Norris Dam State Park, State park in Anderson County and Campbell County, Tennessee
Norris Dam State Park spans 4,000 acres of wooded hills, lakes, and trails that run along the Clinch River and its shoreline. Two separate sections of the park sit on either side of the dam structure, which holds back the waters to form Norris Lake.
The dam was built during the 1930s under President Roosevelt's New Deal as a response to flooding and a way to generate electrical power for the region. This construction marked a major turning point in how the valley developed and grew.
The park serves as a place to learn about the Tennessee Valley Authority's role in shaping the region, with exhibits and guided walks that show how this program changed the landscape and local communities. Visitors can see firsthand how the dam became central to the area's identity and development.
The park provides camping areas with RV hookups and tent sites, along with modern restrooms, picnic areas, and fire rings distributed throughout the grounds. Plan your visit during warmer months when the trails and waterside areas are most accessible and pleasant.
The park's two sections are connected only by the dam structure itself, creating an unusual layout where the two sides feel almost like separate destinations. Visitors can enjoy the lake and trails without necessarily crossing the dam or seeing it up close.
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