Nestled At The Foot Of The Great Smoky Mountains, Watts Bar Lake Has Some Of The Clearest Water In Tennessee

Tennessee is rife with beautiful spaces and places, but there’s truly nothing like experiencing Watts Bar Lake on the Tennessee River. Formed by the Watts Bar Dam as a part of the Tennessee Valley Authority System, the technical reservoir is known as one of the largest lakes in the south. The area is known as a prime spot for tourists and locals alike, with a smattering of vacation homes and cabins in the greater area. If you haven’t been, make sure to visit for yourself! There’s truly nothing like it.

Doug Kerr - Flickr

It's not a question of finding a lake in Tennessee to visit, the issue lies in choosing which one. Watts Bar Lake is known as one of the largest lakes in the entirety of the American south, covering 39,000 acres with a whopping 771 miles of shoreline.

Ha Tha - Flickr

Located roughly between Chattanooga and Knoxville, Watts Bar Lake is formed between the Fort Loudon Dam and Watts Bar Dam. It is fed by the Emory, Clinch, and Tennessee Rivers.

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J. Stephen Conn - Flickr

A popular fishing spot, you can find large and smallmouth bass at their peak between April and June. Stripers also make an appearance!

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Doug Kerr - Flickr

There are all sorts of water-centric experience you can enjoy on the water. Try your hand at canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, or perhaps kayak your way along the shoreline. Both the Whitestone Inn and Lakeview Inn are popular spots to stay if you're coming in from out of town.

Leia Barker - Flickr

If you're looking to take a break from the water, you can check out the annual John Muir Fest or nearby Roane County Museum. Birdwatching and hiking are also popular in the area, especially along the shoreline, though you can keep your eyes peeled while atop the water. It takes some skill!

Doug Kerr - Flickr

We'd recommend wandering the Betty Brown Memorial Walking Trail along the shoreline and make sure you keep your eyes out for great blue herons, bald eagles, and osprey.

J. Stephen Conn - Flickr

Have you been to Watts Bar Lake? Will you be visiting? It's the perfect getaway if you're looking to fall in love with the state of Tennessee all over again.

You can learn more about Watts Bar Lake with a visit to its official website, right here.

Before you head out on the water, you may just want to visit this incredible coffee shop and tea room in Knoxville.