You may not immediately envision boating when you think of Knoxville, TN, but plenty of nearby aquatic destinations provide the perfect opportunity to set sail. Spend a great day on the water at these regional locales.
1. Volunteer Landing
This beautiful expanse of waterfront hugs the Tennessee River and contains three park options: Volunteer Landing Park, River Mountain Park, and First Creek. You can enjoy the scenery via the riverwalk or set sail on a riverboat cruise. There’s also a marina and a boat slip, which gives recreational boaters the chance to venture out onto this busy waterway on their own.
Fishing, paddling, and watersports are among the favorite activities you’ll routinely see at the riverfront. Take a guided trip in a kayak, canoe, or on a stand-up paddleboard with the Knoxville Adventure Collective. And if you happen to be around in the fall, don’t miss the riverside Big Orange spectacle put on by the University of Tennessee’s football faithful.
2. The Cove at Concord Park
Surrounded by Fort Loudon Lake, this 500-acre natural extravaganza features a boat launch, a marina, and a lake paradise filled with fishing, paddling, and all other forms of boat-related fun. For individuals who want to take up sailing, join the nearby Concord Yacht Club.
The premier marina of east Tennessee, Concord Marina, offers boat rentals aplenty for the enthusiast. You can rent a luxury pontoon boat capable of carrying up to a dozen passengers. Or go all-out with a party barge. Amenities include a dock shop, clubhouse, and overnight slips.
3. Norris Lake
A few miles north of Knoxville lays the pristine, clean, and ultra-accessible Norris Lake. Fed by numerous rivers, including Powell and Clinch, this reservoir extends over 50 miles and is an undisputed favorite of locals with sea legs. Pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, and even hydro-bikes frequent the waterway, with rentals available at many sites. You can even venture out and scuba-dive to the ruins of an old town.
Several parks serve up ideal launching points for your aquatic outing, such as Cove Lake, Big Ridge, and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (where whitewater thrills await). Haul your boat or camper to the park with ease via the Toyota 4Runner. This compact SUV’s no small slouch, boasting an impressive towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
4. Melton Hill Lake
This Knox County border lake has made a name for itself hosting rowing championships at the collegiate and pro levels. Take advantage of opportunities to enjoy the waterways at Frozen Head State Park, Manhattan Project National Historical Park, and Windrock Park.
5. Watts Bar Lake
If you want to travel a little further west, check out the region’s largest lake, where several islands are ripe for exploration. Of course, you’ll need to take your favorite watercraft to reach the locales. For a quieter and more peaceful trek, try the Obed Wild and Scenic River. Nature lovers, especially birdwatchers, appreciate this wetland dream.
Haul your boat and other outdoor must-haves with a reliable ride. Stop by Rick McGill’s Airport Toyota and choose from our inventory of hefty haulers.
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