga Lake is recognized as one of the best bass lakes in the country. Percy Priest Lake is great for crappie and various bass species, and Dale Hollow Lake is excellent for smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. Additionally, Long Hunter State Park on Percy Priest Lake is known for its large crappie population.

Yes, many lakes in Tennessee offer excellent hiking opportunities. The Radnor Lake Trail is a well-marked path that circles the lake, connecting to the old Otter Creek Road. You can also find extensive trail systems at Raccoon Mountain Reservoir Trail System and Haw Ridge Trail System. Montgomery Bell State Park features nearly 19 miles of hiking trails, and Long Hunter State Park also provides numerous trails. For more options, you can explore easy hikes in Tennessee or general hiking in Tennessee guides.

For swimming and watersports, Norris Lake is highly recommended for its cleanliness and clear waters. Douglas Lake is popular for swimming, pontoon boating, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Center Hill Lake's clean and refreshing water makes it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Watts Bar Lake offers extensive opportunities for boating, waterskiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Percy Priest Lake is known for its clean and clear water, excellent for boating, sailing, and swimming. Dale Hollow Lake also provides opportunities for boating, paddling, and even scuba diving due to its clear waters. Montgomery Bell State Park features lakes suitable for swimming and boating.

Several lakes in Tennessee are great for families. Douglas Lake is a top family destination due to its proximity to attractions like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, offering swimming, boating, and camping. Percy Priest Lake, just outside Nashville, is a popular recreational spot with activities for all ages, including swimming, boating, and hiking. Montgomery Bell State Park features three lakes with swimming, boating, and fishing, alongside hiking trails. Radnor Lake Trail and Shoreline of J. Percy Priest Lake are also noted as family-friendly highlights.

Tennessee lakes offer fantastic birdwatching opportunities. Reelfoot Lake is a major draw for birdwatching, particularly for eagles and waterfowl, with guided boat tours available. Douglas Lake is an excellent spot for birdwatchers, and Watts Bar Lake is recognized for its diverse wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. Nickajack Lake also offers notable wildlife spotting, especially waterfowl in winter. Cherokee Lake is another good option for birdwatching.

Yes, some lakes have historical significance. Norris Lake was the first lake formed by a TVA dam, marking a significant engineering achievement. Parksville Lake (Lake Ocoee) holds the distinction of being the oldest lake in Tennessee. Montgomery Bell State Park, which features three lakes, has a rich history as a significant iron industry center in Middle Tennessee.

For running enthusiasts, there are several popular trails near Tennessee lakes. The Radnor Lake Trail is a well-marked path, though security ensures no running on the main trails, a single strip of road is available for workouts. The Haw Ridge Trail System is popular for trail runners. For more options, you can check out running trails in Tennessee, which include routes like the Music City Bikeway and the Cumberland River Greenway.

Camping is a popular activity at many Tennessee lakes. Norris Lake, Douglas Lake, Nickajack Lake, Cherokee Lake, and Center Hill Lake all offer camping opportunities. Chickamauga Lake provides multiple camping spots, and Dale Hollow Lake is a particularly popular camping destination, offering a tranquil escape. Montgomery Bell State Park also provides camping facilities.

Visitors to Tennessee's lakes appreciate the diverse range of outdoor activities and the stunning natural scenery. Many enjoy the crystal-clear waters for swimming and watersports, excellent fishing opportunities for various species, and the extensive networks of hiking and running trails. The picturesque settings amidst rolling hills, lush forests, and mountain backdrops are frequently highlighted, as are opportunities for wildlife observation and peaceful relaxation. For instance, the Radnor Lake Trail is loved for its beautiful scenery and easy accessibility, while the Shoreline of J. Percy Priest Lake is noted for photo opportunities and wildlife sightings.

Yes, Nickajack Lake is famous for Nickajack Cave, which houses thousands of endangered gray bats, offering a unique opportunity to watch them emerge at sunset. Reelfoot Lake is a major draw for birdwatching, particularly for eagles and waterfowl, due to its unique cypress-filled ecosystem. Watts Bar Lake is also recognized for its diverse wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.

Several Tennessee lakes are perfect for paddle sports. Douglas Lake, Center Hill Lake, Watts Bar Lake, and Chickamauga Lake all offer excellent conditions for kayaking and paddleboarding. Dale Hollow Lake is also a great option for paddling, and Parksville Lake (Lake Ocoee) in the Cherokee National Forest is cherished for its paddling opportunities amidst scenic views.