Douglas Lake

Douglas Lake is a reservoir in Eastern Tennessee created by damming the French Broad River, covering a large area. The lake reaches depths of around 140 feet (43 meters), with the shoreline changing considerably depending on water levels.

The Tennessee Valley Authority built the dam in just one year, from February 1942 to February 1943, during World War II. The project was designed to quickly generate power for wartime industries while also controlling floods.

The name comes from Douglas Dam, which holds back the French Broad River and supplies electricity to the surrounding region. Anglers and boaters use the lake throughout the year, with more activity on the water during summer months.

The water level fluctuates significantly throughout the year, rising higher in summer and dropping considerably in winter. Visitors should check current conditions on-site, as shorelines and access points can change noticeably with the season.

The water shows different colors depending on the section: near the dam it appears clearer, while farther upstream greenish tones emerge from natural sediment. The town of Dandridge on the northern shore is protected from the lake by an earthen levee, allowing old buildings to remain standing.