Norris Dam State Park

The Lenoir Museum Cultural Complex is a must-see for park visitors. The complex includes the Lenoir Pioneer Museum, an 18th Century Rice Grist Mill and Crosby Threshing Barn. Exhibits include Appalachian artifacts and a pre-dam pictorial account of the area submerged by the lake. Tours available by request. 

Located on the shores of Norris Lake, the park offers recreational boating, skiing and fishing. A large, fully equipped commercial marina is located near the dam. The marina has a boat ramp and offers boat rentals including pontoon and house boats. For more information including guide services please call the marina at 865-494-8138.

The pool opens for the 2018 season on Saturday, May 26. For prices, hours and other info, click below.

The park has fifteen trails. They range in length from .5 mile to 5 miles and vary in degrees of difficulty from easy to difficult. These trails traverse ridge tops, valleys, hollows, and the lakeshore. Mountain biking and equestrian use is available on designated trails. Trail maps are available at the park office. 

Norris Dam is a 34,000-acre flood control impoundment on the Clinch River and provides excellent opportunities for fishing. Anglers may expect catches for Largemouth, Spotted and Smallmouth Bass. The lake is popular for the large size of Smallmouth Bass caught. The lake is stocked annually with Walleye and Striped Bass. Striped Bass regularly reach sizes of 25 pounds and larger.

The cold tailwater of the Clinch River continues below Norris Dam. Wading for fish during non-generation periods is very productive for Rainbow, Brook and Brown Trout. Bigger trout are often taken by boat during generation periods.

Waterfowl, osprey and eagles frequent the lake and the forests harbor great numbers of migratory birds in the spring and fall. For more park and nearby birding locations, VIEW FLYER.

Norris Dam State Park shares a boundary with the City of Norris. The following trails, located on the east side, are open for equestrian use: Camp Sam, Lake View Trail, Lakeside Loop, and Highpoint Trail.