Exploring Tennessee’s Great Lakes: A Boater’s Guide

It’s easy to dismiss Tennessee when discussing boating in the Southeast because it’s landlocked and sits close to states bordering the Atlantic coastline. However, Tennessee boasts one of the nation’s richest and most diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains and level plains to abundant lakes and rivers. 

Tennessee has a network of rivers, with the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers at the helm. It’s also home to the famous nine lakes of East Tennessee, among other major lakes that make the state an excellent destination for water lovers. Tennessee is a premier destination for boating enthusiasts looking to explore the diverse water bodies, scenic landscapes and aquatic life. 

To help prepare you for a memorable experience in Tennessee waters, our Tennessee boating guide highlights top destinations for boating, essential boating regulations to keep in mind and tips to enhance your experience.

Top Lakes for Boating in Tennessee

Tennessee has pristine lakes bustling with activities from swimming and fishing to paddling and boating. For boaters, the state’s magnificent waterways are a haven for both serene and adrenaline-inducing experiences. Here are the best lakes in Tennessee for boating:

1. Center Hill Lake

Center Hill Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Tennessee. It is 18,200 acres and features 64 miles of stunning shorelines. The massive reservoir in central Tennessee covers parts of DeKalb, Putnam, Warren and White Counties. The lake’s unique location places it within three state parks with lush forest cover.

Some popular activities on Center Hill Lake include swimming, boating, camping and fishing. For boaters, Center Hill Lake is a must-visit cruising destination offering immersive views, from rolling hills covered in greenery to scenic waterfalls and secluded coves. The lake has several commercial marinas with docking solutions, lodging and other amenities. 

2. Norris Lake

The 34,000-acre Norris Lake is a popular destination in the lush mountains of East Tennessee north of Knoxville. It’s one of the famous nine lakes that stretch from the Cumberland Mountains to the Great Smoky Mountains. The scenic mountainous backdrop and hundreds of miles of shoreline make the lake a natural destination for several recreational activities, such as sightseeing, paddling, boating, water skiing and camping.

While considered the fourth-best lake for swimming in the country, Norris Lake is equally fantastic for boaters. It offers expansive water coverage and endless opportunities for adventures. The lake is highly accommodating, with 22 marinas and several access points and campgrounds, which make it easy to enjoy the clean and crystal clear waters.

3. Chilhowee Lake

Located south of Knoxville, Chilhowee Lake is between the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The small, shallow lake covers 1,747 acres and has 20 miles of winding shoreline, which features stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and small settlements.

Due to its river-like appearance, the reservoir is popular for float and bank fishing, paddling and swimming. The cool waters follow a winding scenic route through remote areas with mountain views and wildlife. For boaters, the charming, off-the-beaten-path experience makes for a magical boating trip. With three public boat ramps providing access along the reservoir’s northern border and several campgrounds, launching your boat and enjoying a quiet getaway is easy.

4. Dale Hollow Lake

Dale Hollow Lake is a massive reservoir on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. It boasts 27,700 acres of pristine waters and over 600 miles of natural shoreline with pebble and sandy beaches. The lake snakes through lush, hilly wilderness packed with picturesque views, making it a vacation hot spot.

For adventure seekers, Dale Hollow is the perfect year-round destination bustling with diverse outdoor activities, such as fishing, paddling, surfing, boating, hunting and camping. As one of the best lakes in Tennessee for boating, Dale Hollow offers hundreds of miles of fantastic waters for cruising and many modern marinas with all forms of services and accommodations. 

Dale Hollow is the last place you’ll struggle to find boat docks, launches and service providers if you run into maintenance issues. Since the services on the lake include rentals, you don’t need to own a boat to go cruising.

5. Pickwick Lake

Pickwick Lake is another large reservoir created by the Pickwick Landing Dam in southwest Tennessee. The 43,100-acre lake extends 53 miles from the dam into the neighboring Mississippi and Alabama. Tennessee has the smallest portion of Pickwick Lake, covering over 6,100 acres.

The lake is part of the Pickwick Landing State Park, which provides plenty of on-water and land-based recreational opportunities, such as fishing, hunting, birdwatching and watersports. The wide scenic lake is perfect for boating, offering breathtaking views of Pickwick Landing and JP Coleman State Parks. You’ll find plenty of amenities, from marinas and boat ramps to restaurants and lodges.

6. Cherokee Lake

Cherokee Lake is a 30,300-acre reservoir located in the rugged Clinch Mountain Range northeast of Knoxville. With 393 miles of scenic shoreline, the expansive lake is better known for its fish population but also provides an ideal environment for all watersports, including kayaking, water skiing, boating and sailing.

For boaters, cruising Cherokee Lake offers panoramic views of rolling hills and the wooded wilderness of Panther Creek State Park, nestled east of the lake. With plenty of public access areas and commercial boat docks along its shoreline, you can be certain you’ll have enough convenience if you own a vessel.

7. Old Hickory Lake

Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500-acre reservoir on the Cumberland River located 15 miles northeast of Nashville. The serene lake has over 400 miles of shoreline dotted with 11 marinas and 44 public boat access sites. For boaters, the combination of readily available amenities and a beautiful lake make for an exciting boating experience.

The lake’s iconic snake-like pattern is perfect for adventure enthusiasts. If you love boating, Old Hickory is one of the finest lakes in Tennessee for boating, providing ample opportunities for on-water fun. Cruise the clear waters that snake through lush forest lines, and explore hidden coves and waterfalls. 

Boating Regulations in Tennessee

While Tennessee doesn’t have boat titles — certificates of ownership — required in many states, it has licensing and registration requirements and other guidelines that govern watercraft use on its waterways. Here’s an overview of boating laws in Tennessee.

Licensing Requirements

According to the Tennessee Boating Code, any resident born after January 1, 1989, must pass a boating safety course administered by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) and carry the boating education card on board. If you’re not a resident and were born after that date, you can provide any boating safety certificate approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

The boater education certificate is sufficient for boaters 12 years and older to operate a boat in the state waterways. Children below 12 must have a certified supervisor on board who is 18 years or older.

Registration and Documentation

To register a boat in Tennessee, you must fill out the Application for Boat Certificate of Number, which comes with a temporary 60-day registration to allow ample time for processing. You can complete the application at the boat dealer or the appropriate county clerk’s office. You’ll then drop the registration form to your nearest TWRA Regional office. Visit Tennessee’s boating site for more information about vessel registrations and renewals.

Safety Equipment Regulations

Tennessee has plenty of recreational waterways and has legislated several safety equipment regulations to promote safety. Here are guidelines to keep in mind:

• Personal floatation devices: All boats, including kayaks and canoes, must carry a wearable floatation device for each person on board. The same applies to towed vessels like personal watercraft (PWC). These devices range from type one through five and must meet conditions including bearing the Coast Guard-approved label, being in good condition and being readily available.
• Fire extinguishers: Motorboats must carry fire extinguishers if they’re 26 feet or longer, ferry passengers for hire, have inboard engines or have closed living spaces. Approved fire extinguishers are hand-portable and designed to put out types B-I or B-II fire classes. 
• Boat lighting: After dusk and before dawn, boats must switch on appropriate lights unless they are moored, anchored or aground. The same applies to periods of low visibility.
• Ventilation: Boats must have appropriate ventilation systems to dispel dangerous fumes.

Speed Limits and No-Wake Zones

Tennessee law upholds safe speeds and forbids reckless, dangerous and negligent operation of watercraft on its waterways. Violations can bring up to $2,500 in fines and up to six months in jail. Some of the prohibitions regarding vessel operation include:

• Reckless acts that endanger the lives of others could cause injuries and property damage. These illegal practices include riding vessels straight toward people and in swimming areas, speeding through traffic, and jumping the wake of other vessels.
• Riding vessels at excessive speeds in dangerous zones, crowded areas and low visibility conditions.
• Operating at speeds higher than “slow, no wake speed” in areas designated as “no wake” or “idle speed.” No wake is a speed that doesn’t result in a wake.
• Riding on areas of a vessel that increase the risk of falling overboard, such as the bow or transom.
• Not paying attention to hazardous conditions such as overloading and having insufficient safety equipment.

Tips for Enhancing the Boating Experience With EZ Dock

Tennessee is home to many lakes and rivers, from state-owned waterways to private waterfronts. The extensive network of pristine waterways makes the state one of the best places for boating. While public waters often have top-of-the-line marinas and dock systems, private properties with waterfronts may lack these crucial structures that enhance the boating experience.

For residents with waterfront properties, partnering with EZ Dock offers solutions that streamline boating, canoeing and other watercraft activities by providing platforms that meet your needs. Here’s how our platforms can enhance your boating experience:

Stable and Safe Docking Solutions

Boats and other vessels heavier than PWC need reliable launching and docking solutions. Without the right docking systems, it could be challenging and unsafe to operate your boat. You need a stable platform that allows you to board, disembark and port your boat and that’s where EZ Dock floating docks step in.

Our durable floating polyethylene docks feature innovative designs that enhance strength and safety. Unlike traditional wooden docks, our docks don’t rot or splinter and have slip-resistant properties that promote safety for all ages.

Easy Access to Watercraft

The right docking platforms facilitate easy and convenient access to vessels on the water. A reliable boat dock on a waterfront with suitable shore conditions is enough to create access to a watercraft. EZ Dock also provides top-quality ramps and gangways to improve access, especially when children and pets are involved or shore conditions make direct dock installations challenging. Due to the improved access, our products make the movement from shore to vessel safe and convenient.

Customizable Docks

Water bodies vary with diverse conditions, from slow-moving and fast-moving currents to unique bed and shoreline formations. These features don’t align with a one-size-fits-all solution. As such, we offer custom solutions to ensure you get the dock that matches the waterfront, starting with our free online dock builder that lets you design your dream dock.

In addition, our expert team works with you, providing custom layout options and developing an efficient and functional product that meets your design preference. 

Durability and Weather Resistance

EZ Dock products are made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) material, with lightweight aluminum options for products like gangways. These materials are tried and tested and are in line with the latest dock technologies to ensure longevity and resistance to the elements. Our polyethylene dock systems are flexible and durable, tested to withstand harsh weather conditions and years of service. 

Many dock systems start disintegrating when faced with fluctuating temperatures, such as Tennessee’s summer heat and winter snowfalls. EZ Dock uses premium materials and technologies that increase strength and structural integrity. Our systems don’t rust, chip away or melt in the face of nature’s challenges.

Additional Features

EZ Dock products pack additional benefits to maximize your experience on water. Our modular dock sections have a non-skid texture and grooves to redirect water and increase slip resistance. Our raw materials are UV-16-stabilized to protect against UV degradation. We offer built-in storage for safety equipment and customized options for boat lifts or PWC docks.

Explore Top-Quality Dock Systems at EZ Dock

Tennessee’s landlocked status can be deceptive because it’s a fantastic destination for water enthusiasts. The state’s diverse landscape has numerous lakes, some of which are the best lakes in Tennessee for boating. From Norris and Center Hill to Old Hickory and Dale Hollow, each lake offers unique adventures for boaters.

Explore Tennessee’s picturesque lakes and immerse yourself in their boating opportunities. As you launch your boat, pay attention to the state’s regulations for a safe and wholesome experience. If you already own a private waterfront in Tennessee, you’re in a perfect position to enjoy year-round boating. Install the latest docking systems to enhance your boating experience.

At EZ Dock, we collaborate with industry experts to provide solutions that match the evolving needs of water enthusiasts. Find your local EZ Dock dealer and transform your waterfront!