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For fishing, hit the water in winter and spring.
To boat or swim, visit during warmer weather in spring and summer.
Radnor Lake State Park is a natural getaway from Nashville’s busy social scene.Credit:Malcolm MacGregor/Getty
Here are the best lakes in Tennessee for your next outing.
This 33,840-acre lake has 809 miles of shoreline, which includes many hiking trails.
The lake is known for being the cleanest and most clear lake in the state.
Credit:Tennessee Toursism
Douglas Dam forms this popular reservoir on the French Broad River.
The lakes 513 miles of shoreline are ideal for birdwatchers.
The lake is also a popular fishing spot, especially for largemouth bass and crappie.
Credit:Tennessee Tourism
you’re free to rent a pontoon for the day fromMountain Cove Marina.
It was formed by strong earthquakes in 1811 and 1812.
It covers around 15,000 acres, with a maximum depth of 18 feet.
Credit:Dawn Quarles
The park also offers deep swamp canoe trips and pontoon boat tours at different times of the year.
The reservoir is 10,370 acres with 179 miles of shoreline, just downstream fromdowntown Chattanooga.
It holds the world record for the largest freshwater drum, caught in 1972 by Benny Hull.
Credit:Eileen McCartney
Visitors will find boat ramps and fishing berms on both sides of the river below the dam.
The lake is home to the partially flooded Nickajack Cave.
Plan to stay a while and book a floating cabin on the lake atHales Bar Marina & Resort.
Credit:Robert C Nunnington/Getty
Chilhowee Lakes dam and powerhouse are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Its a great spot for some quieter paddling, fishing, or camping in the mountains.
Its 345-acre lake is home to state record catches for channel catfish and bluegill.
Credit: Hales Bar Marina & Resort
Park visitors can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes from April through October.
Aluminum jon boats can be rented year-round, but you oughta bring your own trolling motor and battery.
There are also seasonal guided pontoon boat tours.
Credit:Courtesy of Tennessee State Parks
In addition to thiskid-friendly excursion, families can enjoy the 3,750-acre nature preserves planetarium and animal habitats.
This lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming on a long summer day.
The area has a temperate climate, giving the lake a long recreation season.
Credit:Nicola Patterson/Getty
Three state parks fall along the reservoirs shoreline: Edgar Evins, Burgess Falls, and Rock Island.
Over half the lakes shoreline borders Cherokee National Forest, providing stunning views of theBlue Ridge Mountains.
Fishing is a top activity on the lake, especially for smallmouth bass.
Credit:Tennessee Tourism
The parks Lake Trail is also accessible to people with all-terrain wheelchairs.
wataugalaketennessee.com,Johnson and Carter counties
Credit:Tennessee Tourism
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Credit:Tennessee Tourism
Credit: Courtesy of the Carter County Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce
