Top 4 Lakes in Knox County

For crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center and Fort Dickerson Quarry are excellent choices within Knox County. Just north of Knoxville, Norris Lake is also renowned for its exceptional clarity. Concord Park on Fort Loudoun Lake features The Cove, which has a sandy swimming beach.

Yes, several lakes offer great experiences for families. Ijams Nature Center, which includes Meads Quarry, is very family-friendly with trails, paddling, and a nature center. Concord Park on Fort Loudoun Lake provides public access, a sandy beach at The Cove, and various recreational facilities. Norris Lake also offers amenities like playgrounds and cabin rentals at Norris Dam State Park.

The lakes in Knox County and the surrounding areas offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and fishing on Fort Loudoun Lake, Melton Hill Lake, and Norris Lake. For land-based activities, there are extensive hiking and biking trails. For example, you can find numerous running trails and road cycling routes throughout Knox County, many of which offer scenic views of the lakes and rivers.

Knox County and its nearby lakes are excellent for fishing. Norris Lake is known for crappie and striper fishing, with over 56 species of fish. Fort Loudoun Lake is popular for largemouth, smallmouth, and white bass, as well as bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Melton Hill Lake is particularly good for musky, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, white crappie, and largemouth bass. Cherokee Lake, upstream of Knoxville, is also highly regarded for bass fishing.

Yes, the lakes offer diverse natural beauty. Norris Lake is surrounded by the Cumberland Mountains, providing stunning backdrops and secluded coves. Fort Dickerson Quarry is known for its beautiful turquoise water, reached after a scenic walk through the forest. The tailwater area below Fort Loudoun Dam is excellent for birdwatching, with sightings of herons, cormorants, osprey, and bald eagles. Cherokee Lake offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The warmer months, typically spring through fall, are ideal for water-based activities like swimming, boating, and paddling. During this time, lakes like Norris Lake and Meads Quarry are particularly popular. The fall offers beautiful foliage for hiking and scenic drives around the lakes. Many parks and trails, such as those at Ijams Nature Center and Melton Hill Lake, are enjoyable year-round for walking and biking.

While specific wheelchair accessibility varies, many parks and greenways around the lakes offer paved or well-maintained paths. Melton Hill Lake features a peaceful 5.6-mile waterfront greenway at Melton Lake Park, which is popular for walking and biking. Public parks like Concord Park on Fort Loudoun Lake also provide various facilities and access points that may be suitable.

Numerous hiking opportunities exist near the lakes. Ijams Nature Center offers over 40 miles of trails, including those around Meads Quarry. Norris Lake has extensive hiking trails, particularly within Norris Dam State Park. Melton Hill Lake is home to Haw Ridge Park, which boasts nearly 800 acres with about 30 miles of multi-use trails offering lake views. You can explore various running trails in the wider Knox County area, many of which pass by or near the lakes.

The lakes offer a range of amenities. Norris Lake has numerous marinas and resorts, along with three state parks providing camping, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Fort Loudoun Lake is bordered by parks like Concord Park, Suttree Landing, and Volunteer Landing, which offer public access and recreational facilities. Melton Hill Lake provides year-round camping, picnic tables, and playgrounds, especially at Melton Lake Park. Ijams Nature Center also has a nature center and facilities.

Yes, paddling is a popular activity on several lakes. Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing. Melton Hill Lake is internationally recognized for its calm waters, making it perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. Fort Loudoun Lake also welcomes kayakers and paddleboarders, with various public access points.

Many outdoor areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, but specific rules vary by park and facility. Generally, dogs are welcome on trails and in parks if kept on a leash. For instance, Ijams Nature Center, which includes Meads Quarry, is known for being dog-friendly. Always check local regulations for specific areas before visiting.