TVA River Adventure Guide

Page 1

Endless Adventures Await TVA’s public lands and waters offer endless opportunities to stretch your legs, raise your heart rate or simply be one with nature. The Tennessee Valley is a special place, anchored by the Tennessee River – in some places, a wide, meandering giant and in others a narrow torrent through a scenic gorge. When TVA was formed in 1933, we began the business of changing the landscape to stop massive flooding and provide much-needed power. This strategy created man-made lakes (reservoirs) TVA uses to store water. A beneficial by-product of creating these lakes is the vast and varied recreational opportunities they provide across the seven-state region. This book is a guide to finding your own personal adventure – be it a lazy paddle trip, a challenging bike ride or a fruitful expedition to a favorite fishing spot. Using the maps and online resources, you can choose a quick day trip close to you or plan a weekend getaway. Inside you’ll find colorful historical facts, information about wildlife you may encounter and regional recreational highlights to help you plan your best outings. Thank you for visiting TVA’s public spaces! We’re glad to offer these opportunities for all to enjoy. Please follow the rules and enjoy nature responsibly to ensure these one-of-a-kind opportunities are around to inspire adventures for many, many years to come! Want more? This guide gives you a sense of what is available on each reservoir – for more details, visit www.tva/recreation or call 1-800-882-5263. TE N N ES S E E VA LLE Y AU TH O R IT Y


Endless Adventures Await TVA’s public lands and waters offer endless opportunities to stretch your legs, raise your heart rate or simply be one with nature. The Tennessee Valley is a special place, anchored by the Tennessee River – in some places, a wide, meandering giant and in others a narrow torrent through a scenic gorge. When TVA was formed in 1933, we began the business of changing the landscape to stop massive flooding and provide much-needed power. This strategy created man-made lakes (reservoirs) TVA uses to store water. A beneficial by-product of creating these lakes is the vast and varied recreational opportunities they provide across the seven-state region. This book is a guide to finding your own personal adventure – be it a lazy paddle trip, a challenging bike ride or a fruitful expedition to a favorite fishing spot. Using the maps and online resources, you can choose a quick day trip close to you or plan a weekend getaway. Inside you’ll find colorful historical facts, information about wildlife you may encounter and regional recreational highlights to help you plan your best outings. Thank you for visiting TVA’s public spaces! We’re glad to offer these opportunities for all to enjoy. Please follow the rules and enjoy nature responsibly to ensure these one-of-a-kind opportunities are around to inspire adventures for many, many years to come! Want more? This guide gives you a sense of what is available on each reservoir – for more details, visit www.tva/recreation or call 1-800-882-5263. TE N N ES S E E VA LLE Y AU TH O R IT Y



Tennessee Valley Watershed 1

Kentucky Lake

17

Apalachia/Hiwassee Lakes

2

Beech River Lakes

18

Fontana Lake

3

Pickwick Lake

19

Tellico Lake

4

Bear Creek Lakes

20

Fort Loudoun Lake

5

Wilson Lake

21

Watts Bar Lake

6

Wheeler Lake

22

Melton Hill Lake

7

Guntersville Lake

23

Norris Lake

8

Nickajack Lake

24

Cherokee Lake

9

Tims Ford Lake

25

Douglas Lake

10

Normandy Lake

26

11

Great Falls Lake

Nolichucky Dam/ Davy Crockett Lake

12

Chickamauga Lake

27

Fort Patrick Henry Lake

28

Boone Lake

29

Watauga/Wilbur Lakes

30

South Holston Lake

31

Beaver Creek Dam/ Clear Creek Lake

13 14 15 16

Parksville Lake Blue Ridge Lake Nottely Lake Chatuge Lake


1

Kentucky

2

Beech River

3

Pickwick

4

Bear Creek

Cedar Creek

5

Wilson

6

Wheeler

7

Guntersville

8

Nickajack

9

l Available

l

Raccoon Mountain

Tims Ford

10 Normandy

11 Great Falls

l

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12 Chickamauga

Accessible

l

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l l

Available for Rent

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Little Bear Creek

l

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Two or More Available

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Beech

Cedar

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ll

l

l

l

Wildlife Viewing

Water Fountain

Visitor Information

Tennis

Swimming Beach

Restrooms With Showers

Restrooms

Playground

Play Court

Picnic Tables

Pavilion or Pavilion for Rent

Paved Trail

Overlook

Open Play Field

Mixed Use Trail (Mountain Biking and Hiking)

Horse Riding Trail

Hiking Trail

Fishing Pier/Access

Cellphone Charging Kiosk

Car Charging Kiosk

Canoe/Kayak Access

Camping

Camp Store

Boat Launch Below Dam

Boat Launch Below Dam With Courtesy Dock

Boat Launch Above Dam

Boat Launch Above Dam With Courtesy Dock

T H I N G S T O D O AT T VA P L A C E S

2

Things to Do at TVA Dam Reservations

l

Dogwood

l

Pin Oak

Pine

Redbud

Sycamore

l

Bear Creek

Upper Bear Creek

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l

Parksville Lake – Ocoee No. 1 Ocoee No. 2

Blue Ridge

15

Nottely

16

Chatuge

17

Apalachia

l

l

Fontana

19

Tellico

l

20

Fort Loudoun

21

Watts Bar

22

Melton Hill

23

Norris

24

Cherokee

25

Douglas

26

Nolichucky/Parksville Lake

27

Fort Patrick Henry

28

Boone

29

Watauga Wilbur

30

South Holston

31

Beaver Creek

l l

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l l l

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Clear Creek

l Available l Accessible l Available for Rent l Courtesy Dock Only

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Wildlife Viewing

Water Fountain

Visitor Information

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Tennis

Swimming Beach

Restrooms With Showers

Restrooms

Playground

Play Court

Picnic Tables

Pavilion or Pavilion for Rent

Paved Trail

Overlook

Open Play Field

Mixed Use Trail (Mountain Biking and Hiking)

Horse Riding Trail

Hiking Trail

Fishing Pier/Access

Cellphone Charging Kiosk

l

l

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l l

lll l l l l l lll

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Hiwassee 18

Car Charging Kiosk

l l l l

Ocoee No. 3 14

Canoe/Kayak Access

Camping

Camp Store

Boat Launch Below Dam

Boat Launch Below Dam With Courtesy Dock

Boat Launch Above Dam

Boat Launch Above Dam With Courtesy Dock

13

T H I N G S T O D O AT T VA P L A C E S

Things to Do at TVA Dam Reservations

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Two or More Available 3


Find Your Adventure This guide is designed to be simple and easy to use. Each TVA lake area is numbered on the map located in the front of the book and throughout. Each area includes fun facts, things to do and see and a map so that you can choose your adventure. Let’s get started!

Things to Do at TVA Places

1

Kentucky Lake

2

2

4

17

Apalachia/Hiwassee Lakes 86

Beech River Lakes

10

18

Fontana Lake

92

3

Pickwick Lake

16

19

Tellico Lake

98

4

Bear Creek Lakes

20

20

Fort Loudoun Lake

104

5

Wilson Lake

26

21

Watts Bar Lake

108

6

Wheeler Lake

32

22

Melton Hill Lake

114

7

Guntersville Lake

38

23

Norris Lake

122

8

Nickajack Lake

46

24

Cherokee Lake

128

9

Tims Ford Lake

52

25

Douglas Lake

132

10

Normandy Lake

56

26

11

Great Falls Lake

60

Nolichucky Dam/Davy Crockett Lake

138

12

Chickamauga Lake

64

27

Fort Patrick Henry Lake

140

13

Parksville Lake

70

28

Boone Lake

144

14

Blue Ridge Lake

74

Nottely Lake

78

15 16

Chatuge Lake

82

29

Watauga/Wilbur Lakes

148

30

South Holston Lake

154

31

Beaver Creek Dam/ Clear Creek Lake

160

TVA’s Many Roles in the Valley

162

Natural Area Management

163

Habitat Protection

165

Wildlife Observation

167

Wildlife and Plant Management

169

History and Archaeology

171

Recreation

173


1 KENTUCKY LAKE

KENTUCKY LAKE

4


1 KENTUCKY LAKE

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia)

5


1 KENTUCKY LAKE

Kentucky Dam and Lake u

u

u

u

Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River is 22 miles upstream from where the river empties into the Ohio River. The Tennessee River flows south to north across western Tennessee and western Kentucky. Kentucky Lake has 2,064 miles of shoreline and about 160,300 acres of surface water. At 186 river miles, it is the longest reservoir in the TVA system with the most shoreline miles. The lake’s water storage capacity helps reduce flood damage on 6 million acres of the lower Ohio and Mississippi rivers and reduces the frequency of flooding on another 4 million acres. A 1.5-mile canal connects Kentucky Lake with Lake Barkley, linking the Tennessee River system to the Cumberland River system.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY

CALDWELL COUNTY LYO N COUNTY

KENTUCKY DAM

MARSHALL COUNTY TRIGG COUNTY

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE CALLOWAY COUNTY

STEWART COUNTY

MAP

HOUSTON COUNTY

HENRY COUNTY

BENTON COUNTY

HUMPPHREYS COUNTY

CARROLL COUNTY

HENDERSON COUNTY

PERRY COUNTY

D ECAT U R COUNTY

WAY NE COUNT Y

HARDIN COUNTY

PICKWICK DAM

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

7


The Land Between the Lakes (LBL) is a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area managed by the U.S. Forest Service and located on a peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. LBL consists of several hundred miles of country roads, shorelines and trails. Features include the Elk and Bison Prairie, Homeplace 1850s Farm, Golden Pond Planetarium and Hematite Lake.

u

There are over 12,000 acres in state wildlife management areas, which offer small game, large game and waterfowl hunting as well as wildlife viewing opportunities and hiking trails.

u

From November through April, gulls come to winter and feed on rough fish such as drum and shad near Kentucky Dam. It is one of the largest concentrations of wintering gulls in the eastern United Staes, with some 50,000 birds of 11 different gull species.

u

Get Out and Explore

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)

Kentucky Lake 1 KENTUCKY LAKE 6

Kentucky Lake History and Lore u

Kentucky Lake contains many important Civil War sites, including Fort Henry, Fort Heiman and the old town of Johnsonville. Fort Henry is now inundated by the lake, but Fort Heiman remains on high ground under the care of the National Park Service and TVA. The old town of Johnsonville was located on an important Confederate shipping route during the Civil War and was the site of a battle in which numerous Union naval vessels were sunk. Kentucky Lake is also home to Shiloh National Military Park.

u

Kentucky Lake is sometimes referred to by locals as the “Sea of Kentucky” because it is so large. If there is a lot of boat traffic or a storm, the lake can have 3- to 5-foot swells similar to those on the ocean.

u

Mt. Zion Church and Cemetery in Elkhorn, Tennessee, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the only surviving site of the “Old 23rd District” community of Henry County, which was flooded when Kentucky Dam was completed.


Kentucky Lake Get Out and Explore u

u

u

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)

From November through April, gulls come to winter and feed on rough fish such as drum and shad near Kentucky Dam. It is one of the largest concentrations of wintering gulls in the eastern United Staes, with some 50,000 birds of 11 different gull species. There are over 12,000 acres in state wildlife management areas, which offer small game, large game and waterfowl hunting as well as wildlife viewing opportunities and hiking trails.

The Land Between the Lakes (LBL) is a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area managed by the U.S. Forest Service and located on a peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. LBL consists of several hundred miles of country roads, shorelines and trails. Features include the Elk and Bison Prairie, Homeplace 1850s Farm, Golden Pond Planetarium and Hematite Lake.


Featured Trail

1 KENTUCKY LAKE

Kentucky Lake

Canadian Geese (Branta canadensis)

35.68827, -88.01306

Overlook Trailhead 2.6 Mile Trail

Lady’s Bluff Trail DISTANCE: 2.6 MILES · DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

Lady’s Bluff Trail features gnarled old cedars, limestone outcroppings and spectacular views of the Tennessee River and the migratory bird wildlife refuge on the opposite shore. The moderate Lady’s Bluff Trail, a National Recreation Trail, is a 2.6-mile round trip with natural stone steps in steep areas and footbridges across two streams. In mid-October, thousands of migrating ducks and geese make their annual visit to the wildlife refuge. 8


1 KENTUCKY LAKE 9

Kentucky Lake The Reel Thing u

TVA has recorded over 85 different species of fish on Kentucky Lake. It is regarded as one of the premier crappie destinations in the United States.

u

Kentucky Lake is often found on the Bassmaster list of 100 Best Bass Lakes in America.

u

The lake contains all types of habitat from riverine portions to stump flats, aquatic vegetation to wetlands. It is nationally renowned for summer ledge fishing.

u

The lake holds the Tennessee state record for chain pickerel (7 lb., 7 oz.), caught in 1991; flier sunfish (8 oz.), 2001; and silver carp (14 lb., 13 oz.), 2013.

u

It holds the Kentucky state record for yellow perch (1 lb., 7 oz.), caught in 2010; buffalo fish (55 lb.), 2000; bighead carp (64 lb.), 2010; and white bass (5 lb.), 1943.


2

RIVER

BEECH RIVER LAKES

BEECH L AKES

10


2 BEECH RIVER LAKES

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) 11


2

MAP

BEECH RIVER LAKES

DOGWOOD DAM

CEDAR DAM PIN OAK DAM CEDAR DAM BEECH DAM

HENDERSON COUNTY

Beech River Dams and Lakes LOST CREEK DAM

u

u

PINE DAM

SYCAMORE DAM u

Beech Dam is one of eight small dams located on the Beech River in western Tennessee. The eight lakes in the system have a total of 100 miles of shoreline. Lost Creek is the smallest with 2 miles of shoreline and Pin Oak is the largest with 28 miles of shoreline. These dams are used primarily for storage detention and recreation. Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

15


2 BEECH RIVER LAKES

Beech River Lakes Recreation at Beech River

Beech River Lakes History and Lore

u

Eight dams and lakes make up the Beech River system: Beech, Cedar, Pin Oak, Pine, Redbud, Dogwood, Lost Creek and Sycamore.

u

Beech Lake is home to Festival of the Lakes held annually over the Fourth of July weekend. It attracts more than 20,000 people.

u

Natchez Trace State Park is named for the Natchez Trace, which was an important wilderness road in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The road was actually a series of trails and paths that originated with animal migration routes and Native American trade and travel routes. Fishing, camping, boating and biking are favorite activities at the park. The 690-acre Pin Oak Lake is entirely within the park boundaries.

u

The World’s Largest Coon Hunt in Parsons, Tennessee, is held annually on the second full weekend of April. The event raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The Reel Thing

u

14

Carroll Cabin Barrens, a Tennessee state natural area, is a series of dramatic limestone glades and barrens that house several rare plant species. These features occur in longitudinal bands on the hillsides above the Tennessee River.

u

TVA has recorded over 30 different species of fish on Beech Lake.

u

Despite its small size, Beech Lake offers good fishing for bass and catfish.


3 PICKWICK L AKE

PICKWICK LAKE

16


3

PICKWICK L AKE

17


3

MAP

PICKWICK L AKE

PICKWICK DAM

HARDIN COUNTY

Pickwick Dam and Lake TENNESSEE

u

u

u

Pickwick Lake has 491 miles of shoreline and 42,700 acres of surface water. It covers a portion of the treacherous Muscle Shoals, which once hampered navigation on the Tennessee River. It extends 53 miles south from the dam along the Mississippi-Alabama state line and then east into Alabama. Pickwick Lake is the north end of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, a canal that provides an efficient commercial water transportation route to the Gulf of Mexico. The waterway extends 234 miles from the Tennessee River to the Tombigbee River in Alabama, which connects to the Gulf.

TE

NN

ES

SE

E -T

OMB

I G B E E WA T E RWAY

ALABAMA

Pickwick Dam on the Tennessee River was completed in 1938 and has two locks for navigation.

LAUDERDALE COUNTY

MISSISSIPPI

WILSON DAM

TISHOMINGO COUNTY Seven Mile Island Wildlife Management Area

COLBERT COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

19


3 PICKWICK L AKE

Pickwick Lake

Pickwick Lake

Get Out and Explore

The Reel Thing

u

Pickwick Lake is popular for boating and water skiing. Pickwick Dam Campground, located below the dam, includes 92 sites with utilities (five are accessible) and eight tent sites without utilities.

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

u

Pickwick Lake has excellent sport-fishing areas, including the Wilson Dam tailwater at the upper end of the lake, noted for record-size smallmouth bass and catfish.

u

TVA has recorded over 81 different species of fish on Pickwick Lake, which has often been included on the Bassmaster list of 100 Best Bass Lakes.

u

Blue suckers, which are rare in the Tennessee River system, have been collected at the upper end of the lake.

u

The Tennessee state record sauger (7 lb., 6 oz.) was caught in Pickwick Dam’s tailwater in 1973.

u

The record-size Atlantic needlefish (1.6 oz.) was caught in the tailwater in 2008.

u

Key Cave is home to the federally endangered Alabama cavefish, the only known location in the world where it exists. The blind, colorless fish is about 3 inches long and feeds on tiny aquatic creatures that require gray bat guano for survival. Key Cave is home to federally endangered gray bats that number in the tens of thousands.

History and Lore

18

u

Pickwick Lake received its name from the first local postmaster, whose fondness for the works of Charles Dickens prompted him to name the post office after “The Pickwick Papers.”

u

Seven Mile Island in Pickwick Lake is TVA’s only archaeological district on the National Register of Historic Places. It has evidence of over 12,000 years of human occupation in the region.

u

Thousands of Native Americans passed through Waterloo, Alabama, in the 1830s when they were forced by the United States government to move west on the Trail of Tears. Many came by boat and camped at Waterloo to await transfer to larger steamboats.

u

A popular attraction on Pickwick Lake is Cooper Falls. This 50-foot waterfall that is accessible only by water is located just north of J. P. Coleman State Park.


4 BEAR CREEK

BEAR CREEK L AKES

20


4

BEAR CREEK LAKES

21


4

MAP COLBERT COUNTY

BEAR CREEK LAKES

CEDAR CREEK DAM

Bear Creek Dams and Lakes u

u

The Bear Creek Dam in the northwest corner of Alabama is one of four small dams in the area. The others are Upper Bear Creek, Little Bear Creek and Cedar Creek. The four lakes in the Bear Creek system have 241 miles of shoreline. Little Bear Creek is the smallest at 38 miles of shoreline and Upper Bear Creek Lake is the largest at 100 miles.

LITTLE BEAR CREEK DAM

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BEAR CREEK DAM

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

UPPER BEAR CREEK DAM MARION COUNTY

N

WINSTON COUNTY 23


4 BEAR CREEK LAKES

Bear Creek Lakes Get Out and Explore u

Four dams and lakes make up the Bear Creek system: Bear Creek, Upper Bear Creek, Little Bear Creek and Cedar Creek. The four lakes provide numerous opportunities for recreation with 16 developed areas that include boat ramps, campgrounds, picnic tables, swim areas and playgrounds.

u

Below Bear Creek Dam, the Lower Bear Creek Canoe Trail provides a leisurely float, running 34 miles down the creek with multiple put-ins to Pickwick Dam on the Tennessee River.

History and Lore

22

u

Remnants of the old narrow-gauge railroad that served Riverton, Alabama, can still be seen along Bear Creek.

u

Chalk was mined along Bear Creek from local mineral sources and shipped by train and riverboat.

u

The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard is located on the site of a popular hunting camp where coon hunters gathered to plot strategy, tell tales and compare coon hounds. More than 185 coon dogs from across the country are buried at this spot.


4 BEAR CREEK LAKES

Bear Creek Lakes Featured Trail Canoe Access 24-Mile Floatway

Bear Creek Floatway DISTANCE: 24 MILES DIFFICULTY: CLASS I, WITH TWO PORTAGE AREAS

The Bear Creek Floatway is a 24-mile float trail that is popular for canoeing and kayaking. Releases from Upper Bear Creek Lake provide adequate flow on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The floatway is considered a Class I course except for two sections at Upper and Lower Factory Falls that are Class IV and VI rapids and require a mandatory portage.

24


4 BEAR CREEK LAKES

Bear Creek Lakes The Reel Thing u

TVA has recorded over 47 different species of fish on Bear Creek Lake.

u

Bear Creek Lake supports a healthy crappie and largemouth bass fishery.

u

The record Alabama state carp (35 lb.) was caught in Bear Creek Lake in 1980.

u

Upper Bear Creek Lake and the Bear Creek Floatway are popular for catching spotted bass.

Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)

25


5 WILSON LAKE

WILSON LAKE

26


5

WILSON LAKE

27


5

MAP

WILSON LAKE

LAUDERDALE COUNTY

WHEELER DAM

WILSON DAM

COLBERT COUNTY

LAWRENCE COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

Wilson Dam and Lake u

u

Construction on Wilson Dam on the Tennessee River began during World War I, when the federal government built two nitrate plants at Muscle Shoals for the production of explosives. The dam was needed to provide power to the plants. Wilson Lake has 166 miles of shoreline and 15,600 acres of surface water at full pool. 29


5 WILSON LAKE

Wilson Lake

History and Lore u

If Henry Ford had been successful in his bid to purchase Wilson Dam and the nitrate factories it powered from the United States government, we might not have public power in the Tennessee Valley today. In 1921 Ford offered the government $5 million to lease the facility, but United States Senator George Norris felt the energy produced by Wilson Dam should be used for the public good.

u

Since the 1960s the city of Muscle Shoals has been known for the Muscle Shoals Sound, created by local recording studios that produced hit records with wellknown artists in popular music. The W.C. Handy Music Festival is held annually the last full week in July in the area.

u

28

Wilson Dam is the only example of neoclassical architecture in the TVA system and it is a National Historic Landmark.

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)


5

MAP

WILSON LAKE

WILSO N DAM

RESERVATION TR AIL SYSTEM Bicycle Trail Energy Trail Fisherman’s Trail Gunnery Fitness Trail Jogging Trail Low Shore Trail Native Plant Garden Trail

Old First Quarters Trail Old Railroad Bridge Trail Reservation Road Trail River Heritage Park Trail Rockpile Trail Southport Historical Trail Waterfall Walk

RESERVATION AREAS Parking

Boat Ramp

Restroom

31


5 WILSON LAKE

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

Wilson Lake The Reel Thing u

Featured Trail Muscle Shoals Reservation DISTANCE: 17 MILES ¡ DIFFICULTY: VARIES

The Muscle Shoals Reservation contains over 17 miles of paved and primitive walking trails, including Native Plant Garden, Old First Quarters, Rockpile and Old Railroad Bridge. The Rockpile Recreation Area, which is near the dam, has several waterfalls, a trail to an overlook and a play structure modeled after the dam. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Park includes a pavilion constructed by the CCC in the 1930s, and the Old Railroad Bridge dates to 1840. The Old First Quarters Trail is named after a complex that housed engineers during dam construction. Biking is allowed only on the paved trail sections. 30

American Paddlefish Several Alabama record-size fish have (Polyodon spathula) been caught in the Wilson tailwater: silver redhorse (14.4 lb.), caught in 1995; sauger (5.2 lb.), 1972; muskellunge (19 lb., 8 oz.), 1972; and paddlefish (52.1 lb.), 1982. Currently, paddlefish must be released immediately upon capture.


6 WHEELER LAKE

WHEELER LAKE

32


6

WHEELER LAKE

33


6

MAP

WHEELER LAKE

LAUDERDALE COUNTY

WHEELER DAM MADISON COUNTY

LIMESTONE COUNTY

LAWRENCE COUNTY

MORGAN COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

Wheeler Dam and Lake u

u

u

Wheeler Dam on the Tennessee River in northern Alabama is named for Joseph “Fightin’ Joe” Wheeler, a general in the Confederate Army, leader of the United States Volunteers during the Spanish-American War, and United States congressman. Wheeler Lake has 1,027 miles of shoreline and 67,070 acres of surface water. It is one of nine reservoirs (man-made lakes) that provide a “stairway” of navigable water from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Paducah, Kentucky. The largest port along the Tennessee River, the Port of Decatur, is on Wheeler Lake. 35


6 WHEELER LAKE 34

Wheeler Lake

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Get Out and Explore u

Wheeler Lake is a major recreation and tourist center. Along with camping, boating and fishing, visitors enjoy the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge several miles upstream from the dam.

u

The Wheeler area is great for birdwatching. TVA impounds shallow backwater areas of the lake to produce excellent waterfowl habitat. The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is home to Alabama’s largest duck population and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

u

A shift in the migratory pattern of the American white pelican means they now winter on north Alabama reservoirs, particularly Pickwick, Wilson and Wheeler, with fewer on Guntersville. They previously were seen mainly in Florida and other areas of the South during winter. Although the highest numbers can be seen from November through March, some of the birds remain year round. In summer, 50 to 100 pelicans are usually present on Wheeler and Wilson.


6 WHEELER LAKE

Wheeler Lake

Great Egret (Ardea alba)

Featured Trail Trailhead Boardwalk 1.1-Mile Trail

Marbut Bend Trail DISTANCE: 1.1 MILES · DIFFICULTY: EASY

TVA has opened a new accessible trail called Marbut Bend Trail off Limestone County Road 99, near Athens, Alabama. The 1.1-mile loop trail has an elevated boardwalk through a beaver pond and crosses one small wetland and swamp. 36


6 WHEELER LAKE

Wheeler Lake History and Lore u

When the Wheeler Lock failed in 1961, docks and roads were built to allow for the continued movement of commodities along the river. At this time the boosters for the Saturn rocket were being built in Huntsville, Alabama, with plans to ship them by water to Cape Canaveral, Florida. To keep the rocket launch on schedule, TVA built heavy-duty docks to move the boosters around the dam. One of the docks can still be seen at Joe Wheeler State Park adjacent to the picnic area and cabins above the dam.

u

Painted Bluff has been called one of the most significant open-air rock art locations in the Southeast. The site on Wheeler Lake dates to about 1400 AD and contains over 80 pictures with common motifs such as human figures, serpents, animals and birds.

The Reel Thing

37

u

TVA has recorded over 73 different species of fish on Wheeler Lake.

u

The Alabama state record for yellow perch (1 lb., 5 oz.) was caught in Wheeler in 2000. The state record for smallmouth bass (10 lb., 8 oz.) was caught in the tailwater of Wheeler Dam in 1950.


7 GUNTERSVILLE LAKE

GUNTERSVILLE LAKE

38


7

GUNTERSVILLE LAKE

39


MAP

7

MARION COUNTY

GUNTERSVILLE LAKE

FRANKLIN COUNTY

TENNESSEE NICKAJACK DAM

Guntersville Dam and Lake u

u

Guntersville Dam is one of nine dams on the main channel of the Tennessee River that enabled the system to become a 652-milelong navigable river highway.

ALABAMA

Guntersville Lake is the southernmost point and third-largest lake in the river system. The lake has 889 miles of shoreline and 66,000 acres of surface water JACKSON COUNTY

MADISON COUNTY

DE KALB COUNTY

GUNTERSVILLE DAM

MARSHALL COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

41


7 GUNTERSVILLE LAKE

Guntersville Lake Get Out and Explore u

Guntersville Lake has the most TVA-managed natural areas, with over 5,500 acres. These areas are managed to protect the habitat of one or more species (usually endangered or threatened), exceptional natural or scenic qualities or locations with large concentrations of viewable wildlife.

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Eagle watching has become popular on Guntersville Lake, where over 20 mating pairs visit each year. One of the most easily viewed nests is on the north side of Guntersville Dam and can be observed from a small parking area at the intersection of Dam Reservation Road and Painted Bluff Road.

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Hambrick Hollow Cave is accessible only by boat and is a popular attraction for locals during the summer months when 30,000 gray bats emerge at dusk. It is located one mile upstream of Guntersville Dam. Sauta Cave, accessible by land, is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is also a popular place to watch bats emerge to feed. TVA has a 112-acre habitat protection area surrounding this cave.

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The world speed record on water was set on Guntersville Lake at 200.42 mph in 1962 and stood for 38 years.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)


7

Featured Trail

GUNTERSVILLE LAKE

Guntersville Lake

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

Trailhead Small Wild Area 1.4-Mile Trail

Cave Mountain Small Wild Area DISTANCE: 1.5 MILES · DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

The Cave Mountain Small Wild Area has a moderately steep 1.5-mile loop trail that features spring wildflowers, a flooded forest of tupelo gum trees, songbirds and opportunities to see wood ducks and other waterfowl. The cave was mined during the Civil War for saltpeter, used to make gunpowder.

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7

GUNTERSVILLE LAKE

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7

Head for the Trails u

The Cooley Cemetery Trail is on an old road-bed and offers hiking, horseback riding and biking. The trail is about 6 miles one way and features two old homesites, views of the lake and bank fishing.

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Foster Falls Small Wild Area offers extensive opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, birdwatching and wildflower viewing. The 60-foot Foster Falls plunges into a deep pool that’s great for swimming. An accessible trail, managed by the state of Tennessee, leads to a scenic view of the falls. The 12.5-mile Fiery Gizzard Trail crosses the recreation area and ends at the falls. The trail, rated difficult, is listed by Backpacker magazine as one of the top 25 in the country. It is located less than 15 miles north of Jasper, Tennessee.

GUNTERSVILLE LAKE

Guntersville Lake

History and Lore u

There is evidence that humans occupied the land around Guntersville Lake and throughout the Valley at least 12,000 years ago. The earliest people were highly nomadic, following herds of large game animals or utilizing seasonal plant and animal resources. 44


7 GUNTERSVILLE LAKE

Guntersville Lake The Reel Thing u

TVA has recorded over 71 different species of fish on Guntersville. The shallowness of the lake is favorable to the growth of aquatic plants, which provide cover and food for many fish species, the most plentiful being largemouth bass and black crappie.

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Guntersville is a World-Class Recreation Area for bass fishing. It is often ranked in the top 10 of the Bassmaster 100 Best Bass Lakes and is the site of Bassmaster Classic fishing tournaments.

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The upper part of the lake supports a good bass, sauger and crappie fishery. The area just below Guntersville Dam is known for its fine sauger fishing during autumn and winter, white bass in early spring and catfish in summer.

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Alabama state record fish caught at Guntersville: yellow bass (2 lb., 8 oz.), 2000, and buffalo fish (57 lb.), 1990. The world bowfishing record and Alabama state record white amur (92 lb.) was shot in 2015.

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) 45


8 NICK AJACK L AKE

NICKAJACK LAKE

46


8 NICK AJACK L AKE

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)

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8

MAP

NICK AJACK L AKE

Nickajack Dam and Lake u

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Nickajack Dam on the Tennessee River was finished in 1967, replacing an old dam that had been built by private interests in 1913. Nickajack Lake has 204 miles of shoreline and 10,200 acres of surface water at full pool. MARION COUNTY

H A M I LTO N CO U N T Y

CHICKAMAUGA DAM

TENNESSEE

NICKAJACK DAM

GEORGIA

DADE COUNTY

WALKER COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

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8 NICK AJACK L AKE

Nickajack Lake Recreation at Nickajack u

Hoary puccoon (Lithospermum canescens)

Raccoon Mountain, overlooking Nickajack Lake, has close to 30 miles of single-track trails utilized by hikers and mountain bikers from all over the country. It is part of Tennessee’s Wildlife Viewing Trail with great views of the Tennessee River Gorge, Lookout Mountain and downtown Chattanooga. Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)

History and Lore u

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Nickajack Cave serves as habitat for gray bats, an endangered species. At dusk between late April and early October, the sky darkens as thousands of bats emerge from the mouth of the cave to feed. Many people travel by boat to experience this sight, but the bats can also be seen from the observation platform at Maple View Recreation Area. The cave is currently gated for the bats’ protection.


8 Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

Featured Trail

NICK AJACK L AKE

Nickajack Lake

35.03111, -85.58141

Overlook Trailhead 3-Mile LCM Loop 1-Mile Pond Trail

Little Cedar Mountain Trail DISTANCE: 4 MILES DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

Little Cedar Mountain Small Wild Area Trail offers a challenging 4-mile hike as it winds through mixed forest and rock gardens above Nickajack Lake. The trail provides scenic overlooks with views of the lake and mountains, wildlife, historic rock walls, a wetland pond and beautiful wildflowers.

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8 NICK AJACK L AKE

Nickajack Lake History and Lore u

During the Civil War, Nickajack Cave was mined by both the Union and the Confederate armies for saltpeter, an important ingredient in gunpowder. After the war, the cave’s cool interior was ideal for recreational use and became a tourist attraction with boat tours of the underground lake.

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The Tennessee River Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Tennessee, is a 26-mile canyon formed by the Tennessee River. The fourth-largest river gorge in the eastern United States, it cuts through the Cumberland Plateau as the river winds its way into Alabama from Tennessee.

The Reel Thing

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TVA has recorded 60 different species of fish on Nickajack Lake.

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Nickajack supports a healthy crappie fishery.

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The world-record freshwater drum (54 lb., 8 oz.) was caught on Nickajack in 1972.


9 TIMS FORD L AKE

TIMS FORD LAKE

52


9 TIMS FORD L AKE

Tims Ford Lake Get Out and Explore u

The Tims Ford Blueway is a collection of paddle trails that meander through beautiful Tims Ford Lake and its tributaries. There are plenty of options to satisfy a family looking for a short day trip or individuals interested in a longer overnight camping trip.

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To protect endangered fish and mussels below the dam, TVA monitors water temperatures to support aquatic life, and installed a small turbine to supply adequate water flows and oxygen when the hydropower plant is not generating.

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Tims Ford State Park is home to Bear Trace at Tims Ford, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The challenging 18-hole course is on a peninsula surrounded by the lake.

History and Lore u

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Tims Ford is named for a ford, or river crossing, on the Elk River near Winchester, Tennessee. The ford was on or near land owned by Abner Mansfield Tims, an early settler in the area.


MAP

N BEDFORD COUNTY

COFFEE COUNTY

9 TIMS FORD L AKE

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

MOORE COUNTY

TIMS FORD DAM

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Tims Ford Dam and Lake u

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Tims Ford Dam was built to provide hydropower, water supply and flood damage reduction downstream on the Elk River, primarily for Fayetteville, Tennessee. It was completed in 1970. Tims Ford Lake has 309 miles of shoreline and 10,500 acres of surface water. 54


9 TIMS FORD L AKE

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Tims Ford Lake The Reel Thing

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TVA has recorded over 45 different species of fish on Tims Ford Lake.

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Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbow and brown trout in the cold tailwater below the dam when the power plant is not generating.


10 N O R M A N DY L A K E

LAKE

NORMANDY

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10 N O R M A N DY L A K E

Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea)

Cracking Pearly Mussel (Hemistena lata)

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MAP

N O R M A N DY L A K E

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

Normandy Dam and Lake u

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At 110 feet high and 2,807 feet across, Normandy Dam on the Duck River is the highest of the nonpower dams on tributaries of the Tennessee River. Normandy Lake has 72 miles of shoreline and 3,200 acres of surface water.

BEDFORD COUNTY

NORMANDY DAM

COFFEE COUNTY

LINCOLN COUNTY

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

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10 N O R M A N DY L A K E

Normandy Lake Get Out and Explore u

Normandy offers good bass fishing, camping and boating. Barton Springs Recreation Area on the south shore of the lake is a popular site.

History and Lore u

The Duck River watershed, along with the Elk River (Tennessee section) and the Clinch River in East Tennessee, are the most biologically diverse river systems in the nation. Over 500 species of fish, insects and other types of aquatic life inhabit the Duck River ecosystem, including two federally endangered species of mussels, the Cumberland monkeyface pearly and the birdwing pearly.

The Reel Thing u

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TVA has recorded over 46 different species of fish on Normandy Reservoir, which supports a good largemouth and spotted bass fishery.


11 G R E AT FA L L S L A K E

LAKE

GREAT FALLS

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G R E AT FA L L S L A K E

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11

MAP WHITE COUNTY

G R E AT FA L L S L A K E

DE KALB COUNTY

GREAT FALLS DAM

WARREN COUNTY

VAN BUREN COUNT Y

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

Great Falls Dam and Lake u

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Great Falls Dam on the Caney Fork River is one of seven dams acquired by TVA from private power companies. Located in the Cumberland River drainage, it’s the only dam in the TVA system that is outside the Tennessee River watershed. Great Falls Lake has 120 miles of shoreline and 1,830 acres of surface water. 62


11 G R E AT FA L L S L A K E

Great Falls Lake

Get Out and Explore u

Whitewater rapids below the dam are favorite spots for canoeing and kayaking and have been the site of national and international paddling events.

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Great Falls Dam and tailwater are surrounded by Tennessee’s Rock Island State Park, which offers hiking, camping, swimming and boating.

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The area surrounding Great Falls is a scenic wilderness with numerous waterfalls, including the one that gives the lake its name, located a short distance below the dam.

The Reel Thing u

Great Falls Lake has an outstanding muskie fishery. Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)

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12 CHICK AMAUGA L AKE

CHICKAMAUGA LAKE

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CHICK AMAUGA L AKE

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12

MAP

CHICK AMAUGA L AKE

WATTS BAR DAM

Chickamauga Dam and Lake u

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Chickamauga Dam on the Tennessee River was completed in 1940. Before TVA created this and other lakes above Chattanooga, the city had one of the most serious flooding problems in the nation. Chickamauga Lake has 784 miles of shoreline and 36,050 acres of surface water. The Hiwassee River is a major tributary.

SEQ UATCH I E CO U N T Y

RHEA COUNTY

H A M I LTO N CO U N T Y

MARION COUNTY

BRADLEY COUNTY

CHICKAMAUGA DAM

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

67


12 CHICK AMAUGA L AKE

Chickamauga Lake Get Out and Explore u

The lake is popular for fishing, boating and swimming. There are boat ramps on the lake and canoe access on North Chickamauga Creek.

History and Lore u

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Chickamauga Reservoir is named after Chickamauga Creek. Historians differ on the origin of the name Chickamauga. Early records of the settling of the region show a tribe of Chickamauga Indians who had separated from the main body of the Cherokee Indians lived in a village on a creek nearby. Both the creek and village were named after the tribe.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)


12

Featured Trail

CHICK AMAUGA L AKE

Chickamauga Lake

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

35.11562, -85.22488

Trailhead 1.3-Mile Loop Greenway

Big Ridge Small Wild Area and Trail DISTANCE: 1.3 MILES ¡ DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

Big Ridge Small Wild Area is a 200-acre forest of old-growth hardwoods on a high ridge above the north shore of Chickamauga Lake. TVA manages a 1.3-mile loop hiking trail of moderate difficulty that offers opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. The trail is accessed from the main trail at Greenway Farm, a high-use greenway system that is part of the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)

Carolina Springbeauty (Claytonia caroliniana)

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12 CHICK AMAUGA L AKE 69

Chickamauga Lake The Reel Thing u

Chickamauga Reservoir has gained national attention for its outstanding largemouth bass fishery and is often included in the Bassmaster list of 100 Best Bass Lakes. TVA has recorded 69 different species of fish on Chickamauga.

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The Tennessee state record largemouth bass (15 lb., 3 oz.) was caught in 2015. This record isn’t likely to last as long as the previous one, which stood for 60 years.

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The world record spotted sucker (3 lb., 3 oz.) was caught on the lake in 2008.

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Other state record fish: spotted bass (6 lb., 1 oz.), caught in 2011; golden shiner (15 oz.), 1999; yellow bullhead catfish (4 lb., 8 oz.), 1979.

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The state record flathead catfish (85 lb., 15 oz.) was caught on the Hiwassee River, which flows into Chickamauga Lake, in 1993.


13 PA R K S V I L L E L A K E

LAKE

PARKSVILLE

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PA R K S V I L L E L A K E

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13

MAP

PA R K S V I L L E L A K E

MCMINN COUNTY MONROE COUNTY

Parksville Lake and Ocoee Dams u

Ocoee Dam No. 1 is the oldest dam in the TVA system, completed in 1911 by the Tennessee Electric Power Company. It is the first of three dams on the Ocoee River.

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Parksville Lake, formed by Ocoee No. 1, has 47 miles of shoreline and 1,620 acres of surface water.

TENNESSEE POLK COUNTY

OCOEE DAM NO.1

NORTH CAROLINA OCOEE DAM NO.2 OCOEE DAM NO.3

CHEROKEE COUNTY

GEORGIA

FANNIN COUNT Y

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

73


13 PA R K S V I L L E L A K E

Parksville Lake

Parksville Lake

Get Out and Explore

The Reel Thing

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The Ocoee River is the most rafted river in the United States and was the site of the 1996 Summer Olympic whitewater kayaking events. The riverbed of the upper Ocoee was modified to create the mile-long Olympic course. Rafting is available on this stretch of the river on select days. Downstream from the Olympic course is a 4.5-mile stretch that is also a very popular rafting area. Several rafting companies organize whitewater trips on the river. The Ocoee River has been designated a World-Class Recreation Area.

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The Tennessee state record Coosa bass (1 lb., 15 oz.) was caught in Parksville Lake in 1991.

The Ocoee Whitewater Center was constructed for the 1996 Olympic Games and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It serves as a multiple-use recreational and educational complex.

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The state record yellow perch (2 lb., 6 oz.) was caught here in 2010.

The U.S. Forest Service operates campgrounds and day-use areas that have beaches, picnic tables and pavilions on Parksville Lake, and there is also a commercially operated inn and marina.

TVA has recorded 30 different species of fish on Parksville Lake, which offers outstanding spotted bass fishing. Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)


14 BLUE RIDGE L AKE

BLUE RIDGE LAKE

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BLUE RIDGE L AKE

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MAP

BLUE RIDGE L AKE

Blue Ridge Dam and Lake u

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POLK COUNTY

Blue Ridge Dam is on the Toccoa River in north Georgia. The river becomes the Ocoee River when it enters Tennessee. Blue Ridge Lake, located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, has 68 miles of shoreline and 3,220 acres of surface water at full pool.

CHEROKEE COUNTY

TENNESSEE

NORTH CAROLINA

GEORGIA

FANNIN COUNT Y

BLUE RIDGE DAM

GILMER COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

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14 BLUE RIDGE L AKE

Blue Ridge Lake Get Out and Explore u

Blue Ridge Lake is the lower end of the 13.8-mile Toccoa River Canoe Trail, an easy float with a few small rapids. While floating downriver, rafters pass under the longest suspension bridge (270 feet long) east of the Mississippi River.

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The canoe and kayak launch site below the dam gives access to the Toccoa River. When water is released from Blue Ridge Dam to generate electricity, the river becomes a Class I-II float through the north Georgia hills.

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The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway begins its journey at the historic Blue Ridge Depot in Georgia and winds its way along 13 miles of the Toccoa River to McCaysville, Georgia, and on to Copperhill, Tennessee.

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The river is noted among anglers for its sunfish, trout and bass.

The Reel Thing u

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The Georgia state record muskellunge, or muskie (38 lb., 2 oz.), was caught in Blue Ridge Lake in 1973.


15 N O T T E LY L A K E

NOTTELY LAKE

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15 N O T T E LY L A K E

Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

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MAP

N O T T E LY L A K E

Nottely Dam and Lake u

CHEROKEE COUNTY

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Nottely Dam, completed during World War II, is on the Nottely River in north Georgia at the southeastern edge of the Tennessee River watershed. Nottely Lake has 113 miles of shoreline and 3,970 acres of surface water at full pool.

NORTH CAROLINA GEORGIA NOTTELY DAM

UNION COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

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15 N O T T E LY L A K E

Nottely Lake Get Out and Explore u

A biking and hiking trail is scheduled to open in spring 2016 on the Nottely Dam Reservation. The 2.6-mile moderate-to-difficult trail will consist of two loops with lots of curves and hills.

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The lake features a beach and camping area and is a popular place for viewing wildlife.

History and Lore u

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Nottely Lake was home to many smaller Cherokee settlements and individual farmsteads before the removal of the Cherokee in 1838. This settlement area was historically known to the tribe as the Valley Towns. The Cherokee are still actively involved in the preservation and interpretation of these historic places.


16 C H AT U G E L A K E

CHATUGE LAKE

North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) 82


16 C H AT U G E L A K E 83

Chatuge Lake Get Out and Explore u

Sport fishing is popular at Chatuge both in the lake and in the Hiwassee River below the dam. The lake straddles two states, North Carolina and Georgia. Each state honors the other’s fishing license for anyone fishing from a boat, but the appropriate state license is required for bank fishing.

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A concrete weir below Chatuge Dam provides a steady flow of water in the riverbed and helps maintain oxygen levels for aquatic life. Wade fishing is popular here because food for the fish is abundant.

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The U.S. Forest Service-managed Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area, located on a peninsula of Chatuge Lake, offers a large campground and numerous day-use activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, mountain biking and hiking. A 2.4-mile easy trail loops through open woods and offers glimpses of Chatuge Lake.

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Chatuge Dam Reservation has a paved 3-mile walking and biking trail that provides great views of the mountains and lake.


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MAP

C H AT U G E L A K E

CHEROKEE COUNTY

Chatuge Dam and Lake u

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Chatuge Dam is located on the Hiwassee River in western North Carolina. Chatuge Lake extends southeast from the dam into north Georgia. It has 128 miles of shoreline and 6,700 acres of surface water at full pool.

CL AY COUNT Y

CHATUGE DAM

NORTH CAROLINA

GEORGIA

TOWNS COUNTY

UNION COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

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16 C H AT U G E L A K E

Chatuge Lake The Reel Thing u

TVA has recorded 32 different species of fish from Chatuge.

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The Georgia state record hybrid bass (25 lb., 8 oz.) was caught on Chatuge in May 1995.

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

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The Georgia record smallmouth bass (7 lb., 2 oz.) was caught here in 1973.

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The North Carolina state record Cherokee bass, or white bass/ striped bass hybrid, (17 lb., 7 oz.) was caught here in 1996.


17 A PA L A C H I A A N D H I W A S S E E L A K E S

APALACHIA AND HIWASSEE LAKES

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A PA L A C H I A A N D H I W A S S E E L A K E S

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17

MAP

A PA L A C H I A A N D H I W A S S E E L A K E S

MONROE COUNTY

APALACHIA POWERHOUSE APALACHIA DAM HIWASSEE DAM

CHEROKEE COUNTY

POLK COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA

TENNESSEE

GEORGIA FANNIN COUNT Y

Apalachia Dam and Lake u

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Although Apalachia Dam is in North Carolina, the powerhouse is located 12 miles downstream across the state line in Tennessee. An 8.3-mile underground pipe carries water from the reservoir to the powerhouse.

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

Hiwassee Dam and Lake u

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Hiwassee Dam on the Hiwassee River is the third-highest dam in the TVA system at 307 feet, after Fontana and Watauga. The reservoir has 165 miles of shoreline and 5,870 acres of surface water.

Located on the Hiwassee River, Apalachia Reservoir has 32 miles of shoreline and 1,100 acres of surface water at full pool. 89


17 A PA L A C H I A A N D H I W A S S E E L A K E S

Apalachia Lake

Get Out and Explore u

The Nantahala National Forest surrounds the dam and lake on all sides. The lake provides a beautiful site for fishing, canoeing and hiking. There is very little private shoreline development, no commercial development and limited access to the lake.

The Reel Thing u

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Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Apalachia is being managed as a trout fishery for brown and rainbow trout by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.


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Get Out and Explore u

The reservoir is surrounded almost entirely by the Nantahala National Forest, creating spectacular scenery in a tranquil setting.

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Bordering Hiwassee Reservoir, the U.S. Forest Service’s Hanging Dog Recreation Area offers camping, water access and 8 miles of mountain biking trails that provide beautiful lake views.

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Micken Branch has free rustic campsites next to a TVA boat ramp.

A PA L A C H I A A N D H I W A S S E E L A K E S

Hiwassee Lake

History and Lore u

There are World War II structures on the dam reservation that were used to store torpedoes, which were tested in Hiwassee Lake.

The Reel Thing u

TVA has recorded 39 different species of fish from Hiwassee Lake.

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The Hiwassee and Little Tennessee Rivers are home to the sicklefin redhorse (Moxostoma sp.), a fish that lives primarily in streams and can grow to 25 inches.

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The North Carolina state record for striped bass (66 lbs.) was caught on the reservoir in March 2012.

Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

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17 A PA L A C H I A A N D H I W A S S E E L A K E S

Hiwassee Lake Featured Trail

Paved Walk Gravel, Bridge & Boardwalk Surfaces Canoe Trail Primitive Trail Trailhead Rest Room Handicap Parking Railroad High-Water Inlets

Murphy River Walk and Canoe Trails DISTANCE: 2.3 MILES · DIFFICULTY: EASY

The Murphy River Walk Trail is a beautiful greenway that winds around the town center of historic Murphy, North Carolina, along the Hiwassee and Valley Rivers. You can walk the trail on foot or enjoy an easy paddle along the canoe trails. If you begin at Konehete Park, and follow the Valley River to where it meets the Hiwassee River, you will pass through hardwood forests, wetlands, open meadows and around a rock cliff.

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

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18 F O N TA N A L A K E

FONTANA LAKE

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F O N TA N A L A K E

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MAP

F O N TA N A L A K E

SEVIER COUNTY

Fontana Dam and Lake u

u

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At 480 feet, Fontana Dam on the Little Tennessee River is the highest in the TVA system. It’s more than 100 feet higher than Watauga Dam, the second highest at 332 feet. Fontana Reservoir has 238 miles of shoreline and 10,290 acres of surface water at full pool. Fontana is the deepest reservoir in the TVA system. Its winter drawdown to catch and hold the spring rains is generally around 50 feet.

TENNESSEE

NORTH CAROLINA

SWAIN COUNTY

FONTANA DAM

MACON COUNTY GRAHAM COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

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18 F O N TA N A L A K E 94

Fontana Lake Get Out and Explore u

Over the years TVA has transferred more than 55,000 acres of land surrounding Fontana to other agencies for public use, including 10,400 acres that are now part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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Tsali Recreation Area is on a large peninsula surrounded by Fontana Reservoir in the Nantahala National Forest. It has over 40 miles of trails for horseback riding and mountain biking. Hiking, camping, hunting, swimming and fishing are also favorite activities.

Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)

Red Trillium (Trillium erectum)


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Featured Trail

F O N TA N A L A K E

Fontana Lake

The Appalachian Trail DISTANCE: 2,180 MILES · DIFFICULTY: VARIES WITH TERRAIN

The Appalachian Trail (AT), which extends over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, crosses the top of Fontana Dam. Trail hikers have named the nearby trail shelter the “Fontana Hilton” because it offers hot showers. One mile of the AT crosses the dam and surrounding lands, and there are 3.28 miles of additional trails. The AT has been designated a World-Class Recreation Area and a National Scenic Trail.

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18 F O N TA N A L A K E

Fontana Lake History and Lore u

Fontana Dam was built during World War II to provide power to Alcoa, which made aluminum for war planes, and to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which needed large amounts of power for uranium enrichment to build the atomic bomb.

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Fontana was named after a nearby lumber-company town called Fontana. One story on how it was named is that the wife of a mining engineer living in the community made it up to express the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

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In the woods below the dam, there are depressions in the hillside where bunkers were built to store dynamite during the construction of the dam.

The Reel Thing u

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TVA has recorded 22 different species of fish from Fontana Lake, which provides plenty of forage and habitat to support a substantial walleye and smallmouth bass population.


19 TELLICO LAKE

TELLICO LAKE

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TELLICO LAKE

99


19

MAP KNOX COUNTY

TELLICO LAKE

Tellico Dam and Lake u

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Tellico Dam on the Little Tennessee River is the most recent dam built by TVA, completed in 1979. The lake has 357 miles of shoreline and 15,600 acres of surface water at full pool.

ROANE COUNTY

TELLICO DAM

BLOUNT COUNTY LOUDON COUNTY

MONROE COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

101


19 TELLICO LAKE 100

Tellico Lake Recreation at Tellico u

The East Lakeshore Trail on Tellico is the longest National Recreation Trail on TVA-managed land, with over 30 miles of maintained trails. The hiking-only trail was constructed and is maintained in large part by volunteers from the Watershed Association of Tellico Reservoir (WATeR). Amenities include nine parking lots, kiosks and restroom facilities at Wildcat Point. Maps are available at www.tellicowater.org.

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The Tellico Blueway is an easygoing float trip that starts at the Big Creek ramp on Fairview Road in Madisonville, Tennessee, and goes about 11 miles to the Ballplay ramp on Highway 360 in Vonore. The trip is mostly flat water but there is some current in winter when the reservoir is at its lowest level. Primitive campsites are located on Cagle Branch.

Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)


19 TELLICO LAKE

Tellico Lake

Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida)

Featured Trail

Trailhead 4.5-Mile Trail

Hall Bend Habitat Protection Area Trail DISTANCE: 5 MILES ¡ DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

The 30-acre Hall Bend Trail and Habitat Protection Area is located on the Tellico Dam Reservation. It has scenic lake views, tree identification signs, benches, bank fishing opportunities and a good chance of spotting waterfowl such as loons and grebes. There are different, easy to strenuous, options for loop hiking up to about 5 miles. Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)

102


19 TELLICO LAKE

Tellico Lake History and Lore u

Overlooking Tellico Lake is a reconstruction of Fort Loudoun, which was built by the British in 1756-57 during the French and Indian War. Remains of the Tellico Blockhouse can be seen across the lake from the fort.

u

The Cherokee Indian Sequoyah was born in 1776 in the village of Tuskegee, on land that is now under Tellico Lake. He was best known for having created an alphabet for the Cherokee language, the only known time in recorded history that a member of a preliterate people independently created an effective writing system. The Sequoyah Museum commemorates his life and work.

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Several other memorials to the Cherokee Indians have been erected along the shores of Tellico Lake. The Chota Memorial represents the council house that once stood in the Cherokee capital, which was located nearby and is now under water. The eight pillars represent the seven clans of the Cherokee, plus one for the nation as a whole. The Tanasi Memorial overlooks the submerged site of Chota village and commemorates the origin of the name Tennessee.

The Reel Thing u

103

TVA has recorded 30 different species of fish on Tellico Lake. Many fishing tournaments launch from the Tellico canal boat ramp because of the proximity to Fort Loudoun and Tellico Lakes as well as Watts Bar Lake.


20 FORT LOUDOUN L AKE

FORT LOUDOUN LAKE

104


20

FORT LOUDOUN L AKE

105


20

MAP

FORT LOUDOUN L AKE

KNOX COUNTY

SEVIER COUNTY

FORT LOUDOUN DAM

BLOUNT COUNTY LOUDON COUNTY

Fort Loudoun Dam and Lake u

u

MONROE COUNTY

u

Fort Loudoun Dam, finished in 1943, is the first in the series of nine dams on the Tennessee River that form a 652-mile navigable channel from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Paducah, Kentucky. Fort Loudoun Lake extends upstream from the dam to where the Holston and French Broad Rivers come together to form the Tennessee River. The lake has 378 miles of shoreline and 14,000 acres of surface water at full pool.

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

107


20 FORT LOUDOUN L AKE

Fort Loudoun Lake

Fort Loudoun Lake

Get Out and Explore

History and Lore

u

The Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area, managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, has more than 600 acres available for hunting, walking, biking and birdwatching. Planting 70 acres of sunflowers in rotation has allowed it to become one of the best areas for hunting mourning doves.

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Fort Loudoun Lake takes its name from the 18th-century British fort built on a nearby site during the French and Indian War. The fort was named for John Campbell, the fourth Earl of Loudoun, commander of British forces in North America at the time.

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The University of Tennessee football stadium is one of the few college football stadiums in the United States accessible by boat. On football Saturdays the “Vol Navy,” consisting of hundreds of private boats, gets together for a giant tailgate party on the lake just below the stadium.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

The Reel Thing

106

u

Knoxville’s I.C. King Park features almost 9 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, picnic tables and a boat ramp. Additional trails will be added soon.

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Knoxville’s Ijams Nature Center is a premier wild place for hiking, biking, paddling or simply sitting and enjoying nature. It is a main trailhead to Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness South Loop trails, which include over 40 miles of multi-use trails. The center features a special children’s playscape, canoe and paddleboard rentals, a river boardwalk and more.

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Tennessee’s Seven Islands State Birding Park on the French Broad River is a 416-acre park where more than 180 species of birds have been spotted. It is also a great place to hike with 8 miles of trails, or you can bike and walk on the 1.2-mile greenway. The park is also a popular place to fish or paddle.

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TVA has recorded 60 different species of fish from Fort Loudoun Lake.

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Between 2000 and 2015, over 128,000 lake sturgeon, a native fish that was overfished in the late 1800s, have been stocked into the French Broad and Holston Rivers above Knoxville. A Tennessee state endangered species, lake sturgeon can weigh up to 300 pounds and live more than 150 years.


21 W AT T S B A R L A K E

LAKE

WATTS BAR

108


21

W AT T S B A R L A K E

109


21

MAP

W AT T S B A R L A K E

Watts Bar Dam and Lake u

u

MELTON HILL DAM

Watts Bar Dam on the Tennessee River was completed in January 1942, three weeks after Pearl Harbor, and provided urgently needed electricity for the war effort. Watts Bar Lake has 722 miles of shoreline with 37,500 acres of surface water.

MORGAN COUNTY

FORT LOUDOUN DAM

ROANE COUNTY

RHEA COUNTY LOUDON COUNTY

MEIGS COUNTY

WATTS BAR DAM

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

111


21 W AT T S B A R L A K E

Watts Bar Lake Luna Moth (Actias luna)

Get Out and Explore u

Fooshee Small Wild Area is a 182-acre tract that is attractive to birdwatchers, photographers and those who like a quiet walk in the woods. A lucky hiker might spot nesting bald eagles, as well as other migratory birds. A 3-mile out-and-back ridge trail takes visitors through a dry upland chestnut-oak forest offering good views in winter of the surrounding lake. The moderately difficult trail is adjacent to Fooshee Campground.

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Forrest City Trail was one of the first entirely accessible trails built by TVA. It is a 0.3-mile paved loop trail located at Watts Bar Dam DayUse Area. The trail is designated a National Recreation Trail.

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Tree swallows inhabit many of the 50 bird boxes placed on Long Island. This site is at the southern edge of the birds’ summer range. The swallows are colorful and entertaining to watch in flight. u

Thief Neck Island on Watts Bar Lake, accessible only by boat, is the largest TVA-managed island in the river system, with over 780 acres. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and TVA are in partnership to enhance wildlife habitat on the island. There are several established campsites on the island for rustic camping.

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) 110

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)


21

Featured Trail Trailhead

W AT T S B A R L A K E

Watts Bar Lake

Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina)

35.68827, -88.01306

3-Mile Loop

Whites Creek Small Wild Area Trail DISTANCE: 3 MILES ¡ DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

Whites Creek Small Wild Area is in a less-developed area of Watts Bar and offers great scenic beauty, with ridges, ravines, bluffs and secluded bays. Wildflowers are abundant. The moderately steep 3-mile loop trail provides hiking, bank fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as good views of the lake.

Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)

112


21 W AT T S B A R L A K E

Watts Bar Lake

History and Lore u

About a mile upstream from the mouth of Whites Creek, where the creek flows under Highway 27, a memorial stands to 28 Boy Scouts who drowned during a flash flood in 1928.

The Reel Thing

113

u

TVA has recorded 69 different species of fish on Watts Bar Lake.

u

The world record skipjack herring (4 lb., 3 oz.) was caught on Watts Bar in 2015.

u

Watts Bar has been selected to receive stockings of Floridastrain largemouth bass with hopes of growing larger trophy fish. Some 183,000 2-inch-long fingerlings were released in 2015 by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.


22 M E LT O N H I L L L A K E

LAKE

MELTON HILL

114


22

M E LT O N H I L L L A K E

115


22

MAP

M E LT O N H I L L L A K E

Melton Hill Dam and Lake u

u

Melton Hill Dam, completed in 1963, is the only dam on the tributary reservoir system with a navigation lock. It is on the Clinch River. Melton Hill Lake has 193 miles of shoreline and 5,690 acres of surface water at full pool.

ANDERSON COUNTY

KNOX COUNTY

ROANE COUNTY

MELTON HILL DAM

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

117


22 M E LT O N H I L L L A K E 116

Melton Hill Lake Get Out and Explore u

Melton Hill Dam Reservation offers seasonal camping and year-round picnic facilities. Boat ramps above and below the dam give access to Melton Hill and Watts Bar Lakes.

u

Melton Hill Dam Reservation Trail offers excellent wildflower and wildlife viewing. The trailhead is at the overlook picnic area. The easy trail is 0.75 miles one way.

u

Almost 30 miles of trails are available at Haw Ridge Park for mountain biking and hiking. The 778-acre park is on a scenic peninsula of the Clinch River between Knoxville and Oak Ridge and is connected to the Oak Ridge Greenway. The park provides trails for all skill levels as well as wildlife viewing, fishing and hunting, and it’s a great place to see wildflowers.


22 Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

Featured Trail

M E LT O N H I L L L A K E

Melton Hill Lake

Parking Trailhead 0.5-Mile Loop

36.04781, -84.20707

Worthington Cemetery Ecological Study Area Trail DISTANCE: 0.5 MILES ¡ DIFFICULTY: EASY

The Worthington Cemetery Trail runs through a historic cemetery dating from the 1800s. The easy half-mile loop trail passes by wetlands and ponds. Over 125 species of birds have been identified here, making it ideal for birdwatching. The 26-acre area is a good example of a cedar barren environment, dominated by native warm season grasses and Eastern red cedar trees.

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardi)

118


19

M E LT O N H I L L L A K E

119


22

Sustainable Recreation u

M E LT O N H I L L L A K E

Melton Hill Lake The Melton Hill Dam and Sustainable Recreation Area near Lenoir City, Tennessee, is equipped with solar panels and wind turbine installations to generate clean, renewable electricity. The recreation area has become a model for other TVA sites as well as national and local recreation areas managed by others.

History and Lore u

The U.S. Women’s Olympic Rowing Team and Swiss national team trained on Melton Hill Lake before competing in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. The first rowing regatta on Melton Hill was held in 1978, and the course has since become one of the top rowing venues in the United States and the site of several national events annually. 120


22 M E LT O N H I L L L A K E 121

Melton Hill Lake The Reel Thing u

TVA has recorded 28 different species of fish on Melton Hill Lake.

u

Muskellunge (muskies) have been stocked in Melton Hill by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and have created an outstanding fishery producing trophy fish in the 50-inch range.

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The Tennessee state record saugeye (10 lb., 12 oz.) was caught on Melton Hill in July 1998.


23 NORRIS LAKE

NORRIS LAKE

122


23

NORRIS LAKE

123


23

MAP

NORRIS LAKE

Norris Dam and Lake u

u

Norris Dam on the Clinch River was the first dam TVA built. It was named for George Norris, the Nebraska senator who, with the exception of President Franklin Roosevelt, was probably the single most influential politician behind the founding of TVA.

CLAIBORNE COUNTY

The lake has 809 miles of shoreline and 34,000 acres of surface water at full pool.

CAMPBELL COUNTY

UNION COUNTY

GRAINGER COUNTY

NORRIS DAM

ANDERSON COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

125


23

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

NORRIS LAKE

Norris Lake Get Out and Explore u

River Bluff Trail is a 3.2-mile loop trail that offers a varied hiking experience. Hiking the loop counterclockwise first leads through a section of spectacular old-growth trees on the ridge. Temperatures are quite a bit lower once the trail winds down to the river due to cold-water releases from Norris Dam. The area is noted for its glorious spring wildflower display, thanks partly to the moisture provided by the water releases. Hikers are also likely to spot great blue herons competing with local fishermen for the trout found in this section of the river.

124

u

Eagle Trail, Clear Creek Trail, Reservoir Hill Trail and Ridgecrest Trail all connect to a large trail network in the Norris watershed that features overlooks, historic structures and wildflowers.

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Old-growth hemlocks are a special feature of the 2.5-mile Hemlock Bluff Small Wild Area Trail. Designated for foot traffic only, the trail is primitive in character, giving the hiker a back-country experience. The Hemlock Bluff Trail intersects with the Loyston Loop Trail and three additional trails that provide around 10 miles of multi-use trails with smooth, gentle slopes that allow access to Norris Lake. Beginning bikers can enjoy the easy-to-moderate climbs, and more experienced bikers will appreciate the well designed and flowing character of this popular trail.

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)


23 NORRIS LAKE

Norris Lake

Great-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)

Featured Trail

36.21941, -84.08804

36.21469, -84.07607

Trailhead Fishing Berm Canoe Launch 2-Mile Loop

36.21226, -84.07375

Songbird Trail and Wildlife Observation Area DISTANCE: 2 MILES · DIFFICULTY: EASY

Norris Songbird Trail is a wide, surfaced 2-mile loop that offers a smooth walk and gentle character. It’s a family- and stroller-friendly trail that features a large number of Eastern bluebirds breeding in the area, as well as Eastern kingbirds and great-crested flycatchers. It’s also a good place to spot migrating birds in spring and fall. Ospreys and bald eagles can sometimes be seen along the river. An added bonus in summer is that temperatures are modified by the cold-water releases from Norris Dam. 126


23 NORRIS LAKE

Norris Lake History and Lore u

Newly impounded reservoirs typically decline in fish productivity. In order to maintain a healthy fish population, TVA built three 2-acre fish rearing ponds below Norris Dam. Predominately largemouth bass were raised in this hatchery and then transported to six rearing ponds around the reservoir before being released. The Songbird Trail, below the dam, winds around and on top of what remains of these ponds.

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The city of Norris was founded in the New Deal era to house the workers building Norris Dam. Designed by TVA to demonstrate new techniques of town planning and development, the city became a showcase for visitors from the United States and abroad.

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Helm’s Ferry in Union County, one of the last operating ferries in East Tennessee, still carries local residents across the lake, saving them a great deal of driving time.

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Mayfly (Ephemeroptera spp.)

The Reel Thing u

Trout fishing in the tailwater area below the dam is very popular. The 13-mile stretch of the Clinch River from Norris Dam to the Highway 61 bridge is listed in Trout Unlimited’s Guide to America’s 100 Best Trout Streams.

127

u

The state record brown trout (28 lb., 12 oz.) was caught in the Norris tailwater in 1998 and the state record muskellunge (42 lb., 8 oz.) was caught on Norris Lake in April 1998.

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Norris Lake is a fantastic smallmouth bass fishery.


24 CHEROKEE LAKE

CHEROKEE LAKE

128


24 CHEROKEE LAKE

Cherokee Lake Get Out and Explore u

The Johnson Ridge Small Wild Area Trail offers scenic views over the water and opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. White-tailed deer and turkeys are commonly seen here, and wildflowers are abundant in the spring. The easy 1.7-mile loop trail offers access to dispersed campsites and bank fishing and is suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

u

Panther Creek State Park on the shore of the lake has more than 30 miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of mountain bike trials and 7 miles of horseback riding trails.

History and Lore u

129

Breastworks Hill, as it is locally known, was a high vantage point that Union forces near Bean Station used to fire down on the Confederate Army during the Civil War’s Battle of Bean Station. The breastworks can still be seen from U.S. Highway 11W on an island created by Cherokee Lake. The battle resulted in a Union retreat and Confederate victory.


24

MAP

CHEROKEE LAKE

JOHN SEVIER DAM

HAWKINS COUNTY

HAMBLEN COUNTY

GRAINGER COUNTY

GREENE COUNTY

CHEROKEE DAM

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

Cherokee Dam and Lake u

u

Construction of Cherokee Dam on the Holston River was begun in August 1940 and completed on a crash schedule in December 1941 to meet the need for power during World War II. Cherokee Lake has 395 miles of shoreline and 29,560 acres of surface water at full pool.

131


24

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)

CHEROKEE LAKE

Cherokee Lake Featured Trail 36.165749, -83.50399

36.16507, -83.500298

Cherokee Lake The Reel Thing

Picnic Area Trailhead

36.157059, -83.511711

u

TVA has recorded 32 different species of fish from Cherokee Lake. Sport fishing for trout and smallmouth bass is popular in the Cherokee Dam tailwater area.

u

The Tennessee state record paddlefish (96 lb.) was caught in the lake in 2015.

u

Cherokee Lake was the first lake to be stocked with hybrid striped bass, or Cherokee bass (a cross between white and striped bass) by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency in the 1970s. Known for putting up a good fight and for their tasty white, flaky meat, they are now stocked all over the United States.

4.5-Mile Trail Trail Closed 08

440

80

1,760 Feet

Cherokee Cross Country Trail DISTANCE: 4.5 MILES ¡ DIFFICULTY: EASY

The Cherokee Cross Country Trail has views of the dam and lake and provides access to developed facilities at the dam reservation. The easy trail is about 4.5 miles long in two loops, and the paved section is accessible to all.

130


25 DOUGLAS LAKE

DOUGLAS LAKE

132


25

DOUGLAS LAKE

133


25

MAP GRAINGER COUNTY

DOUGLAS LAKE

GREENE COUNTY

HAMBLEN COUNTY

COCKE COUNTY

JEFFERSON COUNTY

DOUGLAS DAM

SEVIER COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

Douglas Dam and Lake u

u

Douglas Dam, on the French Broad River, was built in less than 13 months, and its construction set a world record for projects of equivalent size. The federal government needed the power to meet the energy demands of World War II. TVA used the same plans it had drawn up for Cherokee Dam in order to complete the project quickly. Douglas Lake has 513 miles of shoreline and 28,070 acres of surface water at full pool. 135


25 DOUGLAS LAKE 134

Douglas Lake Get Out and Explore u

A hacking tower, used to release young eagles that have been raised in captivity into the wild, can be seen on the Douglas shoreline across from Dandridge, Tennessee. An osprey nest can be seen on top of the Highway 92 bridge.

u

Rankin Bottoms attracts about 90 waterfowl and shorebird species that arrive in the area once the water level drops for the winter.

u

The 300-acre Henderson Island is managed by the state of Tennessee. It is a waterfowl sanctuary with a 6-acre pond that is used to raise fingerlings (young fish) to be released into the lake. This is done mainly to boost the crappie population but has also been used to increase other species.

u

Dandridge Partnership Trail is a rolling trail through mixed hardwood forest close to downtown Dandridge. It offers access to the lake for swimming, bank fishing and wildlife viewing. The trail is 1.2 miles out and back.


25 Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

Featured Trail

DOUGLAS LAKE

Douglas Lake

35.95755, -83.53738

Campground Trailhead 1-Mile Loop

Trotter Bluff Small Wild Area Trail DISTANCE: 1 MILE · DIFFICULTY: EASY

Trotter Bluff is a 400-foot cliff near Douglas Dam. Next to the Trotter Bluff Small Wild Area is a campground along with lake and tailwater access for fishing. The 1-mile loop trail is easy and offers wonderful views of the Great Smoky Mountains. It provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and enjoying wildflowers in the spring. Also nearby is a day-use area with picnic tables and a swim beach. Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) 136


25 DOUGLAS LAKE

Douglas Lake History and Lore u

The historic French Broad Baptist Church is all that remains of the Oak Grove Community, Jefferson County’s earliest settlement, now under the lake. The church is built from handmade bricks, and its stained glass was brought from Czechoslovakia in 1919.

u

The town of Dandridge is the second oldest town in the state of Tennessee, established in 1783. The center of town, which includes the Jefferson County Courthouse and several historic buildings, was saved by a presidential decree during the erection of Douglas Dam. A series of dikes was built to prevent the flooding of the town. The levee remains a prominent feature of Dandridge to this day.

The Reel Thing u

u

TVA has recorded 26 different species of fish from Douglas Lake. Crappie fishing is very popular. Fishermen report that Douglas Lake is the best structured fishing lake, allowing them to catch bass year round.

Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)

137


26 N O LI C H U C K Y DA M A N D DAV Y C RO C K E T T L A K E

NOLICHUCKY DAM AND DAVY CROCKETT LAKE

138


26 N O LI C H U C K Y DA M A N D DAV Y C RO C K E T T L A K E

Davy Crockett Lake Nolichucky Dam and Davy Crockett Lake u

Davy Crockett Lake, sometimes called Nolichucky Lake, is on the Nolichucky River. The lake has 26 miles of shoreline and 380 acres of surface water.

Get Out and Explore u

The lake is a wildlife management area. A boat ramp below the dam provides access for fishing along the banks or on the river. Boat access and camping are available at nearby Kinser Park.

History and Lore u

The reservoir is named for the famous frontiersman, who was born nearby.

The Reel Thing u

The Nolichucky River below the dam is one of the best areas in East Tennessee for catching smallmouth bass.

GREENE COUNTY

Launching Ramp Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Campground Trail 139

NOLICHUCKY DAM

N


27 F O R T PAT R I C K H E N R Y L A K E

FORT PATRICK HENRY LAKE

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)

140


27 F O R T PAT R I C K H E N R Y L A K E 141

Fort Patrick Henry Lake Get Out and Explore u

Warriors’ Path State Park on the shore of the lake is the only Tennessee state park with a Boundless Playground, where children of all physical and mental abilities can play together. The park has almost 12 miles of mountain bike trails, a Braille Trail that tells the story of Aslan of the Chronicles of Narnia, a fully accessible treehouse and an award-winning nature education program.

u

Almost 2 miles of Warrior’s Path State Park’s mountain bike trail system is located on TVA property. The trail was constructed and is maintained by SORBA (the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association) under a cooperative agreement with TVA. The trail is considered intermediate in difficulty. It is a loop trail accessible from the Warriors’ Path State Park mountain bike parking area. The trail includes beautiful views of Fort Patrick Henry Lake, a small waterfall and remnants of the historic Shipley Ferry Road.


27

MAP

F O R T PAT R I C K H E N R Y L A K E

FORT PATRICK HENRY DAM

SULLIVAN COUNT Y

BOONE DAM

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N

Fort Patrick Henry Lake u

u

Fort Patrick Henry Dam on the South Fork Holston River is a hydropower dam completed in 1953. Fort Patrick Henry Lake has 31 miles of shoreline and 840 acres of surface water. 142


27 F O R T PAT R I C K H E N R Y L A K E

Fort Patrick Henry Lake History and Lore u

Fort Patrick Henry is named after the colonial fort, also known as Long Island Station, that was established nearby at the site of present-day Kingsport, Tennessee.

The Reel Thing

143

u

Fort Patrick Henry is stocked annually with rainbow trout. The cool water and good levels of dissolved oxygen create an ideal habitat.

u

The Tennessee state record rainbow trout (16 lb., 15 oz.) was caught in the lake in 2002.

u

Besides rainbow trout, the lake is also a popular site for catching bluegill, bass and crappie.

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)


28 BOONE LAKE

BOONE LAKE

144


28 BOONE LAKE

Boone Lake Get Out and Explore u

The shoreline at Austin Springs, Tennessee, is a popular birding area and is included on Tennessee’s Wildlife Viewing Trail. Wild turkeys are often seen in fields. Otters are frequently seen in the river.

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

History and Lore

145

u

A monument to William Bean at Boone Lake documents the first permanent European-American settlers in Tennessee.

u

Before statehood, Tennessee was known as the Southwest Territory. Its capital, Rocky Mount, is now the location of a living history museum on the Watauga River arm of Boone Lake, near Piney Flats, Tennessee.

u

Legend holds that Daniel Boone escaped pursuing Native Americans by hiding under a waterfall located on Boones Creek, a tributary of the Watauga River.

u

The Overmountain Victory Trail crosses the South Fork Holston River in Bluff City, Tennessee. The trail commemorates the path taken by revolutionary patriots who trekked 330 miles from Abingdon, Virginia, to Kings Mountain, South Carolina. The defeat of the British Army at Kings Mountain in 1780 is considered to be the beginning of the end of the Revolutionary War.


28

MAP

BOONE LAKE

VIRGINIA

TENNESSEE

Boone Lake u

Boone Lake has 127 miles of shoreline and 4,130 acres of surface water. It is located at the confluence of the South Fork Holston and Watauga Rivers.

SULLIVAN COUNT Y

BOONE DAM

CARTER COUNTY

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

N 146


28 BOONE LAKE

Boone Lake The Reel Thing

147

u

TVA has recorded 26 different species of fish from Boone Lake. They include crappie, white bass, spotted bass, large- and smallmouth bass, and black bass.

u

The Boone tailwater area is a popular location to fish for trout.

u

The Tennessee state record quillback carpsucker (5 lb., 8 oz.) was caught in the lake in 2012.


29 W ATA U G A A N D W I L B U R L A K E S

LAKES

WATAUGA AND WILBUR

148


29 W ATA U G A A N D W I L B U R L A K E S

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)

149


29

MAP SULLIVAN COUNT Y

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

Wilbur Dam and Lake u

u

Wilbur Dam, on the Watauga River, is one of the oldest operating dams in the TVA system, built in 1912. The Watauga Power Company built Wilbur to provide power for nearby Elizabethton, Tennessee. TVA acquired the dam from the East Tennessee Light and Power Company in 1945.

JOHNSON COUNTY

N

W ATA U G A A N D W I L B U R L A K E S

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Wilbur Lake has 5 miles of shoreline and 70 acres of surface water at full pool.

CARTER COUNTY

WILBUR DAM

WATAUGA DAM

Watauga Dam and Lake u

u

u

Watauga Dam on the Watauga River is 332 feet high, second only to Fontana Dam in the TVA system. Watauga Lake has the highest elevation of any lake in the TVA system, 1,959 feet at summer pool. It’s considered one of the most scenic lakes in the region. The lake has 105 miles of shoreline and 6,440 acres of surface water at full pool. 151


29 W ATA U G A A N D W I L B U R L A K E S

Watauga Lake

Watauga Lake

Get Out and Explore

History and Lore

u

Of the 66,563 acres of land in Tennessee congressionally designated as wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964, 13,308 acres are located steps from the shores of Watauga Lake. Pond Mountain Wilderness (6,943 acres to the south) and Big Laurel Branch Wilderness (6,365 acres to the north) are available for low-impact recreation, crisscrossed by numerous streams and managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

u

Butler, Tennessee, was one of several towns inundated by a TVA lake, which occurred in 1948 when Watauga Dam was built. Homes and businesses were relocated, and the original town, now called Old Butler, became known as “the town that wouldn’t drown.” In 1983, a drawdown of the lake exposed the remains of Old Butler for a brief time, allowing former residents to visit the site.

u

Watauga is a Native American word with several possible meanings: “beautiful waters,” “river of plenty,” “falling water,” “whispering waters” and “broken waters.”

The Reel Thing u

Carolina Pink (Silene caroliniana)

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The Watauga River Bluffs Natural Area is a 50-acre state preserve in Carter County, Tennessee, managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). The natural area features the largest known tract of the Carolina pink, a state-listed flower. Access to the area was improved in 2015 with the construction of a 2-mile trail to the Watauga River and a trailhead parking area. The project was accomplished through a partnership of TDEC, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Trout Unlimited and TVA.

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One and a half miles of the Appalachian Trail crosses Watauga Dam and surrounding dam reservation.

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The Watauga River above the lake is a favorite spot for kayakers, with rapids named Bump and Grind, Knuckles, Boof Falls and Snake Pit.

Watauga is a popular place to catch rainbow and lake trout, walleye and smallmouth bass. The best place for lake trout fishing is between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge.


29 W ATA U G A A N D W I L B U R L A K E S

Watauga Lake Featured Trail

Overlook Picnic Area Trailhead Appalachian Trail 0.4-Mile Top of Dam Trail 0.5-Mile Overlook Trail 36.32, -82.11877

Overlook Trail DISTANCE: 0.5 MILES ¡ DIFFICULTY: EASY

The Overlook Trail is an easy 0.5-mile loop trail with two short spurs. The first spur is located at the trailhead in the parking lot and leads down to the shoreline where you will find picnic tables and access for bank fishing. If you continue straight on the main trail for approximately 0.2 mile, you will arrive at the second spur, which leads to the overlook. The overlook is the highlight of the trail and offers excellent views of the top of Watauga Dam and the morning glory spillway. The spillway design gets its name from its unique shape, which resembles the morning glory flower. Continuing on the main trail, you will ascend to the top of the ridge and begin to turn back toward the parking area. Along the way, you will see a trail turning left. This is the Top of Dam Trail that leads to the Appalachian Trail, which crosses over the top of Watauga Dam. 152


29 W ATA U G A A N D W I L B U R L A K E S

Wilbur Lake

Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)

Get Out and Explore u

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The Cherokee National Forest surrounds both Wilbur and the adjacent Watauga Lake, which are known for their scenic beauty and the cool breezes that flow down the river gorge. Fishing and picnicking are popular at Wilbur.

Beaver (Castor canadensis)

Wilbur Lake is included on the Tennessee Wildlife Viewing Trail because each winter it is full of waterfowl. Bufflehead, grebe and goldeneye ducks are commonly seen. In the spring, migrating birds such as warblers, thrushes and vireos can also be seen. Beaver are common here, too. u

For a relaxing float down a lazy river, put in below Wilbur Dam and travel the five miles to Elizabethton, Tennessee. During water releases from Wilbur Dam, the area becomes popular for whitewater rafting. Check water release schedules before going on the water.

History and Lore u

In Elizabethton, Wilbur Lake is often affectionately called “little Wilbur.” Many people in the area look forward to “lake season,” the time from Memorial Day to Labor Day when TVA lakes are usually full and ready for summer fun.

The Reel Thing u

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Wilbur is mainly noted for trout fishing, especially below the dam, but it does have other species. However, because the water remains cool year round, growth rates are slower for warm-water fish like bass.


30 SOUTH HOLSTON L AKE

SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE

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SOUTH HOLSTON L AKE

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MAP

SOUTH HOLSTON L AKE

WASHINGTON COUNTY

South Holston Dam and Lake u

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South Holston Dam on the South Fork Holston River is a large earthen dam 285 feet high and 1,600 feet long. South Holston Lake has 182 miles of shoreline and 7,600 acres of surface water at full pool.

VIRGINIA

TENNESSEE

SULLIVAN COUNT Y JOHNSON COUNTY

SOUTH HOLSTON DAM

Launching Ramp Fishing Pier/Berm Canoe/Kayak Access Visitor Center Marina

Campground Trail Dam Reservation Park Undeveloped TVA Land

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30 SOUTH HOLSTON L AKE

South Holston Lake

Common Loon (Gavia immer)

Get Out and Explore

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South Holston Lake is popular for scuba diving because of its depth and clarity. Scuba diver Jerry Hall earned a place in the Guinness World Records for a lake dive in 2013 that was the longest freshwater scuba dive ever, lasting 145 hours, 21 minutes and 23 seconds.

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The Cherokee National Forest surrounds about 60 percent of the lake’s shoreline.

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The Spring Creek embayment on South Holston Lake is one of the best-known sites in East Tennessee for observing waterfowl.


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Featured Trail Trailhead

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

SOUTH HOLSTON L AKE

South Holston Lake

1.8-Mile Trail

36.52402, -82.10983

Osceola Island Loop Trail DISTANCE: 1.8 MILES DIFFICULTY: EASY

There are various trails located in close proximity to South Holston Dam. The Osceola Island Loop Trail, a 1.8-mile loop trial around Osceola Island, and the Emmett (1.5 miles) and Tailwater (1.0 mile) trails located on the west and east side of the South Fork Holston River, provide excellent opportunities to view wildlife, access stream fishing and view the weir. These trails can be combined for those desiring a trail run or longer walk. 158


30 SOUTH HOLSTON L AKE 159

South Holston Lake The Reel Thing u

In 1991, TVA built a labyrinth weir below the dam in order to reoxygenate the water when the hydropower plant is not generating. Adding oxygen to the water greatly improves aquatic habitat.

Brown trout (Salmo trutta)

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The South Holston tailwater trout fishery is a 13-mile stretch of the river below the dam that is a World-Class Recreation Area and is listed in Trout Unlimited’s Guide to America’s 100 Best Trout Streams. It has both walk-in and boat access.

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South Fork Holston River and the entire Tennessee River system is home to an annual spring migration of white bass. Locals say that when the serviceberry and dogwood bloom, the white bass run.

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The Tennessee state record for Northern pike (24 lb., 8 oz.) was caught on South Holston Lake in 1995.


31 B E AV E R C R E E K DA M A N D C LE A R C R E E K L A K E

BEAVER CREEK DAM AND CLEAR CREEK

LAKE

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31 B E AV E R C R E E K DA M A N D C LE A R C R E E K L A K E

Beaver Creek Dam and Clear Creek Lake Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Dams and Lake u

Beaver Creek Dam in southwest Virginia was built in the 1960s to provide flood protection and recreation for the Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia, area. Beaver Creek is a flood detention dam with no permanent reservoir pool.

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Clear Creek Lake has 2 miles of shoreline and flows into Beaver Creek at Bristol, Virginia.

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Sugar Hollow Park, managed by the city of Bristol, Virginia, offers walking trails that ramble across the dam, creek and wetlands. The park includes soccer and softball fields, a disc golf course and areas for picnicking and camping.

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Clear Creek Lake features a public golf course that unfolds around the scenic lake. The fishing at the lake is accessible via the golf course fairway pier.

CLEAR CREEK DAM

BEAVER CREEK DAM

VIRGINIA

TENNESSEE 161

Fishing Pier/Berm Campground Trail Dam Reservation

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T VA’ S M A N Y R O L E S I N T H E VA L L E Y

THE VALLEY

TVA’S MANY ROLES IN

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T VA’ S M A N Y R O L E S I N T H E VA L L E Y

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Natural Area Management TVA’s 157 Natural Areas are classified as habitat protection areas, ecological study areas, wildlife observation areas or small wild areas. They are managed to restrict activities that might alter or destroy significant natural elements such as plants and wildlife. However, because of the wide range of habitat types, seasonal uses and management needs, decisions about activities and development are made separately for each site. These areas generally require a large enough buffer zone around them to protect sensitive key elements from activities that might occur nearby.

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T VA’ S M A N Y R O L E S I N T H E VA L L E Y

Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis)

Habitat Protection TVA maintains more than 114 habitat protection areas throughout the Valley. More of them are found on Melton Hill Lake than on any other TVA reservoir. They are set up to protect species that have been identified as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or that are rare in the state in which they occur. Unusual or outstanding biological communities or unique geological features also receive protection by being placed in this category. Currently, there are 95 plant species listed as threatened or endangered by federal or state agencies that are being protected on TVA lands. TVA maintains six ecological study areas, which are sites well-suited for environmental research or education. They typically contain plant or animal populations of scientific interest and are located near an educational institution that will utilize and manage the area. Because of the wide variety of techniques used in ecological research, all land use decisions are specific to each site.

Gadwall (Anas strepera) 165

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T VA’ S M A N Y R O L E S I N T H E VA L L E Y

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Wildlife Observation TVA maintains six wildlife observation areas, sites that have concentrations of viewable wildlife such as shorebirds, songbirds and waterfowl. These areas may be drawdown zones in reservoirs (shoreline areas that are exposed in winter when lake levels are lowered), dam reservations, wetlands or bluffs. Public access to these sites is a requirement for designation. TVA manages 31 small wild areas across the Valley, locations on TVA lands with exceptional natural or scenic qualities that can also support low-impact types of outdoor recreation. Hiking trails, informational signs, parking areas and back-country campsites are some of the enhancements made to these areas to encourage public use. There are many birdwatching opportunities on TVA lands and reservoirs, and several of these locations are highlighted along state birding trails in Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia. For a complete listing, visit these state websites: www.tnbirdingtrail.org; www.northalabamabirdingtrail.com; ncbirdingtrial.org; www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt.

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Green Darner Dragonfly (Anax junius) Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

TVA monitors conditions in Valley streams, rivers and reservoirs to support a broad range of water resource programs that aim to protect and improve water quality and aquatic biodiversity. The more we know about the health of our reservoirs, rivers and streams, the better we can protect them. TVA biologists inspect fish and aquatic insects, process water chemistry parameters and consider water and shoreline habitat before determining health of a system.

T VA’ S M A N Y R O L E S I N T H E VA L L E Y

T VA’ S M A N Y R O L E S I N T H E VA L L E Y

Wildlife and Plant Management

Oxygen injection systems are installed at many TVA dams to improve the habitat for fish and other forms of aquatic life in the tailwater below the dams. Several types of systems are used, including aerating weirs, bubblers, surface water pumps and turbine venting. These systems convert the low-oxygen water that is pulled from the bottom of the reservoir and released through the dam into oxygen-rich water that is necessary for many types of aquatic life. Some non-native plant species, especially when their growth remains unchecked, can quickly become a nuisance. All federal agencies have a responsibility to only plant native species and to remove non-native plants. TVA works to re-establish native plant communities along bodies of water and in our forests by targeting areas of concern, creating management plans and implementing those plans. Maintaining plant diversity is important to the wildlife of the Valley – all living organisms are dependent on other species.

North American Beaver (Castor canadensis)

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TVA manages many caves throughout the Tennessee River Valley that are known to harbor sensitive species (bats, cave fish, salamanders, invertebrates) and archaeological resources. TVA has constructed gates in front of some of our more important caves with sensitive resources in an effort to keep humans out and let animal populations recover or prevent the looting of cultural resources. Until further notice, the public is asked not to enter TVA managed caves in the hopes that less human disturbance will allow bat populations to recover.

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TVA manages over 11,500 archaeological sites that document human occupation in the Tennessee Valley over 12,000 years. These sites are protected by the Archaeological Resource Protection Act and other laws, and it is illegal to excavate or remove items from them.

T VA’ S M A N Y R O L E S I N T H E VA L L E Y

T VA’ S M A N Y R O L E S I N T H E VA L L E Y

History and Archaeology

TVA consults with 18 federally recognized Native American tribes about the management and protection of Valley sites in which the tribes have a cultural and historical interest. An estimated 15,000 families were relocated across seven states in TVA’s service area to create the reservoirs, as man-made lakes are called. In addition, more than 30,000 graves were either moved or left in place according to each family’s wishes.

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There are more than 290,000 acres open for recreation to anyone who wants to use them. Since there are lots of people that use these lands in many ways it is best to know the rules before leaving home. Rules for using developed and undeveloped TVA public lands can be found on our website: www.tva.com/recreation.

T VA’ S M A N Y R O L E S I N T H E VA L L E Y

T VA’ S M A N Y R O L E S I N T H E VA L L E Y

Recreation

Developed Recreation Nearly all of the TVA dam reservations have a day-use area available free for use by the public. Day-use areas typically have picnic tables, grills, fishing piers/berms and boat launches; swimming beaches, trails, and playgrounds are available in some areas. Five of the dam reservations have fee campgrounds and include tent sites and universally accessible sites. The chart on pages 2 and 3 show you what is available. Mountain bikers are now able to enjoy a variety of trails across the Valley with the largest concentration of trails being at Raccoon Mountain near Chattanooga. Many of our trails are shared with hikers so be on the lookout. Some trails should not be ridden until they dry out. Many run along lake shorelines where a quick dip can cool you off after a strenuous ride. Staying on the trial will ensure these public lands are around for many years.

Undeveloped Recreation Because the meadows and woods are used by bird watchers, hikers, campers and others, hunters need to follow the rules and regulations. Hunt in season, stay away from developed areas, practice Leave No Trace and keep in mind that others may be out there with you enjoying the outdoors for other purposes. During hunting seasons, everyone needs to wear orange. The Undeveloped Recreation Map found at www.tva.com/recreation will clearly show where the TVA public lands are and if hunting is allowed.

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Recreation Partnerships TVA has taken steps to make its lands and waters available to many as part of our mission of service. Often, TVA partners with others to create opportunities for recreation across the Tennessee Valley. As we create new opportunities or upgrade existing amenities we make them universally accessible so that everyone will feel welcome. TVA recognizes campgrounds across the Valley that are willing to promote environmentally friendly campground management and camping practices. For more information about the Tennessee Valley Camp-Right Campground program, go to www.tva.com/campright. TVA manages the Tennessee Valley Clean Marina program to certify marinas that take steps to protect the aquatic environment they depend on to operate. The certification is available to any Valley marina that is willing to participate and meets the minimum requirements. For a list of certified marinas, go to www.tva.com/cleanmarinas.

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Enjoy and Protect Our Public Lands • • • • • •

Respect other visitors, wildlife and plants Remove all litter before leaving Obey state and federal laws while hunting, fishing or boating Follow all safety regulations No motorized vehicles are allowed on TVA property except on maintained roads Collecting plants or other natural or historic items is prohibited

Contacts • • • •

Emergencies: 911 Questions: 1-800-TVA-LAND Report a violation: 1-800-839-0003 For more on recreational opportunities, or to sign up for our River Neighbors newsletter, go to www.tva.com/recreation

www.tva.com

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