There are plenty of remote areas in Tennessee’s expansive wilderness, mainly because the state government has done quite a bit of work preserving the beauty of the local wilderness. You will find a myriad of places to take a dip, to hike through the mountains, or to simply observe the beauty of the state’s local wildlife. Chilhowee Lake is located a solid 40 miles south of Knoxville, Tennessee, and it is perhaps one of the least-known and most remote places to enjoy a day in Tennessee. If you’re seeking a quiet region for a peaceful kayaking trip or hike, then this may be your spot.

Jacob Ian Wall - Flickr Chilhowee Lake is a quiet, peaceful lake on the eastern edge of Tennessee that provides a natural boundary between the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The man-made reservoir is shallow and a mere 10 miles in its entirety, narrow and twisting.

Dread Pirate Jeff - Flickr The reservoir was created after the impounding of the Little Tennessee River in 1957. The resulting lake has become a fisherman’s dream, with largemouth bass, crappie, trout, and walleye making up just a small percentage of the lake’s fish population. Trout are also stocked annually.

Dread Pirate Jeff - Flickr You can utilize one of three public boat ramps, and if you’re a paddler you should check out the Chota Memorial Site, an honorary memorial that recognizes the seven local Cherokee clans and their national importance. You can also paddle down to Abrams Creek!

Jeremy - Flickr There are not many lodging opportunities in the area, though you can take advantage of nearby campgrounds. Robbinsville, North Carolina is perhaps the closest spot to find more modern lodgings. Otherwise, expect a little bit of dirt and a whole lot of fun as you explore the 1,747-acre reservoir.

Dread Pirate Jeff - Flickr Expect calm, cool waters, and kind locals. Chilhowee Lake is hidden away but is considered to be one of the best lakes in the Volunteer State.

Frank Kehren - Flickr Have you been to Chilhowee Lake? Will you be planning a trip? If you’re in the Knoxville region you may want to plan a trip to this hidden gem!

You can learn more about Chilhowee Lake with a little help from the city of Knoxville. Make sure you pack the necessary requirements for a safe day out in the sun and get ready to make some sweet memories in the heart of Tennessee.

Jacob Ian Wall - Flickr

Chilhowee Lake is a quiet, peaceful lake on the eastern edge of Tennessee that provides a natural boundary between the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The man-made reservoir is shallow and a mere 10 miles in its entirety, narrow and twisting.

Dread Pirate Jeff - Flickr

The reservoir was created after the impounding of the Little Tennessee River in 1957. The resulting lake has become a fisherman’s dream, with largemouth bass, crappie, trout, and walleye making up just a small percentage of the lake’s fish population. Trout are also stocked annually.

You can utilize one of three public boat ramps, and if you’re a paddler you should check out the Chota Memorial Site, an honorary memorial that recognizes the seven local Cherokee clans and their national importance. You can also paddle down to Abrams Creek!

Jeremy - Flickr

There are not many lodging opportunities in the area, though you can take advantage of nearby campgrounds. Robbinsville, North Carolina is perhaps the closest spot to find more modern lodgings. Otherwise, expect a little bit of dirt and a whole lot of fun as you explore the 1,747-acre reservoir.

Expect calm, cool waters, and kind locals. Chilhowee Lake is hidden away but is considered to be one of the best lakes in the Volunteer State.

Frank Kehren - Flickr

Have you been to Chilhowee Lake? Will you be planning a trip? If you’re in the Knoxville region you may want to plan a trip to this hidden gem!

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Address: Chilhowee Lake, Tennessee, USA