The five counties surrounding Norris Lake include Anderson County, Campbell County,
Claiborne County, Grainger County, and Union County.
There are numerous marinas surrounding Norris Lake that offer party boat, jet ski,
pontoon, and fishing boat rentals. The many campgrounds and other lodging in the
area provide beautiful mountain views along with lake scenery for those perfect
peaceful getaways, or for that adventurous fun-filled time you are looking for.
Take a boat down the lake, see the scenery around you and imagine a time long past,
when the American Indians still roamed the mountains. As you ride the beautiful clear
lake water, dream about the days of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. Find yourself a
peaceful, private camp spot along the shoreline of the lake. Enjoy your visit to Norris
Lake in Tennessee!
Norris Dam was the first dam built by the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority).
Construction started on October 1, 1933, only a few months after the agency was
created. The gates were closed on March 4, 1936 and Norris Reservoir was completely
filled on January 22, 1937. The completed dam helped moderate the disastrous Ohio
and Mississippi flood of 1937. The giant drum gates at the top of the spillway were
raised for the first time to impound waters that would have swelled a flood more than
600 miles away. The initial cost of the project was $32,269,027
The construction of the Norris Project incurred 16,977,720 man hours of labor. During
the construction 8 men lost their lives, and 962 suffered injuries. The project relocated
2,899 families and caused the removal of 5,226 grave sites. Some of the materials
used to build the dam are 1,002,300 cubic yards of concrete, and 225,889 bags of
grouting for the foundation.
Norris has the largest flood control storage of any TVA dam on a tributary of the
Tennessee - at normal maximum pool the reservoir holds 2,040,000 acre feet of water.
Norris' two hydroelectric generators turned out the first TVA electric power in the
eastern end of the Tennessee Valley and the transmission line from Norris to the
Wilson dam provided the first elements of the distribution system that later spread
through most of the valley and beyond.
Norris Lake extends 73 miles up the Clinch River and 56 miles up the Powell River. It
has 750 miles of shoreline, and 50 miles of island shoreline giving a total of 800 miles
of shoreline. The maximum width of the lake is 1.2 miles with a surface area of 34,200
acres. The watershed area for Norris Lake covers 2,912 square miles. Norris Dam is
265 feet high, and 1860 feet long and is located on the Clinch River at mile marker 79.8
in Campbell and Anderson County, Tennessee. The reservoir is 129 miles long. Norris
Lake and the dam were named for George W. Norris, a U.S. Senator from Nebraska.
The dam helps control floods in the area, generates electricity, and helps maintain
navigation depth on the Tennessee River. Before reaching the Ohio River the water
goes through nine different dams, generating electricity at each one.
Located in a ridge and valley region Norris Lake abounds in secluded coves. On these
wooded banks TVA established the first demonstration public parks. Later the parks
were turned over to the state of Tennessee. Recreational use of the reservoir exceeds
that of any other tributary lake. TVA acquired the entire shoreline of the reservoir.
Although 56,700 acres of lake land have been sold a continuous shoreline strip
dedicated to public recreation has been retained, and 35,300 acres have been
transferred or leased to the state of Tennessee and the various counties for public
recreation. The state administers two large game management areas, three state
parks, and 59 public access sites. There are three county parks. The TVA retains about
22,000 acres for future recreational development.
Lake Norris is a great place for fishing, boating, swimming, and other water sports.
Nestled between East Tennessee ridges, Norris Lake points the way to Cumberland
Gap and the historic wilderness trail marked by Daniel Boone. With its clear deep
water, it produces excellent catches of rock fish, walleye, and bass, as well as the
usual species found in other area lakes. June through September night fishing for small
mouth bass, crappie, white bass and walleye is a popular activity. Two small wild areas
on Norris Lake provide visitors with a mini wilderness experience. River bluff features
spring and summer wildflowers and a three mile hiking trail. Hemlock bluff presents
spectacular views across Norris Lake from high tree covered bluffs. Museums, scenic
hiking trails, and a trail for the handicapped compliment the fine trout fishing and
canoing below the dam. A picturesque 18th century grist mill excite the imaginations of
artists and historic buffs alike.
408 Dock Rd
Andersonville, TN 37705
(865) 494-9649
- Ceder Grove & Campground Inc.
- Club Norris Docks-N-Storage
896 Shawnee Dr.
Jacksboro, TN 37757
Phone: 423-562-3474
744 Indian River Boat Dock Rd
Jacksboro, TN 37757
(423) 562-5290
1604 Norris Highway
Lake City, TN 37769
(865) 494-8138
1835 Ridge Rd
Caryville, TN 37714
(423) 566-0976
1203 Whitman Hollow Rd
LaFollette, TN 37766
(866) 500-3625

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