Norris Lake offers something for everyone. But, venture even a few minutes nearby and find an entirely new collection of recreational areas waiting to be enjoyed by those who live in the Norris Lake area and enjoy their homes from the Norris Lake Real Estate Experts!
Haw Ridge
Haw Ridge Park is an exceptional recreational resource for outdoor enthusiasts of all interests. Spanning 780 acres on the shore of Melton Hill Lake, this wilderness area is home to numerous varieties of trees, wildflowers and wildlife. Hike through oak, poplar, hickory, beech, cedar, pines and hemlock along the winding trails, or venture out to explore the more than forty varieties of wildflowers that carpet the forest floor. Keep your eyes open for deer, raccoon, skunk, beaver, fox, blue heron, osprey, hawk, owl and turkey along the way.
Runners, canoers, mountain bikers, nordic skiers and horseback riders will love the more than 28 miles of wooded dirt trails and 5 miles of shoreline found at Haw Ridge. This is truly the place to go when looking for outdoor fun near Norris Lake.
Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area
This 53,000 acre wilderness area is home to the only elk herd in the East, a result of the state’s elk restoration program that began in 2000. But elk viewing is by no means the only reason to visit this pristine wilderness. At Royal Blue visitors will enjoy more than 600 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking and off-roading. Fishermen will find premier opportunities here for bass and bluegill fishing.
Royal Blue is also a popular hunting destination and open in accordance with the statewide hunting seasons. A valid Tennessee hunting license is required for hunting as well as off-roading.
Coal Creek
With more than 72,000 acres on Windrock and other surrounding mountains, the Coal Creek Company is one of the largest OHV areas in the country. More than 250 miles of trails found here are open to ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps, 4X4s, rock crawlers, rail buggies and mountain bikes.
If you are looking to stay at Coal Creek overnight, they offer cabins, RV hook-ups and primitive tent camping at Windrock Park.
Big Ridge State Park
Surrounding the banks of Norris Lake, you will find Big Ridge State Park, a heavily forested, 3,687 acre park of pristine recreational terrain. Here, visitors will enjoy a wealth of activities, ranging from guided nature tours to backcountry camping.
The park offers a variety of accommodations including rustic cabins, campsites, screened-in bunkhouses and backcountry camping.
Norris Dam State Park
Occupying more than 4,000 acres, Norris Dam State Park offers visitors a beautiful area in which to enjoy Norris Lake. The park offers deluxe and rustic cabins, two camping areas with a combined 75 camp sites, a full service marina, recreation area with swimming pool, game room, tennis courts, volleyball area and laundry mat.
Nearby, guests can explore caves, lush valleys, crystal clear streams, wildflower trails and a virgin forest.
Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area
Spread across a peninsula on Norris Lake, Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area offers something to entertain every interest. Comprised of more than 24,000 acres, Chuck Swan WMA is home to more than 70 miles of trails, and the perfect destination for hiking, biking, horseback riding, off-roading and fishing.
There is a boat access area and camping in three designated locations. For anyone looking to enjoy untouched natural wilderness, Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area is the premier choice.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Walk the winding trails of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and walk the same paths that the buffalo, Native Americans and pioneers once trod. This was once the gateway to the West, and today, visitors to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park can explore the historic buildings, hear the legendary stories and witness the fascinating sites that make the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park on the most popular attractions near Norris Lake.
Join a tour of the historic Hensley Settlement, explore the geographic formations that wait in the caves below or simply take an afternoon to treat yourself to the scenic vistas, cascading waterfalls and lush forests for which this park is known.
Click on the map below to view our Norris Lake Interactive Map!
