Top 7 Lakes in Cherokee National Forest

For family-friendly activities, McKamy Lake Beach at the Chilhowee Recreation Area is an excellent choice. It offers swimming, kayaking, and other non-motorized activities from the bank, with nearby tent and RV campsites and picnic areas. McKamy Lake Beach is specifically highlighted as a great day-use area for kids and families. Parksville Lake also has designated swimming beaches and boat ramps, making it suitable for family outings.

Several lakes in the Cherokee National Forest offer camping opportunities. Cardens Bluff Campground on Watauga Lake provides primarily tent camping sites. Parksville Lake Campground offers campsites with electric hookups for RVs. Additionally, Chilhowee Campground, near McKamy Lake, has various RV and tent sites with electric hookups and bathhouses. Watauga Lake itself is noted for camping on its lakeshore.

The lakes in Cherokee National Forest are popular for a variety of water activities. Watauga Lake is known for sailing, swimming, and boating, while South Holston Lake is a popular spot for motorboating, water skiing, and fishing. Parksville Lake is excellent for swimming, picnicking, and boating, with options to rent boats or bring your own kayak. McKamy Lake Beach allows swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities near the lakes. The Appalachian Trail crosses directly over Watauga Dam, offering spectacular views and access to a secluded part of the trail. South Holston Lake also features various hiking trails, and below its dam, Osceola Island has an easy hiking trail. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the Indian Boundary Lake Trail or the Appalachian Trail sections mentioned in the Hiking in Cherokee National Forest guide.

Cherokee Lake is a year-round destination particularly known for abundant bass fishing. Watauga Lake is also popular for fishing, alongside other water recreation. Below the South Holston Dam, Osceola Island is a popular spot for fly fishing.

The region boasts several unique natural features. Watauga Lake, the highest elevation lake in Tennessee, is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains and features seven different waterfalls, including the 80-foot Laurel Falls. Watauga Dam itself offers expansive views over Watauga Lake. Chilhowee Lake provides stunning scenery nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest.

Yes, the area has historical significance. Wilbur Dam, completed in 1912, is between 70 and 80 feet tall, making it one of the oldest dams in the area. Parksville Lake, created in 1911, holds the distinction of being the oldest lake in the Cherokee National Forest.

The lakes in Cherokee National Forest offer beauty and activities throughout the year. Cherokee Lake, for instance, is a year-round destination, particularly beautiful during the fall. Generally, warmer months are ideal for swimming and boating, while the fall foliage provides a stunning backdrop for hiking and scenic drives.

While specific dog-friendly regulations vary by location, the Watauga Dam Visitor Center is noted as dog-friendly, and many trails within the Cherokee National Forest generally allow dogs on leash. Always check specific area regulations before visiting.

Beyond hiking, the Cherokee National Forest offers various cycling routes. While not directly on every lake, you can find gravel biking and mountain biking trails in the broader region. For example, the Gravel biking in Cherokee National Forest guide and MTB Trails in Cherokee National Forest guide provide details on routes like the Rich Mountain Fire Tower loop or the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower Trail.

Both Watauga Lake and Cherokee Lake are recognized for their clear waters and serene atmospheres. Watauga Lake is particularly known for its clarity and mountainous backdrop, making it ideal for relaxation and outdoor adventure. Cherokee Lake is also a favorite for its clear waters and peaceful environment.