Camping

Recreation areas on TVA lakes with camping facilities are available in our brochure. Call or write operators for brochure. TVA lands where camping is permitted are shown on individual TVA lake recreation maps which may be requested from TVA Maps, Haney Building 1A, 1101 Market Street, Chattanooga TN 37402-2801. The telephone number is 423-751-6277.

Trails

Many TVA reservoirs have one or more trails for backpacking, hiking, jogging, and bicycling, as well as quiet paths for restful walking and nature study. The brochure, TVA Trails: A Trail Guide to the Great Lakes of the South is available from TVA Map Sales, Haney Building 1A, 1101 Market Street, Chattanooga TN 37402-2801. For additional information about TVA trails contact: Project Leader for Trails, TVA, Norris TN 37828.

Boating & Water Safety

Boating is a popular past time on TVA reservoirs, and TVA encourages the public to practice water safety procedures. Significant water use hazards exist above and below TVA dams where waters often rush over spillways and through sluice gates, lock culverts, and turbines. Many of these operations are automatic and occur without warning. Sail boaters are especially cautioned to avoid approaching within 15 below power lines to prevent injury or property damage that can result from contact or electrical arcing. Recreational boats may go through the navigation locks at dams. This service is free. A bell rope on each end of the lock wall allows the boater to signal the lock operator that a boat is ready to lock through. All Tennessee Valley states have passed boat numbering and safety laws in conformance with the Federal Boating Act of 1971. Additional information in the interest of safe boating is available by calling the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Hotline, Washington, D.C. (800) 368-5647.

Fishing and Hunting

Fishing is permitted all year in TVA lakes. Best catches are generally reported in the spring and late fall. Each state sets its own creel limits and establishes its license requirements. Fishing and hunting licenses are issued by each state and are sold at many boat docks. Principal game fish are largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, white, and striped bass; crappie, walleye; sauger and sun-fish. Rainbow trout are present in several of the deep tributary lakes and below some of the dams. TVA and Valley states have installed fish attractors in 21 TVA reservoirs. Recreation maps show the locations of these attractors in most of these reservoirs.

TVA has made more than 192,000 acres of land and water available to state agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for wildlife management areas and refuges. Cooperative projects with these agencies, private organizations and individuals are being implemented throughout the Valley to increase the public's knowledge and awareness of the value of our wild living resources.

All hunting on TVA lands must be conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

Small Wild Areas

Few wilderness areas exist in the eastern United States; however, many settings, both large and small, contain interesting and unique natural features (waterfalls, ravines, panoramic views, stands of virgin forest, and other unusual vegetation or scenic attributes). TVA small wild areas have been established to preserve and protect such areas of scenic or scientific value while providing opportunities for public use and enjoyment. Additional information can be obtained from the TVA Regional Natural Heritage Project, Norris TN 37828.

TVA Lakes - Information on lakes close to Knoxville; campgrounds, boat docks, marinas, resorts, lodging, restaurants.