THE BATHOUSE IS OPEN!
GREAT NEWS! The bathhouse at Norris Dam State Park is now OPEN. The bathhouse has heat and air conditioning, so its ready no matter what Mother Nature throws.
Activities
Interpretive Programs and Events
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.
Boating
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.
Swimming
The pool opens for the 2018 season on Saturday, May 26. For prices, hours and other info, click below.
Hiking
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.
Andrews Ridge Trail — 1.8 Miles — Natural Surface — Moderate— CLICK HERE for trail description
Rock Creek Trail — 1.2 Miles — Natural Surface — Moderate to Difficult— CLICK HERE for trail description
Sinkhole Trail — 0.8 Miles — Natural Surface — Easy to Moderate— CLICK HERE for trail description
Hootin Hollow Trail — 1.1 Miles — Natural Surface — Easy to Moderate— CLICK HERE for trail description
Tennis Court Trail — 0.3 Miles — Natural Surface — Easy— CLICK HERE for trail description
Harmon Loop — 0.4 Miles — Natural Surface — Easy to Moderate— CLICK HERE for trail description
Fitness Trail — 0.9 Miles — Natural Surface — Easy to Moderate— CLICK HERE for trail description
Marine Railway Loop — 4.3 Miles — Natural Surface — Difficult— CLICK HERE for trail description
Lakeside Trail — 0.4 Miles — Natural Surface — Easy— CLICK HERE for trail description
Christmas Fern Trail — 0.5 Miles — Natural Surface — Easy— CLICK HERE for trail description
Tall Timbers Trail — 0.4 Miles — Natural Surface — Easy— CLICK HERE for trail description
Camp Sam Trail — 1.1 Miles — Natural Surface — Moderate— CLICK HERE for trail description
High Point Trail — 2.7 Miles — Natural Surface — Moderate to Difficult— CLICK HERE for trail description
Lakeview Trail — 4.9 Miles — Natural Surface — Moderate to Difficult— CLICK HERE for trail description
Lakeside Loop — 2.4 Miles — Natural Surface — Moderate— CLICK HERE for trail description
Elkins Trail— 1.9 Miles (One Way) — Natural Surface — Moderate— CLICK HERE for trail description
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Fishing
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.
Birding
Waterfowl, Osprey and Eagles frequent the lake and the forests harbor great numbers of migratory birds in the spring and fall.
Horseback Riding
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.