There's nothing like a beautiful afternoon spent on the waterfront, and Tennessee is rife with gushing rivers, streams, and raging waterfalls. The issue isn't finding the waterfront, it's choosing which one to visit. Centerville Lake is located in the heart of Middle Tennessee and is known as a top spot for vacationers and day-trippers alike. If you haven't been, this stunning local gem deserves a spot on your summertime bucket list.
Center Hill Lake is a whopping 63 miles long and covers 18,220 watery acres. There are 415 miles of shoreline perfect for gallivanting on summer days. Although Norris Lake is considered perhaps the clearest lake in the state, Center Hill lends itself to a whole series of water sports and experiences.
Center Hill Lake stretches across Putnam, White, Warren, and DeKalb Counties, though most folks choose to access the public area by way of Smithville. What folks don't tend to know, however, is that the lake has an element of duality to it: Center Hill Lake controls local flooding and produces electricity.
You see, Center Hill Lake isn't a natural lake, but rather a reservoir that was constructed in 1948 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Center Hill Dam is one of four located across the Cumberland Plateau, with others including the J. Percy Priest, Dale Hollow, and Wolf Creek Dams.
The Falling Water River and Caney Fork feed Center Hill Lake, and the state parks of Burgess Falls, Edgar Evins, and Rock Island all border the waterfront.
We'd recommend picnicking along the shore, or perhaps swimming in the perfectly chilled water. Center Hill Lake provides the perfect getaway for a summer afternoon, and you can jump on a boat or a jet ski if you're feeling adventurous.
The Most Remote Lake In Tennessee Is Also The Most Peaceful
Chilhowee Lake in Tennessee offers a peaceful and remote spot for kayaking, fishing, and hiking, nestled between the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
We love that we have so many remote areas in Tennessee’s expansive wilderness, mainly because the state government has done quite a bit of work preserving the beauty of our local forest resources. You will find myriad places to take a dip, hike through the mountains, or simply observe the beauty of the state’s local wildlife. Chilhowee Lake in Tennessee is located a solid 40 miles south of Knoxville, and it is perhaps one of the least-known and most remote places to enjoy an afternoon outside. If you’re seeking a quiet spot for a peaceful kayaking trip or hike, then this most remote lake in Tennessee may be just what the doctor ordered. Some folks have said it’s the best lake in Tennessee, and we can’t disagree.
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Chilhowee Lake in Tennessee is a quiet and peaceful body of water along the state's eastern edge.
It provides a natural boundary between the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The man-made reservoir is shallow and a mere 10 miles in its entirety, narrow and twisting.
The reservoir was created after the impounding of the Little Tennessee River in 1957.
The resulting Tennessee lake has become a fisherman's dream, with largemouth bass, crappie, trout, and walleye making up just a small percentage of the lake's fish population. Trout are also stocked annually.
You can utilize one of three public boat ramps, and if you're a paddler, you should check out the Chota Memorial Site.
It is an honorary memorial that recognizes the seven local Cherokee clans and their national importance. You can also paddle down to nearby Abrams Creek.
There are not many lodging opportunities in the area, though you can take advantage of nearby campgrounds.
Robbinsville, North Carolina is perhaps the closest spot to find more modern lodgings. Otherwise, expect a little bit of dirt and a whole lot of fun as you enjoy primitive camping and explore the 1,747-acre reservoir.
If you're in the Knoxville region, you may want to plan a trip to this hidden gem!
Make sure you pack the necessary requirements for a safe day out in the sun and get ready to make some sweet memories on one of the best lakes in Tennessee! REI has great options for sunscreen, including Sun Bum, which we highly recommend.
A tropical paradise in Tennessee? We know what you're thinking. When you think of a "Caribbean paradise," we have a feeling that Tennessee isn't the first spot to come to mind, and that's okay. We're a landlocked state that's chock full of streams and rivers and valleys, but when it comes to oceans we come up short every time. Still, the Caribbean doesn't have to just be a beach and an ocean. It's a state of mind. These 10 places will put you at ease during the heat of the summer, and they'll give you a chance to relax and unplug either in nature or the rollicking fun of a waterpark.
Cummins Falls is a family favorite for folks who make their home in the middle of the state. This place has a massive wow factor and talk about paradise in Tennessee. It's a quick hike into the wilderness to a gorgeous swimming hole that's a picture-perfect, scenic oasis in Tennessee, and it's great for people of all ages. Be careful on the rocks, though - they're slippery.
Center Hill Lake is perfect for camping and cabin rentals, but it's also roughly 18,200 acres of gorgeous outdoors that make for a great weekend spent hiking, boating, and fishing. Summer in Tennessee is all about getting to the lakes, rivers, and streams, and this body of water is definitely a good one.
Nashville Shores is a local water park that's in Hermitage, Tennessee. You can come for the aqua park itself or rent a lake view cabin, but the marina and beautiful RV sites make this a highly affordable spot for vacation. Not only is it one of the biggest aqua parks in the state, but the bright colors and beachy vibes make this one of the ultimate paradises for some Tennessee summer fun.
You can find Cherokee Lake out near Jefferson City, which is on the eastern side of the state. It's great for boaters and picnickers alike, and don't forget to bring your tent because primitive campsites are available in spades.
Also known as "The Grand Canyon of Tennessee," this lovely slice of paradise in Tennessee is located just 30 miles from Chattanooga and boasts 215 miles of shoreline. You can visit, camp, and hike around the area in Guild, Tennessee.
Gatlinburg can be touristy, but sometimes touristy is good - you know exactly what you're going to experience and it's bound to be safe and lightly regulated. Wild Bear Falls Water Park is located indoors and offers a fun experience for kids of all ages, which means all you parents out there can tire out the tykes rain or shine.
A hidden oasis in Tennessee, Lost Creek Falls is located in Sparta and offers a magical peek into the truly beautiful underbelly of the Volunteer State. The remote area is great for experienced hikers, and even the mere beginners will find the gorgeous waterfall view worth the exertion.
This Chattanooga favorite is actually located in Rossville, Georgia, but so many folks think it's in Tennessee we decided to give our neighboring state a bit of love. The waterpark has been around since 1925, and offers a vintage look at pure southern summer fun.
Watts Bar Lake is actually one of the largest lakes in the American southern region, and its Kingston location offers over 700 miles of shoreline to enjoy. You can swim during the day and rent a cabin to sleep in at night, rounding out your sweet summertime experience.
Perhaps one of the most popular lakes in Tennessee, Chickamauga Lake is perfect for water skiing and swimming, while many prefer to grab their rod and reel and or make their way to the Dayton location to spend the day fishing. Either way, the lake makes for a great weekend spent amongst friends and family, attracting hundreds of thousands of guests on an annual basis.
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What do you think of paradise in Tennessee now? We might not have white sand beaches, but I prefer the mountains and lakes anyway. So now it's time to get outside and enjoy these lovely spots in the Volunteer State.
To make the most of your Tennessee summer, why not invest in a kayak so you can take advantage of some of the best lakes and rivers in our state? For more outdoor adventures, plan a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. Learn more about it with this OnlyInYourState video:
