Tennessee State Parks offers engaging, relevant, and interactive educational experiences. Discover more about learning with a Ranger -- in a park or in a classroom!

Starting January 1, 2023, Norris Dam State Park will launch the "Norris Dam 87-Mile Challenge." The 87 comes for the 87th anniversary of Norris Dam. This healthy initiative encourages park visitors to get out and explore their park and public lands. Throughout 2023, participants are challenged to attend ranger-led hikes or simply enjoy the outdoors on their own time. The program entails park visitors hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, or paddling on the trails and waterways at Norris Dam State Park, TVA Norris Dam trails, and Norris Watershed trails. It is not about completing all the trails but focusing on encouraging visitors to get outside, enjoy a healthy lifestyle and complete the challenge based on their own abilities. This year-long challenge is completely up to each individual person. Many visitors enjoy the flat scenic stroll of the TVA Songbird Trail, while others enjoy the technical mountain bike trails. Participants can also earn miles by volunteering at the park. Each volunteer hour completed will be the equivalent of 2-miles. Monthly ranger-led healthy hikes and volunteer opportunities will be offered throughout the year Participants can download this activity log to record their miles/volunteer hours throughout the year. Activity logs are also available in the park office. Completed activity log sheets can be tuned in at the park office, located at 125 Village Green Circle, Rocky Top, TN 37769. Let your adventures begin!

Mountain biking is allowed on 11 trails, covering approximately 22 miles. These are multi-use trails. Maps are available online and a hiking/biking trail brochure may be purchased at the 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. 

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.

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.