Beat the Summer Heat in One of These Eastern Tennessee Waterways
It’s August—and that means it’s hot! But not to worry: there are plenty of ways to stay cool during the “sizzle” season.
What’s more, many of these blend “keeping cool” with “having fun”—and no one does it better than boat owners. Particularly in the Southern U.S., boating can put you on any number of waterways in the summer with activities that can help bring down the mercury.
You’ll also find many of these locales right here in Eastern Tennessee: places that not only offer a bevy of water-based activities, but plenty of stunningly beautiful scenery.
Take a look, then, at just a few of the “cool” places nearby that are perfect for a boating trip this month.
Tennessee River
Winding westward for 650 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee to the Ohio River near Paducah, Kentucky, the Tennessee River has been (and still is) a major transportation route. In the last century, though, it has acquired a new purpose: a recreational mecca for boating, fishing, and water sports.
If you like a little adventure, for instance, you can get your share cruising the river, like the 184-nautical mile stretch from Knoxville to Chattanooga. There’s an abundance of gorgeous scenery to behold, and numerous stops of interest (especially in Chattanooga and Knoxville) to visit.
A word of caution, though: you’ll be sharing the river with commercial traffic, with all of you trying to navigate through various locks and dams along the way. It’s wise to plan your trip carefully (here’s a starting place).
If you’re more into muscle-powered craft like paddling or canoeing, the Tennessee provides suitable locales—even around downtown Chattanooga. You’ll find a great launch under the Market Street Bridge, and a number of outfitters and rental stores for your equipment needs around Coolidge Park.
Chickamauga Lake
The Tennessee River is also home to several TVA-managed reservoirs that provide recreational boating opportunities. One of the more popular is Chickamauga Lake just northeast of Chattanooga, with more than 800 miles of shoreline.
The lake is a great place to swim, boat, or kayak—as well as camp after an active day on the water. It’s also known for fishing, particularly largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish. If you’re the competitive sort, Chickamauga Lake often plays host to open fishing tournaments.
South Holston Lake
South Holston Lake is another reservoir located in Bristol, Tennessee near the Virginia line. The 7,580-acre lake is a great fishing destination for bass, bluegill, and walleye, to name a few.
Nestled beside the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll also find hiking trails and other venues shoreside that connect you with some of the most beautiful scenery around. And besides camping, there are numerous cabins and chalets available for overnight stays.
Boone Lake
Another nearby “wet” destination is Boone Lake. Besides fishing, Boone Lake is also a great place for general boating (with plenty of launches and marinas), and water sports like jet-skiing.
For less adrenaline-pumping water activities, you can canoe, kayak, or raft on nearby South Fork Holston River. You’ll also find hiking and biking trails in the forests that surround the lake, as well as several events and festivals throughout the year, like the Sullivan County Fair.
Watauga Lake
Watauga Lake east of Elizabethton, Tennessee is a great hot weather getaway. That’s because the 6,400-acre reservoir lake sits nearly 2,000 feet above sea level in the summer, offering much cooler air temperatures than other locales.
Watauga Lake is a great place for anyone who loves the water, whether going fast and furious (power boating, water skiing, jet skiing) or taking things a little more leisurely (sailing, canoeing, kayaking). There are also plenty of hiking trails (the Appalachian Trail passes nearby), waterfalls, and other natural scenery in the forests around the lake. And, you have numerous lodging options, including campgrounds, resorts, and cabin rentals.
With these and other water destinations, there’s no excuse for hunkering down in the A.C. So, load up your boat and see for yourself what Eastern Tennessee’s refreshing waterways have to offer.