3. Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake State Park is located close to Kentucky and Arkansas in northwest Tennessee. Despite its remote location, Reelfoot Lake deserves your attention. For one thing, the 18,000-acre body of water is the largest natural lake in Tennessee. In other ways, this shallow lake is like no other in the state. It was created by earthquakes that occurred more than 200 years ago and caused a backflow of the Mississippi River. Huge, bald cypress trees, some of which are partially submerged, rise out of the lake and its bayous.
This scenic body of water is one to visit any time of the year. Enjoy pontoon boat cruises May through September and guided deep swamp canoe floats in March and April. During January and February, watch for bald eagles who make their wintering ground at Reelfoot Lake. Hundreds of white pelicans are seen during their fall migration along the Mississippi River flyway.
Take your time to embrace the beauty by camping at Reelfoot Lake State Park. If camping isn’t your style, rent one of seven comfortable cabins with lakeside views. With approximately 50 species of fish, Reelfoot Lake is an angler’s idea of paradise.
4. Cherokee Lake
Cherokee Lake is located in a historic area with top-notch scenery. It was named after the Cherokee who are indigenous to the area and resided here more than 200 years ago. The closest community is Morristown, located 30 miles east of Knoxville in the foothills of the Clinch Mountains.
This picturesque lake was created by damming the Holston River. Cherokee is a vast island-studded lake with recreational amenities to match, such as pontoon boating and fishing. Enjoy what it has to offer by visiting the boat launches, going for a picnic, hiking the trails, and mountain biking. Beside the Cherokee Dam Campground, discover a sand beach. For a more in-depth experience of the lake, go camping at Panther Creek State Park or Cherokee Dam Campground. Cabins and vacation homes are also available for rent.
