Tennessee River Monsters

(4 reviews)

7.4 km

Highly recommended for outdoor multi use adventures (Biking, Hiking, Running, Fishing, Kayaking)…read more Absolutely gem of an outdoor experience in East TN

What a beautiful spot right off Melton Hill Lake! We typically go on Sunday mornings and it is not…read morechaotic and there seems to be plenty of parking. Maps available as well as a pump and tools to get bikes ready to rock the trails. We have seen hardcore hikers, people casually walking dogs, mountain bikers, and people fishing. Trail options for any interests, time parameters,and abilities. There is a paved trail as well as many rocky dirt trails that branch off from the main paved. This morning it was a bit muddy off the beaten path, so please expect to get pleasantly dirty. Lake views, a creek, and the sounds of trees in the breeze. Heck yes!

Turbo the tortoise

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Bull Run Park

4.0

9.8 km

Nice little swimming and fishing area. We went around noon, a few other adults there, not too many…read morekids. Probably because there is no sand. It goes from grass to water- (you will see in photos). There was an area off to the side for fishing which was nice. The park was cleaned and well maintained. The water was a little murky and the sand was squishy with mud / leaves. We came in July, not sure if that's all the time or this time of year. There was a pavilion with covered picnic tables and grills available. There was also a port a potty set up.

Grass, then play in dirt water.. haha. The kids had fun.

Sign to indicate fishing / swimming areas

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The backside of the sign to parking lot. Plenty of parking available right there.. not a long walk.

Melton Lake Greenway

4.5

(6 reviews)

9.5 km

Love this scenic trail! Paved and definitely stroller-friendly. There is shade from the many trees,…read moregorgeous greenery and flowers, an abundance of convenient parking areas, and of course, water views the entire way. Ducks galore gather in warmer months and you can even take in the rowing competitions. Pop into Adventures Outdoors to rent a paddleboard, bike, kayak, or even waterbike to explore in the water next to the greenway. There is also a great playground and pavilion next to Adventures Outdoors (immediately off the greenway), as is Calhoun's for yummy BBQ a little further down. No matter where this trail takes you, you are bound to get a great view during your workout. Just be careful with littles who may not be able to swim yet, as there is not much separation between the trail and the water. Have fun!

If you are staying in Oakridge and an avid runner, you must come here to try their Greenway! It's…read morewell paved, lots of people running or walking by, rowing nearby, and a feeding area for ducks, geese, and swans. There's a nearby power plant, that's the visible stack visible in the background. The clinch river is really pretty especially during sunset with the pink hues. I went in mid-April and there were a couple bugs around but nothing that was too terrible. The Greenway is also shaded by the many surrounding trees, so I wouldn't worry so much about the sun. Great place to unwind and take in the nature sights.

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Norris Dam State Park

3.8

(29 reviews)

15.8 km

Absolutely a hidden gem! We stayed in cabin 10, which has a sneaky water view, amazing screened in…read moreporch, a porch swing, fireplace, fire pit, chairs, grill, and television with over air channels! It was spacious and rustic, historic yet modernized with ac and heat as well as a small kitchen with all the necessities. The park has a ton to offer, too! Multiple areas to explore, lots of trails, a museum, and the dam, which has a pedestrian path and several cool overlooks! It was very pet friendly, the dog came with me, and near enough to Knoxville and other sites to not feel too out of touch, but still private and woodsy with a view!

Norris Dam and the surrounding marinas offer beautiful lakeside fishing, tubing and boating. We had…read morethe opportunity to reserve a cabin near the Sequoyah Marina and spent the day enjoying the views. Don't miss the short drive to the Norris Dam visitors center and walk over the bridge for spectacular overhead views of the dam.

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Victor Ashe Park

4.3

(9 reviews)

17.6 km

Well maintained City Park. Great for families to enjoy a stroll, picnic, frisbee toss, etc...Thank…read moreyou City of Knoxville!

This is one of my favorite parks in all of Knoxville. First it's so big. The park has an amazing…read moreloop that's perfect if you're trying to do a few laps to get some miles in. It also has a trail that goes beside a pond and goes into a wooded area that's great if you're looking for a more serene experience. In addition there is a dog park and typically when I've been there the people are very chill which is not the same at other dog parks I've been to where some folks can be a little uptight. There's a large shelter - perfect for picnics - and large green fields which often hosts soccer games among other sports. Finally I don't have children but from what I can tell the playground looks fantastic - pretty new and updated very big and there's always a lot of kids playing at it. There's also a pretty large frisbee golf course. Victor Ashe has a little bit of everything for the whole family which is why I love it so much!

The top of a nice, fenced-in dog park.

Disc golfin it!

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Disc golf in motion! Beautiful 18 hole- award winning disc golf course!

Big Ridge State Park

3.8

(20 reviews)

25.9 km

This is a really nice state park. It has good trails for running/hiking. The camp ground has 2…read moreloops and is nice. One loop is on Norris lake and offers fishing and boating. There's also a small separate lake for non-motorized craft. You can rent kayaks or bring your own for a small fee. Note that the segregated lake does not permit inflatable craft. There are several picnic pavilions and tables throughout the park. The swimming area is nice and has a paved bottom that slopes in towards a platform for jumping off etc. the bottom of the swim area can be slippery. There are also cabins for rent that look nice though we didn't stay in one. It's about 45 minutes from Knoxville. It's worth a visit.

The park itself is amazing. Nice trails, nice views, nice swimming area, a playground, even saw…read moresome people fishing. Camping -- Cheap at about $35 after taxes for water and electric. Late arrivals are allowed which is hard to find sometimes. Camping area is not well marked, some people got lost and I helped them find the right area while I was camping here. You'll get to the big parking lot and then see some large brown trash dumpsters on the left, that's where the turn for camping is. That's also the only area I found to throw your camping trash. Bathrooms are very run down, but clean. Showers are cold even after waiting a few minutes hoping it would warm up. Lots of cigarette trash on the ground, especially around the bathrooms. Dogs are allowed, on leashes.

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Norris Paddling Adventures

(7 reviews)

13.4 km

We had a great experience renting a peddleboat! We weren't familiar with the area but the staff…read moreprovided great recommendations for coves to check out on the lake. He even recommended some hiking locations close to where we were staying. Very knowledgeable and definitely a highlight of our trip, would love to come back and try the other watercraft options!

We had so much fun kayaking. The owner runs a one-man show. He is super nice! Just park and walk…read moredown to the left side of the marina. He has a little awning to wait under and it may take a while if it is busy but it is worth it. $30 for two hours. Not too bad for Noris lake!

Owner & Guide John Marquis

Stand-up Paddle Board Race

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FUN in the Sun!

DICK'S Sporting Goods

3.3

(3 reviews)

15.2 km

I just want to recognize the great staff and great customer service at Dick's in Oak Ridge. I went…read morein to look for gifts for my 3 sons for Christmas. They greeted me, offered to help me, then assisted me with ordering the items since they live out of state. They were pleasant, helpful, patient and made sure I was fully satisfied. A special thank you to the assistant manager. She went over and beyond to make sure everything was done correctly.

The assistant manger of this store is completely unreliable and provides horrible customer service…read more I brought my son's bike here for a repair and was told it may take up to 3 weeks. After a month of not hearing anything, I returned to the store to find out they cannot get the part needed. I asked why I was not contacted, but no one took responsibility. Shortly after that, I brought a different bike in for repair, and it was a similar experience... the assistant manager said it'd be done at a certain time, no one called, and when I returned to the store it was sitting where we left it, not repaired. The assistant manager was not there at the time, and no one knew the status of the repair. I was told again they'd call me... No call. When I returned the next morning, they still didn't know the status of the bike. The actual bike repair guy was there, so thankfully he was able to finish fixing the bike. Again the assistant store manager had dropped the ball because no one knew the status of the repair. I will not return for a bike repair knowing what I know now. The assistant store manager is irresponsible and needs held accountable. Period.

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Soaky Mountain Waterpark

3.5

(91 reviews)

53.7 km

This place is awesome! Park was clean, lines weren't super long for any waterside, the wave pool…read morewas cool. It had bigger waves than I expected was was awesome. The lazy river was relaxing but also had waves come through which was really cool. I highly recommend this Waterpark!!!

The search when you walk in was so invasive. They had these young teenage girls rubbaging through…read moreour bags and pulling out private and personal items (I.e. underwear). It was very inappropriate and the girls gave a lot of disrespectful attitude. Then on the rides, the workers were shouting out our weights which was awful. For some, it was embarrassing and not nice. I've been at other places that require a weight check, but never were our weights shouted out. The rides were good but we will never go back.

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Tennova Health & Fitness Center

3.4

(19 reviews)

12.9 km

This is (was) a great fitness center. Good equipment, pools, saunas. Lately cell phone use in the…read morelocker rooms has become rampant. They post signs about this but do not enforce. They get some immature teens in the locker room and make people very uncomfortable. I will discuss with management tomorrow but buyer beware. One more time and I'm out. Went back after being away. The place is very dirty. Everywhere you look needs to be cleaned. I discussed with management. If not improved I'm gone. Covid 19 happened. Called to cancel and they said that no one was there to cancel my membership but when they reopened I could cancel. They charged my credit card in May -- didn't get any notice they reopened. Went there to cancel. They refused a refund and implied I would be charged for June due to their thirty day policy. All the pools were closed due to maintenance. You couldn't have done that while you were closed?? Don't do it.

Pool re-plastered; hot tub repaired...they inherited some problems when they bought this, but are…read moreworking through them....staff is friendly....no contract stuff....I only use the pool and have been more than satisfied!

Oak Ridge Outdoor Swim Pool

3.3

(4 reviews)

15.4 km

A very neat piece of Oak Ridge history. Oak Ridge,…read moreTennessee, was established during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project, a top-secret U.S. government program to develop atomic weapons. It was officially founded in 1942. At its peak during the war, Oak Ridge's population swelled to around 75,000 people. This remarkable growth was driven by the need for a large workforce to support the development of atomic weapons, particularly the uranium enrichment process taking place at the Oak Ridge facilities. The city was shrouded in secrecy during its early years, with its existence not widely known to the public. It played a critical role in the development of the atomic bomb, including the uranium enrichment work carried out at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. There were restaurants, stores, food halls, and recreational structures built to support the city. This pool was one of those structures. This is a historic pool. It was originally constructed in 1944 by the Corps of Engineers and underwent major renovation in 1992-1993. It was reopened in the summer of 1994. The pool is spring water-fed and considered one of the largest in the nation with depths ranging from zero to 13-1/2 feet. It is located between Providence Road and Highland Avenue. It was not open when I stopped by but there is a plaque that describes it's history. It is a massive pool and easy to see from the parking lot. Their website states that it, "...is in need of major repairs as it is leaking large amounts of water each day and does not meet current code requirements. The City has selected a consulting firm to facilitate a planning process and gather data on existing conditions as well as collect community input to determine next steps for the pool."

This pool is great family fun for all ages. A very large pool with a changing room with showers to…read moreshower off the chlorine before heading home or even just to warm up for a moment. This facility has a roomy kiddie pool with a mushroom shaped shower for the young ones to frolic through and more fountains as you enter the main pool area that cascade as you walk into the sloping beach-like larger kid area ( about 2 ft deep before reaching the buoy line barrier). As you pass the buoy barrier the decline in the pool continues to approximately 4ft before reaching the dock area; which always have 2 lifeguards constantly patrolling (and I do mean patrolling) for everyone's safety. You have a large grassy area to lie your towels down or set up a sport cover as long as it doesn't extend more that 10ft Sq. Multiple trash receptacles, that are constantly maintained and an ice cream station later in the afternoon. My family enjoys this establishment and will continue to do so.

Tennessee River Monsters - fishing - Updated August 2026

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4.3

(6 reviews)

Been fishing with captain Chad for 10 years straight. This is literally about the most fun you can…read morehave in life for the money! He always finds the fish. Have caught some absolute tanks! He is knowledgeable, professional, and always a pleasure to fish with! I look forward to our trip every year! HIGHLY recommend!

This captain, Chadwick Ferrell is AWESOME…read more We fished 5 hours on Ft Loudon Lake near the damn Caught at least 30 fish and 4 nice BIG stripers !!! I caught a MONSTER 25 lb Striper , the biggest Striper of my life and I also caught the first striper of my life on this trip, a 3lb fish! It was a GREAT, GREAT time!!! It was $300 for 5 hours and then with tip it was $360. Completely worth it and we will be fishing with him again!!!

Coal Creek Charters

(3 reviews)

What an amazing morning with Don, caught our limit of striper on our today's adventure. Thank you…read moreto my aunt and uncle for an awesome/amazing surprise adventure. He is so kind and was wonderful with my children.

this is my second trip this year with Don at cold creek charters, he is the best if you want to…read morecatch some big fish and have a fun time call Don. down to earth, plays good music, and has a great sense of humor..

Jay's Striper Guide Service

(2 reviews)

Went fishing with jay this morning and had a Great Day on the water. Actually caught 18 fish -…read morereleased all but 6. What a blast! Thank You Jay for a Wonderful and Fun Day.

My 15 year old son and I used Jay for some striper fishing in June 2020. I had met Jay at the…read moreSportsmen show in Cincinnati, OH and was impressed by his knowledge, friendliness, and prices. In the 6 months from when I booked to when I fished, Jay was very professional in returning calls and answering questions. Our fishing experience was equally impressive as we caught our limits both days. The bite was poor on the lake as most boats were catching few if any, fish. It was here Jay's experience and dedication to his customers shined. I could tell he knew his stuff as we were moving to different spots if there was no action. We caught huge fish and were limited out by 10am! On the second day Jay suspected the bite might be tougher. Jay strongly recommended we be on the lake fishing by 5am. I was so glad we agreed as we had our limit by 7:30am! We fished a little longer for catch and release but by 8:30am, the fish bite switch was turned off and we we effectively done. We were very lucky to have had Jay as our guide this past weekend! My son enjoyed Jay a lot as there was plenty of laughter and teaching on Jay's part. Most important to me was the fact we caught fish and my son had a memorable, positive fishing experience. We look forward to fishing with Jay next year again!

Norris Paddling Adventures

(7 reviews)

Sequoyah Marina

3.5

(11 reviews)

Just spent an amazing two days on the lake. We rented the 30' Pontoon boat from Sequoyah for both…read morethe 3rd and the 4th. This is a wonderful boat for cruising and just hanging out on the water of Norris Lake. With room for 15 adults this boat provides the perfect platform for entertains friends and family. After a day on the lake, let someone else do the cooking with dinner inside the Marina restaurant, or on the outdoor patio. Follow me on Yelp for more fun stuff to do in and around Knoxville.

One of the bigger nicer marinas at Norris lake. The staff at all the marinas are just the nicest…read moremost helpful people. Love this lake. It's so peaceful. We usually rent a boat for a few days ... not expert boat drivers. When we drive the boat up to all the marinas to get out or refuel they all are quick to help get us tied up to the dock and secured. All the employees have been friendly and get attitude. We have rents boats here but this time we were staying near another marina. They all are good to rent from ... I'd suggest you rent from the one near where you stay. the lake is huge so distance is a big factor.

Ski-Scuba

(5 reviews)

Reliable tune up on regulators and BC and reasonably priced. You do need to check up on work to…read morekeep the ball rolling though.

Great people and a great scuba center .... Great value for your adventures !!!! Highly recommend…read morethis place for anyone who is interested in diving

Cedar Grove Marina & Campground

3.3

(6 reviews)

We had to give a 1 star review because zero stars was not an option. We rented 2 ski boats 4 months…read morein advance & paid a deposit. We called 2 months out to confirm they were still operating during Covid. They said they were fully operational. When we arrived, after driving 6 hrs, they had lost our reservation and said they did not have boats for us. They finally gave us one run down speed boat - only 2 years old and trashed inside and most gauges did not work- and one pontoon which we had to swap out for a different pontoon -also had multiple gauges not working- as we went to leave since they decided they wanted to work on that one. They gave us a discounted rate ONLY because we negotiated. They had no intent to make up for their loss of our reservation and giving us 2 poor boats. Two days into our trip, the speed boat broke down and was no longer useable. After they hauled the speed boat away, we went to the marina to pick up a Tritoon - the telescoping tow tower would not extend to the tow position. Had we not come to pick it up ourselves, we would have missed a complete other day boating. When we arrived to pick up the Tritoon, they still needed to clean it out, inspect it, and gas it up. When we returned the boats at the end of our trip, we attempted to renegotiate the price since the price we had agreed upon was for 1 speed boat for 4 days and 1 pontoon for 4 days, but we only had the speed boat for 2 days since it broke down. The manager, Tobi, finally said by her power she could give us $100 off and would talk to the owners the following week to see about a refund on top of the $100. We called Tobi back the following week as she instructed; she preceding to not remember our case and that the owners denied even giving us the $100 refund.

I love this place. The people are nice and friendly and the boat was in great condition. We rented…read morea houseboat and a pontoon boat. This is our second time renting from them and we had great experiences both times. We're definitely coming back here!

On Board Watersports

I can't rave enough about On Board Watersports! Ben makes my birthday trip to Norris Lake fun, safe…read moreand memorable each year! Not only does he help my friends who have never surfed before, but he helps me get better, lets us DJ, keeps us safe and makes sure we all have a fun and successful day on the lake! Riley and Liz are the best too! Highly recommend On Board Watersports! Thank you Ben!

Marine Outboard Specialties

Eric is a very good and competent Mechanic. He replaced my water pump quickly. Friendly,…read moreprofessional and efficient service at a fair price. Would recommend to anyone needng outboard service. Thanks Eric

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