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- Norris Dam State Park - Rocky Top, TN - Tennessee State Parks
Norris Dam State Park - Rocky Top, TN - Tennessee State Parks
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Norris Dam State Park
Overall rating
4.6
Campground Appeal
5.0
Customer Service
4.0
Planned Activities
3.0
Location
5.0
Amenities
5.0
Site Set-up
5.0
Cleanliness
5.0
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Welcome to Norris Dam State Park
Located on the shores of Norris Lake with more than 800 miles of shoreline, Norris Dam State Park offers recreational boating, skiing, and fishing. The park offers a fully equipped marina with boat ramp available to the general public. House boats and pontoon boats are available for rent along with other types of boats. For boat information contact Norris Dam Marina at 865-494-8138. Norris Dam State Park sits on more than 4,000 acres located on Norris Reservoir. The park has 19 historic CCC cabins and 10 deluxe cabins. The historic cabins were originally constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All are located in quiet, wooded settings and are equipped with electrical appliances, cooking utensils and linens. The park has two campgrounds. The east campground has 25 sites with water and electric hook-up and 10 primitive sites for tents only; the west campground has 50 sites with water and electric hook-up. All of the sites have a table, grill and fire pit. The Lenoir Museum has a diverse collection of many artifacts which depict life in Southern Appalachia from 12,000 years ago to present day. The Rice Gristmill, originally constructed in 1798 in Union County, was dismantled and rebuilt on Clear Creek in 1935. The Caleb Crosby Threshing Barn was originally built on the Holston River in the 1830s and relocated to its present site in 1978. It displays old farm tools, plows and a horse drawn wagon. Norris Dam State Park has two meeting rooms located in the west section on the park that can accommodate 10 to 75 people. These meeting rooms can be reserved up to one year in advance. The Tea Room is also a very popular venue for weddings, reunions and receptions. For more information, please contact the park office at 865-426-7461 or toll free at 1-800-543-9335. Nearby attractions include the Museum of Appalachia. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum portrays an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village and offers cultural and historic exhibits as well as a home-style restaurant. Also nearby is Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Amenities
Within Facility
CAMPING
Rates: $10.50 — $24
Taxes and fees are not included. Rates subject to change. $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable.
The park has two campgrounds. A dump station is located at each campground. All sites have a table, grill and fire pit. A bathhouse is centrally located in each campground, open during the in-season. A laundromat is located next to the park office, open seasonally. The maximum stay during in-season is 14 nights, and during off-season is 28 nights.
The east side has 25 sites with water and electric hook-up and 10 primitive sites for tents only, with no water and electric hook-up. The west side has 50 sites with water and electric hook-up. The west side also has three paved sites suitable for persons with disabilities. If reserved, proper identification will be required upon check-in.
STANDARD CABINS
Rates: $120 — $140
Taxes and fees are not included. Rates subject to change. $5 reservation fee per cabin is non-refundable. $10 cancellation fee per cabin applies.
These ten cabins have three bedrooms, each with a double bed, one bathroom, living room combined with dining area and kitchen. Amenities include a microwave, color television with local channels, gas fireplace during winter months and central heat and air. All cooking/eating utensils and linens are provided. Cabins do not have telephones.
Each cabin has a small porch, picnic table, grill and fire pit. The maximum occupancy per cabin is six, including children. No pets are allowed in cabins or in cabin area except in the two designated pet friendly standard cabins. A cabin allowing pets must be requested at the time of reservation. There is a $18 surcharge per pet, per night. Open year round.
PAVILIONS
Rates: $100
Taxes and fees are not included. Rates subject to change.
Norris Dam State Park has two picnic shelters/pavilions. Both shelters are equipped with picnic tables, grill and access to restrooms. Shelter 1 can accommodate 40 people and is first come, first serve. Shelter 2 can accommodate 80 people and may be reserved.
Full day shelter reservations may be made online or by calling the park. Picnic shelters or pavilions may be reserved online up to one year in advance with a paid reservation fee. There is a $3 cancellation fee for picnic shelter or pavilion reservations cancelled 8 days or more in advance of the reserved date. Reservations cancelled 7 days or less in advance of the reserved date forfeit all paid fees.
SWIMMING
The pool opens for the 2017 season on Saturday, May 27.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Monday and Tuesday: Closed (except for holiday weeks)
Note: The pool will be open Memorial Day Monday, May 30 and Monday, July 4. These two holiday weeks, the pool will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
ADMISSION
$5 per person ages three and older
$3 for park campers and cabin guests
Pool passes are $140 and are good for 40 total visits.
GENERAL INFO
Lounge chairs are available and there are several picnic tables nearby. Bring your swimsuits and swim trunks, towels, sunscreen and have fun! Children age three and younger MUST wear the Little Swimmer pants at all times anywhere beyond the gate (includes ramp to deck, deck and in pools). There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule!
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.
Caleb Crosby Threshing Barn
Oxen once generated the threshing machine inside the main building. The barn stood for about 100 years along the north side of the Holston River. The land was to be flooded by the building of Cherokee Dam, so the family donated the barn to the National Park Service. The barn remained there dismantled for 34 years. In 1978, the barn was reconstructed at its present site.
18th Century Rice Grist Mill
Originally constructed in 1798 along Lost Creek, this mill was operated by four generations of the Rice family. The mill has had many changes throughout its history. At times, the mill was also rigged to power a sawmill, a cotton gin, a trip hammer and even to operate a dynamo that supplied electrical lights for the Rice home in 1899.
Will G. and Helen H. Lenoir Museum
Will G. Lenoir donated much of the contents of the Museum to the State of Tennessee for permanent display. Mr. Lenoir collected for more than 60 years with a desire that the rapidly changing times not wipe out an appreciation of the hard work and ingenuity that were a part of the everyday life that was disappearing. It was not only the item, but also the stories of the people behind them he cared about. Mr. Lenoir enjoyed sharing his stories with Museum visitors until his death at 97.
Antique Barrel Organ
When you visit the Lenoir Museum, make sure and get a close look at this antique barrel organ. During restoration, a German newspaper dated 1826 was found inside. The organ plays ten different tunes with 110 wood pipes to make the music. Also, with the turning of one hand crank, four stages of figures perform. In all, 44 figures are in action. These figures include dancers dancing, a clown clowning, foot soldiers marching, a woman churning butter and a blacksmith hard at work.
Annual Events - View our event calendar for details.
March/April - Spring Wildflower Hikes: Each spring, park staff lead trail hikes along the cool Clinch River, on one of the most diverse pathways of wildflower concentrations in the region.
October - Pickin' in the Park: Get your toes tapping with old time bluegrass bands at the park’s outdoor amphitheater. Free. Food and drink available.
October - Fall Color Pontoon Boat Trips: 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 lasts 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.
December - Holiday Homecoming: This annual event is a family favorite. Walk through time discovering old time traditions representing Tennessee Holiday Homecomings. Local groups and communities help create a winter villiage of festivities. Activities include live animal demonstrations, historical depictions of Appalachian life, horse-drawn wagon rides, old-time music, and holiday treats.
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.
BIRDING
Waterfowl, Osprey and Eagles frequent the lake and the forests harbor great numbers of migratory birds in the spring and fall.
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.
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
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.
Rates: $10.50 — $24
Taxes and fees are not included. Rates subject to change. $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable.
The park has two campgrounds. A dump station is located at each campground. All sites have a table, grill and fire pit. A bathhouse is centrally located in each campground, open during the in-season. A laundromat is located next to the park office, open seasonally. The maximum stay during in-season is 14 nights, and during off-season is 28 nights.
The east side has 25 sites with water and electric hook-up and 10 primitive sites for tents only, with no water and electric hook-up. The west side has 50 sites with water and electric hook-up. The west side also has three paved sites suitable for persons with disabilities. If reserved, proper identification will be required upon check-in.
STANDARD CABINS
Rates: $120 — $140
Taxes and fees are not included. Rates subject to change. $5 reservation fee per cabin is non-refundable. $10 cancellation fee per cabin applies.
These ten cabins have three bedrooms, each with a double bed, one bathroom, living room combined with dining area and kitchen. Amenities include a microwave, color television with local channels, gas fireplace during winter months and central heat and air. All cooking/eating utensils and linens are provided. Cabins do not have telephones.
Each cabin has a small porch, picnic table, grill and fire pit. The maximum occupancy per cabin is six, including children. No pets are allowed in cabins or in cabin area except in the two designated pet friendly standard cabins. A cabin allowing pets must be requested at the time of reservation. There is a $18 surcharge per pet, per night. Open year round.
PAVILIONS
Rates: $100
Taxes and fees are not included. Rates subject to change.
Norris Dam State Park has two picnic shelters/pavilions. Both shelters are equipped with picnic tables, grill and access to restrooms. Shelter 1 can accommodate 40 people and is first come, first serve. Shelter 2 can accommodate 80 people and may be reserved.
Full day shelter reservations may be made online or by calling the park. Picnic shelters or pavilions may be reserved online up to one year in advance with a paid reservation fee. There is a $3 cancellation fee for picnic shelter or pavilion reservations cancelled 8 days or more in advance of the reserved date. Reservations cancelled 7 days or less in advance of the reserved date forfeit all paid fees.
SWIMMING
The pool opens for the 2017 season on Saturday, May 27.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Monday and Tuesday: Closed (except for holiday weeks)
Note: The pool will be open Memorial Day Monday, May 30 and Monday, July 4. These two holiday weeks, the pool will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
ADMISSION
$5 per person ages three and older
$3 for park campers and cabin guests
Pool passes are $140 and are good for 40 total visits.
GENERAL INFO
Lounge chairs are available and there are several picnic tables nearby. Bring your swimsuits and swim trunks, towels, sunscreen and have fun! Children age three and younger MUST wear the Little Swimmer pants at all times anywhere beyond the gate (includes ramp to deck, deck and in pools). There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule!
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.
Caleb Crosby Threshing Barn
Oxen once generated the threshing machine inside the main building. The barn stood for about 100 years along the north side of the Holston River. The land was to be flooded by the building of Cherokee Dam, so the family donated the barn to the National Park Service. The barn remained there dismantled for 34 years. In 1978, the barn was reconstructed at its present site.
18th Century Rice Grist Mill
Originally constructed in 1798 along Lost Creek, this mill was operated by four generations of the Rice family. The mill has had many changes throughout its history. At times, the mill was also rigged to power a sawmill, a cotton gin, a trip hammer and even to operate a dynamo that supplied electrical lights for the Rice home in 1899.
Will G. and Helen H. Lenoir Museum
Will G. Lenoir donated much of the contents of the Museum to the State of Tennessee for permanent display. Mr. Lenoir collected for more than 60 years with a desire that the rapidly changing times not wipe out an appreciation of the hard work and ingenuity that were a part of the everyday life that was disappearing. It was not only the item, but also the stories of the people behind them he cared about. Mr. Lenoir enjoyed sharing his stories with Museum visitors until his death at 97.
Antique Barrel Organ
When you visit the Lenoir Museum, make sure and get a close look at this antique barrel organ. During restoration, a German newspaper dated 1826 was found inside. The organ plays ten different tunes with 110 wood pipes to make the music. Also, with the turning of one hand crank, four stages of figures perform. In all, 44 figures are in action. These figures include dancers dancing, a clown clowning, foot soldiers marching, a woman churning butter and a blacksmith hard at work.
Annual Events - View our event calendar for details.
March/April - Spring Wildflower Hikes: Each spring, park staff lead trail hikes along the cool Clinch River, on one of the most diverse pathways of wildflower concentrations in the region.
October - Pickin' in the Park: Get your toes tapping with old time bluegrass bands at the park’s outdoor amphitheater. Free. Food and drink available.
October - Fall Color Pontoon Boat Trips: 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 lasts 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.
December - Holiday Homecoming: This annual event is a family favorite. Walk through time discovering old time traditions representing Tennessee Holiday Homecomings. Local groups and communities help create a winter villiage of festivities. Activities include live animal demonstrations, historical depictions of Appalachian life, horse-drawn wagon rides, old-time music, and holiday treats.
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.
BIRDING
Waterfowl, Osprey and Eagles frequent the lake and the forests harbor great numbers of migratory birds in the spring and fall.
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.
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
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.
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