Surrounded by scenic farmlands, Cherokee Lake is one of the oldest Tennessee Valley Authority reservoirs. Construction began August 1st, 1940, and ended on December 5th, 1941. The completed Cherokee Reservoir Dam is 175 feet high with a length totaling 6,760 feet.

The dam collects water from a 3,428 square mile watershed from its surrounding counties, Hawkins, Grainger, Hamblen, and Jefferson.

Cherokee Lake spans 30,300 acres of water surface at full pool, and is 59 miles long. All together, Cherokee Lake has 436 miles of gorgeous shoreline, perfect for picnics as well as vacation homes. It is centrally located with Morristown, Jefferson City, and Rogersville just a short car ride away.

Cherokee Lake is known for its Striped Bass fishing, but also possesses copious varieties of fish including, Black Bass, Walleye, Sunfish, Sauger, Crappie, Catfish, and White Bass. Of all the Tennessee Valley Authority lakes tested, Cherokee has the highest score for Large Mouth Bass.

Fish densities in Cherokee Lake are greater than most other Tennessee Valley Authority Reservoirs due to a dense forage base of Alewife, Threadfin Shad, and Gizzard Shad. Many fish attractors have been constructed to improve fishing for anglers including brush piles (used by game fish) and stake beds (used to concentrate Crappie).

The Tennessee Valley Authority has created long lasting habitats by planting River Birch, Bald Cypress, Swamp Oak, and Willow trees.

The Tennessee Valley Authority also provides many recreational facilities at Cherokee Dam including a swimming beach, picnic area, a year round boat launch ramp, and a campground that is open from April to September.