Most People Don’t Know About The Raccoon Mountain Pumped Station Reservoir, A Manmade Lake Hiding In Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published April 06, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Hidden gems in Tennessee are all around us — including places you might not often expect. Gems that have been seemingly untouched by man for thousands of years, rather than the kinds of places hiding in plain sight. The Raccoon Mountain Pumped Station Reservoir is positioned on top of a mountain and unless you know where to look, you might miss it. You can get to the top and travel along a long winding trail. So pack your mountain bike or lace up your hiking shoes for a hike to this manmade lake in Tennessee.
This is beautiful scene is where the process begins and ends.
Water is pumped out of the Tennessee River and used to fill the manmade lake on top of the mountain. You can go fishing off this dock, but if the dam opens then you don’t want to be anywhere near the mighty rushing waters that are released back into the river.
It might look like a Bond villain’s secret lair plotting for world domination, but the truth is a lot less sinister. This is the pump station hidden within the mountain that turns water into electricity. It is actually the Tennessee Valley Authorities’ largest hydroelectric facility.
Around the top of the mountain, visitors can take the 13.5-mile loop encircling lake for one epic trip. This loop trail will provide plenty of ups and downs with a total elevation gain of 1,414 feet. Many people doing this trail opt for a mountain bike over hiking shoes -- but the choice is entirely up to you.
Along the way, you will have plenty of views to keep you going through this long trek. The mighty lookout mountain looms in the distance as well as the beautiful Tennessee River.
Various sections throughout your hike keep things interesting. You will be traveling under a canopy of tall trees, through fields, and see rock formations during your 13.5-mile trip.
There is a large, 3.5-mile section to the north of the trail that has been called the "lower intestine" due to the way it looks on a map. You can skip this section entirely, however, and if you do, you'll pass by a small pond. No matter what way you go you will always have gorgeous overlooks and views as a reward!
This manmade lake hike in Tennessee, is a fantastic place hiding in plain sight on top of a mountain. The views are incredible and the variety in the trail will always keep things interesting. It is certainly a long trip but one that is completely worth taking.
The foothills of this impressive mountain hold a secret underground. The Raccoon Mountain Caverns is considered the most geologically active cave in the south and you should check it out.
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