Summer Programs

During the summer months, park rangers and seasonal interpretive rangers present a vaiety of programs guided hikes. A weekly schedule is available at the park office. Learm more about these programs. During other times of the year, many of these programs are available and can be presented with advanced scheduling through the Park Interpretive Specialist.

This 4,038-acre park, located on the Norris Reservoir, began in 1933 as the first Tennessee Valley Authority project. Miles of trails lead hikers through deeply forested valleys and ridges. Many other attractions await your finding at Norris Dam State Park.

Boating/Marina

Located on the shores of Norris Lake with 700 miles of shoreline, one of the most picturesque reservoirs in the TVA system, this park offers the ultimate in boating, skiing and fishing fun. The park offers a fully equipped marina, a boat ramp available to the general public, and pontoon boats available for rent.

A large, completely equipped commercial marina is located near the dam.

For more information: 865-494-8138

Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)

Camping

Sites available to persons with a disability

The park has two camping areas with 25 sites in the east section and 50 sites in the west section of the park. Sites have tables, grills and electrical and water hookups, while some sites in the east primitive section lack these facilities. Modern bathhouses and dump stations are provided, and a laundromat is located near the park Village Green Complex adjacent to the pool and recreation center. Sites are available only on a first-come, first-serve basis, and maximum stay limit is two weeks. A primitive camping area is available to scout and other youth groups by reservation only.

Laundry facilities are available and the cost is $1.00 to wash and $1.00 to dry.

Events and Programs

Programs

View Programs at this park

Events

March 31 & April 7- Spring Wildflower Hikes
Join State Park and TVA staff for guided hikes along the cool Clinch River, one of the most diverse pathways of wildflower concentrations in the region. Hikes will begin both days at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET at the River Bluff trailhead and 2 p.m. ET at the Lower Clear Creek trailhead, located at the Rice’s Gristmill. Free to all. Registration not required. For more information contact Ranger Mike Scott at the Norris Dam State Park office at 865-426-7461.

Oct. 5 - Pickin' in the Park
Join us as we listen to some old time bluegrass bands at the park’s outdoor amphitheater. Free. Food and drink available.

Oct. 13 - 28 - Fall Color Pontoon Boat Trips
Trips daily at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.ET. Each year nature displays a spectacular array of fall colors. Join us as we venture along the shores of Norris Lake via pontoon boat ride and view this beautiful display of nature’s artistry. Each boat ride will last approximately one hour and will depart from the Norris Dam Marina. Park Rangers will narrate your trip with tree identification and park history. Registration is required by contacting the park office after Labor Day to sign up for a trip. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under six years old. If inclement weather prevails at the time of the boat departure, then trip will be cancelled. For more information contact Ranger Mike Scott the park office at 865-426-7461.

Dec. 8 - Holiday Homecoming
Join us for a walk through time discovering old time traditions representing Tennessee Holiday Homecomings in the local region. Celebrations will take place on the east side of the park as our rustic cabin area transforms into a winter village of festivities for the holiday season. The community and local organizations will be participating in holiday activities that will include; live animal demonstrations, historical depiction of Appalachian life, horse-drawn wagon rides, old-time music, and holiday treats.

Fishing

For information on fishing guide service, call: 865-494-8138

Trout fishing at its best!
Lake and river fishing available with catches of Brown and Rainbow trout, striper bass, small and largemouth bass, walleye, and crappie abundant. Fishing guide service is available. Contact the park marina for more information.

Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies

Friends Group

Click here to visit the Friends of Norris Dam State Park Web site.

Hiking Trails

Many miles of woodland trails meander throughout the park and adjacent lands, providing spectacular views of Norris Lake and its surrounding hills and valleys. Hiking trails are open year round.

Picnic Facilities

Picnic areas are available on both the east and west sections. Each area is equipped with tables and grills, with playground and restrooms nearby.

There are two large picnic pavilions for larger gatherings. Pavilion #1 is offered free on a first-come, first-serve basis and pavilion #2 may be reserved up to a year in advance and accommodates up to 100 people. Pavilions are equipped with grills and water spigots.

Swimming

All park public pools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, except Holiday weeks. Please call the park for those schedules. Pool is open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. through the summer. Cabin and camping guests will pay half price for admission to the pool. Season passes will be available.

Lenoir Museum

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 also include Appalachian artifacts, a pre-dam pictorial account of the area submerged by the lake. The Museum has at times been referred to as a 'mini-Smithsonian'.

More about the museum, including photos.

Tours available by request. For more information: 865-494-9688

Read about more of the special attractions at this park, including the Caleb Crosby Threshing Barn, an 18th Century Rice Grist Mill, an antique barrel organ and more!

Other Activities

Tennis Courts (3)
Badminton
Basketball
Horseshoes
Playground
Volleyball

The park recreation center is located at the Village Green Complex. Badminton, volleyball, basketball and many other activities are available to park visitors. Equipment may be checked out at the park office. Hours equipment is available is 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome at the park.