These 20 Gorgeous Lakes In Tennessee Are Demanding Your Attention This Summer

Discover twenty of the best lakes in Tennessee for summer activities, including swimming, fishing, and scenic views.

With summer here, chances are, you’ve already searched “best lakes near me,” right? Plus, we bet you have invested in an awesome swimsuit and have headed out to the cooling lakes in Tennessee. The Volunteer State has some pretty magnificent weather in the summer for you to get out, take a stroll, or a run followed by a dip in the sparkling blue waters. We’ve put together a list of twenty of the best lakes in Tennessee that will keep you coming back ’til it cools off in late autumn. Then the crisp fall air will change the leaves into brightly-colored ornaments dripping in gold and crimson, a great backdrop to these gorgeous Tennessee lakes. Hope you try one of these out while the sun is still blazing.

20. Boone Lake

Northeast Tennessee is rounded out by Boone Lake, a reservoir formed by the Boone Dam and the Holston River. It is one of the best lakes in Tennessee.

19. Center Hill Lake

If you're close to Smithville, you don't want to miss out on this beautiful place. You can even look into renting a home for that prolonged vacation you KNOW you need.

18. Cheatham Lake

Located in Ashland City, you can't ask for a better place to fish and enjoy the sunset. This Tennessee lake is positively stunning.

17. Cherokee Lake

Tennessee is a prettier place with Cherokee Lake gracing the east side of the state. Take a look at that view!

16. Chickamauga Lake

This man-made lake was completed in 1940 and has become a teeming ground for vacationers and fans of fishing. It's opportune for swimmers and city folk looking for a day to themselves at one of the best lakes in Tennessee.

15. Cordell Hull Lake

Nashville lies just forty scant miles south of this oasis, one that sits right on the Cumberland River.

14. Douglas Lake

Another eastside gem, the reservoir named Douglas Lake is a product of the French Broad River. You can rent a place to stay or stick it out for the whole of the summer with this beautiful getaway.

13. Fort Loudon

A popular spot for lake dwellers, the real estate on Fort Loudon can't be beat. Plus, that VIEW.

12. Herb Parsons Lake

Named after the exhibition shooter Herb Parsons, you can bike, fish, or hike throughout the whole of the summer here.

11. Kentucky Lake

Kentucky Lake — yep, part of it is in its namesake. But if you're prone to stick to the Tennessee side (which, why wouldn't you?) make sure to bring a fishing pole!

10. Lake Barkley

This pretty place is sister to Kentucky Lake and is every fisherman's dream. It lies in Stewart + Houston counties in the state of Tennessee and also straddles Kentucky.

9. Nickajack Lake

This reservoir passes through Chattanooga and is a great spot for lake rentals and summer home real estate. Also, Chattanooga is totally cool - you definitely want to visit.

8. Norris Lake

Andersonville is precisely where you'll find this gorgeous lake, but yes — that's the river that feeds it up there. It's way too good of a view to give away. Go visit one of the best lakes in Tennessee.

7. Old Hickory Lake

Take a break from Music City for a long walk around Old Hickory. Named after President Jackson, this is a trip that will make it into your scrapbooks.

6. Reelfoot Lake

That sunset. This lake. Reelfoot is known for great fishing and is a shallow and completely NATURAL lake. Beautiful.

5. Radnor Lake

Radnor Lake has neat walking trails and nature center if you're ever wandering Middle Tennessee.

4. Watts Bar Lake

The Tennessee River feeds Watts Bar, and you can find it on the east side of the state.

3. Tims Ford Lake

Right outside Lynchburg you can find this neat spot - bring the kids and a picnic and you're all set for a relaxing afternoon.

2. Watauga Lake

Head to Elizabethton with that love of yours and share a romantic day at the highest lake in Tennessee. With over 100 miles of shoreline, you sure won't run out of space!

1. Percy Priest Lake

Nashville lucked out with this beauty. Beware of the cliff jumpers and take in the stunning sunset vistas that happen nightly.

Wanna discover more about some of the best Tennessee lakes? Watch this short YouTube video by Wiki Peaks highlighting these gorgeous lakes.

https://youtu.be/dZnGMcCGsa0

So, have you decided which of the best lakes in Tennessee to visit? Plan it out where you can take in more than one, find a bed and breakfast to stay in, and a restaurant or shopping along the way. But more importantly, don't forget to enjoy your summer on a Tennessee lake in this picturesque southern state.

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