If you think lakes are just for fishing and floating, Tennessee’s about to blow your mind.
This state is packed with lakes that look straight out of a postcard.
Some come with epic mountain views, some with secret coves, and some with underwater towns (yep, really).
We’re talking crystal-clear water, hidden waterfalls, quiet hiking trails, and even floating restaurants you can rock up to in your flip-flops.
Ready to find your new favorite summer hangout?
Here are 10 Tennessee lakes too beautiful to ignore.
1. Dale Hollow Lake
Dale Hollow Lake sits on the Tennessee-Kentucky border near the town of Byrdstown and is famous for its super clear water and massive smallmouth bass.
The bass here are record-breaking massive (11 pounds, 15 ounces!).
This 27,700-acre lake has over 600 miles of shoreline, tons of quiet coves for kayaking, and even floating cabins you can sleep in overnight.
If you’re into scuba diving, this lake’s got sunken structures from an old town underwater, yep, you’ll find whole buildings just chilling on the lake bottom!
2. Old Hickory Lake
Next up is Old Hickory Lake, just a 35-minute drive from Nashville, where you can head out on a boat and eat backyard BBQ, all in one day.
This 22,500-acre lake stretches through several towns like Hendersonville and Gallatin, and it’s packed with marinas, fishing docks, and sandy swim spots like Lock 3 Recreation Area.
It’s also a hotspot for wakeboarding and jet skiing, with plenty of open water and coves that make it ideal for high-speed fun.
3. Norris Lake
Now let’s talk about Norris Lake, a total stunner located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Knoxville.
This massive lake has 800 miles of shoreline, over 20 marinas, and crazy clear water that’s perfect for swimming, boating, or just floating with a cold drink.
What makes it extra cool?
It winds through the mountains like a giant watery maze, with hidden coves, cliff-jumping spots, and even a few lakefront campgrounds where you can fall asleep to the sound of frogs and boat motors.
4. Watauga Lake
Watauga Lake is the kind of place you go when you want total peace, mountain views, and water so calm it looks like glass.
It’s a 45-minute drive from the town of Elizabethton, surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, with over 6,400 acres of deep blue water and fewer crowds.
You can paddle right up to the forest edge, hike the Appalachian Trail nearby, or just kick back at Rat Branch Boat Launch with a picnic and the prettiest lake views around.
5. Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake is absolutely stunning with steep wooded bluffs, hidden waterfalls, and coves that feel like your own secret hangout.
It’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Nashville, with over 18,000 acres of water and popular spots like Edgar Evins State Park and the jaw-dropping 136-foot Burgess Falls.
If you’re into boating or enjoy sunset paddleboarding, this lake’s got your name written all over it.
6. Tellico Lake
Tellico Lake is where mountain views meet smooth sailing—literally—with the Smokies rising in the distance and sailboats gliding across the water.
This 15,000-acre lake is a favorite for kayaking, fishing, and cruising the scenic Tellico Blueway, a mapped water trail with wildlife galore.
You’ll find quiet coves, lakeside golf courses, and even a dockside restaurant called Dockside Grill at Tellico Marina where you can grab a snack without leaving your boat.
7. Douglas Lake
Douglas Lake is the spot for big bass, bigger skies, and epic views of the Smoky Mountains while you reel in your catch.
It’s located less than an hour from Pigeon Forge, with over 30,000 acres of water that’s super popular for fishing tournaments, tubing, and lakeside cabin getaways.
With over 500 miles of shoreline and boat ramps everywhere, it’s the kind of place where you can launch in the morning and still be discovering new coves by sunset.
8. Cherokee Lake
Next up, Cherokee Lake is where wide open water meets rolling hills and some of the best fishing in East Tennessee.
It’s got 400 miles of shoreline, 28,780 acres of space to play, and a reputation for reeling in striped bass and crappie like a champ.
Whether you’re launching from Panther Creek State Park or watching herons glide over the water, this lake totally delivers those laid-back, lake-day vibes.
9. Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake feels like stepping into a nature documentary and comes complete with bald cypress trees and flocks of bald eagles.
This 15,000-acre lake was actually formed by a series of earthquakes in the early 1800s, and it’s super shallow, which makes it perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, and spotting turtles sunbathing on logs.
You won’t find big-speed boating here, but if you’re into swampy, slow-moving water with tons of wildlife, Reelfoot feels unlike any other lake in the state.
10. Tims Ford Lake
Tims Ford Lake is the go-to spot for crystal-clear water, winding shoreline, and low-key lake days near Winchester.
This 10,700-acre lake is known for its calm water, perfect for wakeboarding or just cruising around with snacks and no schedule.
Tims Ford State Park sits right on the lake and has everything from hiking trails to a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, plus a marina where you can rent pontoons and float the day away.
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