Watts Bar Lake

One of the South’s Largest Lakes

Watts Bar Lake is located in the heart of the Tennessee River Valley, stretching 72 miles between the Fort Loudon Dam in Lenoir City and Watts Bar Dam near Spring City. Covering 39,000 acres, it is one of the largest lakes in the south.

The lake was created in 1942 and is regulated by the Tennessee River Valley Authority. It passes through the counties of Loudon, Roane, Rhea, and Meigs. Its major tributaries are the Tennessee, Clinch, and Emory Rivers.

A Convenient Location

Watts Bar Lake is less than a 100-mile drive from Knoxville or Chattanooga. Either city has a great choice of restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Knoxville is home to the McGhee Tyson Airport and Fort Sanders Medical Center. Chattanooga houses Chattanooga Airport and CHI Memorial Hospital.

Along the banks of Watts Bar, you’ll find cabins, cottages, houseboats, and high-end developments. This beautiful body of water sees over one million visitors each year, but with its massive size, it never feels crowded.

Lake Paradise

Watts Bar’s wide-open stretch is the perfect location for powerboating, water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, sailing, or simply cruising in a pontoon.

With 722 miles of shoreline, there is so much to explore. Kayakers and canoers have inlets, coves, and islands to paddle around. Its sandy shores are great for swimming or relaxing.

Anglers especially enjoy Watts Bar Lake for its world-class fishing. It holds large amounts of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black bass, stripers, catfish, and crappie. In addition to marine life, you can spot blue herons, osprey, bald eagles, and other waterfowl.

Crow’s Nest, Terrace View Restaurant, Front Porch Restaurant, and Nick’s Lakeside Grill offer waterfront dining.

Visit Knoxville

The nearby area of Knoxville is bustling with an abundance of activities and sights for residents and visitors.

The Knoxville Zoo is one very popular attraction. Here, guests can see a variety of exotic animals, including red pandas and Malayan tigers.

Another popular attraction is the Star of Knoxville Riverboat, where guests can take a riverboat tour with beautiful sights, enjoy an on-deck dinner, and even host parties.

Explore Chattanooga

Twice named Outside Magazine’s “Best Town Ever,” Chattanooga is a fun adventure for every family member.

The “Scenic City” features attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, Creative Discovery Museum, and many more.

The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is a thrill ride that winds down a wooded hillside. The non-motorized carts allow for a smooth ride for singles and doubles.

Watts Bar Lake Has it All

With Knoxville to the east, Chattanooga to the west, and a relaxed lake living in between, Watts Bar Lake is the perfect location to call home!