Norris Lake is well-known for its opportunities for fishing, swimming, water skiing, and boating. Numerous marinas nestled between the East Tennessee ridges and the shoreline provide accommodations and the amenities needed for any water recreation. Fishing follows seasonal patterns and the deep waters of Norris produces excellent catches of rock fish, bass, walleye, and crappie. Boat launching is available at the local marinas and at public launching ramps provided by TVA.
Norris Lake
Haven’t you always wondered … Why Norris? Here’s a few facts you might not be aware of regarding fantastic Norris Lake:
- There are over 800 miles or Norris Lake shoreline making it the largest lake in eastern tennessee.
- Elevation of 2100 feet above the Cumberland Plateau
- There are over 400 miles of Royal Blue ATV trails
- Over 1200 available lodging accommodations spanning from RV parks, lakefront cabin and condo rentals to hotel rooms.
Norris Dam was the first dam constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Construction began in 1933, providing the largest flood control storage of any TVA dam. The gates were closed in 1936 and the Norris Reservoir, fed by the Clinch and Powell Rivers, was completely filled in early 1937. With a total of eight hundred (800) miles of shoreline, the maximum width of the lake is 1.2 miles with a surface area of thirty four thousand two hundred (34,200) acres. The watershed area for the lake covers approximately three thousand (3,000) square miles.
Campbell County in the heart of the Norris Highlands is Tennessee’s top outdoor vacation destination! A sparkling lake and a gorgeous Marina for water skiing, and fishing, tubing and whatever your heart desires! We have unspoiled shorelines, historic state parks, abundant wildlife, secluded ATV trails and views of the Cumberland Mountains make Twin Cove Resort and Marina the ideal adventure getaway and is only minutes from Knoxville off I-75.
Area Activities
Royal Blue WMA is your destination for off-road adventure! ATV’s, motorcycles, mountain bikes and off-road vehicles can freely traverse 600+ miles of former logging roads in this multi-use area featuring a maze of rugged trails that spans rolling terrain across woodlands and rocks. Single and dual-track trails give off-road enthusiasts the rare chance to glimpse breathtaking scenery as they watch nature rebuild itself. Royal Blue WMA is open year-round to the public. Note: User fees are required for use of off-highway vehicles. Fees can be paid at any location that sells hunting/fishing licenses. Visitors to the area are randomly checked and fines may result in noncompliance.
Observe Tennessee’s thriving Elk population at the Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower built by the area conservation volunteers a few miles north of Lafollette (minutes away from the marina) and overlooking 40+ acres of wildlife food plots specifically planted for the elk. Note: Visitors are reminded to remain quiet while observing the Elk to avoid startling the animals and you must wear daylight
There is a great state park from Twin Cove Resort and Marina: Cove Lake State Park … Minutes away!
The 667 acre Cove Lake State Recreational Area and its nearby sister parks, Big Ridge and Norris, Were established in the 1930’s as recreational demonstration areas by the Tennessee Valley Authority, The National Park Service and Civilian Conservation Corps. This park was established on the shores Of Cove Lake, an arm of Norris Lake created by an auxiliary dam at Caryville, Tennessee. The Federal Government deeded it to the State of Tennessee in 1950. Cove Lake is situated in a picturesque Valley surrounded by the towering Cumberland Mountains, and it is the winter home for some four hundred (400) Canada geese.
The Cove Lake visitor is served by ninety-seven (97) campsites. All sites are equipped with water and electrical hookups, and most with grills and tables. A dump station is available, as are modern bathhouses containing hot showers, commodes and lavatories. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations are accepted and stay limit is two (2) weeks.
Picnics in the Park
There are one hundred twelve (112) picnic tables and grills to serve the Cove Lake day users.
Surrounded by the Cumberland Mountains this 667-acre site is the winter home for Canadian geese from late Fall to early Spring, and Duck Island contains the visible remains of a Native American Mound. 97 campsites feature water and electrical hook-ups plus an RV dump station and modern bathhouses with hot showers, commodes and lavatories. In summer, an Olympic sized swimming pool, splash pool, bathhouse and concession stand, and 112 picnic tables and grills are available. Cove Lake Restaurant is open year-round with a 115-person capacity ideal for groups, meetings and families.