The Story of Norris Lake
Norris Dam was the first dam built by the TVA (Tennessee Valley
Authority). It was begun only a few months after the agency was created in 1933.
Three years later its completion helped moderate the disastrous Ohio and
Mississippi flood of 1937. The giant drum gates at the top of the spillway were
raised for the first time to impound waters that would have swelled a flood more
than 600 miles away. Norris has the largest flood control storage of any TVA dam
on a tributary of the Tennessee - 1,473,000 acre feet. Norris' two hydroelectric
generators turned out the first TVA electric power in the eastern end of the
Tennessee Valley and the transmission line from Norris to the Wilson dam
provided the first elements of the distribution system that later spread through
most of the valley and beyond. Norris Lake extends 72 miles up the Clinch River
and 56 miles up the Powell River. It has 800 miles of shoreline with a maximum
width of 1.2 miles and a surface area of 34,200 acres. Located in a ridge and
valley region it abounds in secluded coves. On these wooded banks TVA
established the first demonstration public parks. Later the parks were turned
over to the state of Tennessee. Recreational use of the reservoir exceeds that
of any other tributary lake. TVA acquired the entire shoreline of the reservoir.
Although 56,700 acres of lake land have been sold a continuous shoreline strip
dedicated to public recreation has been retained, and 35,300 acres have been
transferred or leased to the state of Tennessee and the various counties for
public recreation. The state administers two large game management areas, three
state parks, and 59 public access sites. There are three county parks. The TVA
retains about 22,000 acres for future recreational development.
Construction on Lake Norris Dam began in 1933 and was completed in 1936. The dam
is 265 feet high, and 1860 feet long. The reservoir is 129 miles long. Lake
Norris and Lake Norris Dam was named for George W. Norris, a U.S. Senator from
Nebraska. The dam helps control floods in the area, generates electricity, and
helps maintain navigation depth on the Tennessee River. Before reaching the Ohio
River the water goes through nine different dams, generating electricity at each
one.
Lake Norris is a great place for fishing, boating, swimming, and other water
sports. Nestled between East Tennessee ridges, Norris Lake points the way to
Cumberland Gap and the historic wilderness trail marked by Daniel Boone. With
its clear deep water, it produces excellent catches of rock fish, walleye, and
bass, as well as the usual species found in other area lakes. June through
September night fishing for small mouth bass, croppie, white bass and walleye is
a popular activity. Two small wild areas on Norris Lake provide visitors with a
mini wilderness experience. River bluff features spring and summer wildflowers
and a three mile hiking trail. Hemlock bluff presents spectacular views across
Norris Lake from high tree covered bluffs. Museums, scenic hiking trails, and a
trail for the handicapped compliment the fine trout fishing and canoeing below
the dam. A picturesque 18th century grist mill excite the imaginations of
artists and historic buffs alike.
The five counties surrounding Norris Lake are Anderson County, Campbell County,
Claiborne County, Grainger County, and Union County.