The Great Lakes of Eastern Tennessee

The hot days of summer quickly remind Tennessean's of their precious cool lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Tennessee’s reliance on hydroelectricity since the early 1900’s resulted in the creation of excellent boating lakes in Eastern Tennessee. Did you know, you can navigate your boat from Knoxville Tennessee to the Gulf of Mexico? It might take a while but from Knoxville, the Tennessee River flows south merging with the Tennessee Tombigbee River and eventually meets the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Tennessee has become one of the best states to retire, home to the Great Smoky Mountains. Tennessee is home to 12 great lakes: Center Hill Lake, Cherokee Lake, Chickamauga Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Douglas Lake, J. Percy Priest Lake, Kentucky Lake, Norris Lake, Old Hickory Lake, South Holston Lake, Tims Ford Lake and Watts Bar Lake. In Knoxville, Norris Lake and Watts Bar Lake are by far the most popular fresh water playgrounds. You may have heard of Fort Loudon Lake and Tellico Lake in Knoxville too, both are smaller reservoir lakes connected to the Tennessee River.

• Norris Lake - Emerald green Norris Lake is stunning to see for the first time. Norris Dam was the first Tennessee TVA dam, built in the 1930's. One of the cleanest lakes in Eastern Tennessee, 34,000 acre Norris Lake is about 1,000 feet deep and drops 30-40 feet in the winter time. The TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) controls the entire 800 miles of shoreline at Norris Lake, plus the secluded islands and two protected game management areas. During the summer months, Norris Lake is bustling with water sports and boaters rafting up to each other. The largest annual event on Norris Lake is called Fire on the Water, the 4th of July fireworks celebration over the lake. Gone Fishin‘ at Blue Ridge State Park and Springfest are two annual fishing tournaments. The Eastern Tennessee lake community Waterside Marina offers Norris Lake condos and has the best full service marina on Norris Lake.

• Tellico Lake - 16,000 acre Tellico Lake was created in the late 1970's. Tellico Lake has been ranked third nationally as the Best Boating Area in the U.S. to Live by Boating Life Magazine. 75% of the land around Tellico Lake will never be developed, protected by the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority). The views of the Great Smoky Mountains from Tellico Lake will steal your breath away. Tellico Lake reaches depths of 200 feet and fluctuates about 30 feet in the winter months. Tellico Yacht Club, Tellico Harbor and Toqua Clubhouse have restaurants accessible by boat on Tellico Lake. Tellico Village and Rarity Bay are two Eastern Tennessee lake communities, if you're looking for Loudon real estate.

• Old Hickory Lake - In Nashville, Old Hickory Lake and J. Percy Priest Lake are connected to the Cumberland River, both fresh water playgrounds for Nashvillians. At a maximum depth of 65 feet, 22,500 acre Old Hickory Lake is known as a bass fishing lake, hosting national and regional championship fishing tournaments year round. Eight marinas provide waterfront services on Old Hickory Lake. The annual Old Hickory Lake Triathlon takes places each June and is fun to watch. Fairvue Plantation on Old Hickory Lake is a beautiful Nashville neighborhood.

• Watts Bar Lake - Watts Bar Lake is known as the “King of Southern Great Lakes”. 42,000 acre Watts Bar Lake connects with the Clinch River and Emery River. Wide open stretches of water and good size islands surrounded by the lake are perfect backdrops for photographing sailboats, boaters and sunsets, assuming you’re not on a boat yourself. The maximum depth of Watts Bar Lake is 70 feet. In July, nine marinas along the Watts Bar Lake participate in the annual Watts Bar Poker Run to benefit Safe Haven Light, a project for children at risk. Watts Bar Lake also hosts a number of championship bass fishing tournaments. Ladd Landing and Tennessee National are two more Eastern Tennessee lake communities to find Loudon real estate on Watts Bar Lake.

We could write a book sharing the natural beauty and secrets about all of Tennessee’s 12 great lakes and reservoirs. Instead, we recommend the frequently updated Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s website as a great reference tool for you to bookmark. Visit their website at: tn.gov/twra

If you're considering relocating to the low cost of living state of Tennessee, send us an email at lisa@communityfinder.com or fill out the form below, and we will forward you Norris Lake condos, Loudon real estate, and Nashville neighborhoods to consider. You will find the Eastern Tennessee lakes and Great Smoky Mountains are irresistible natural playgrounds to enjoy at retirement in Tennessee.