Tennessee: where rivers meet stunning landscapes.
Ever considered paddling among vibrant fall foliage or beside historic landmarks?
The best places to paddle board in Tennessee are waiting for you.
Embark on a journey to explore Tennessee’s picturesque waterways. Ready to set sail?
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Tennessee
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Norris Lake
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Anderson County Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear water, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, bluegill, catfish, deer on shoreline
- 🏞️️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Rolling hills, wooded shores
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of boat traffic, adhere to designated zones
Norris Lake, located in East Tennessee, offers over 800 miles of shoreline for paddle boarders to explore. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush forest, it provides the perfect setting for a peaceful paddleboarding experience.
Enjoy the calm waters and scenic views as you glide along the lake’s pristine shores, discovering hidden coves and inlets.
#2 Percy Priest Lake
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Anderson Road Recreation Area (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mostly calm waters, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, crappie, catfish, waterfowl
- 🏞️️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Limestone cliffs, wooded shores
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats and other watercraft, follow local regulations
Located just outside Nashville, Percy Priest Lake is a popular paddleboarding destination that offers over 200 miles of shoreline to explore. The lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs and wooded shores, making it a beautiful and tranquil location for a day on the water.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as waterfowl and various fish species, as you explore the lake’s numerous coves and inlets.
#3 Tennessee River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Riverpark Boat Dock, Chattanooga (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, mild winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, herons, osprey
- 🏞️️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Downtown Chattanooga, riverfront parks
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of boat traffic, respect local regulations
The Tennessee River flows through the heart of Chattanooga, offering a unique urban paddleboarding experience. Paddlers can enjoy views of downtown Chattanooga and the city’s riverfront parks while exploring the meandering waterway.
With a gentle current and sheltered shoreline, the Tennessee River provides a relaxing and scenic paddleboarding adventure for all skill levels.
#4 Chickamauga Lake
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Chester Frost Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, crappie, bluegill, herons
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooded shoreline, islands, lakefront homes
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats, follow local regulations
Chickamauga Lake is situated in Southeast Tennessee and offers miles of beautiful shoreline for paddleboarders. The lake’s calm waters and scenic views of wooded shores, islands, and lakefront homes make it an idyllic location for a leisurely paddle.
Explore the numerous inlets and coves, and keep an eye out for various wildlife species, including several types of fish and herons.
#5 Old Hickory Lake
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Rockland Recreation Area (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, turtles
- 🏞️️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Wooded shoreline, rolling hills
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats, follow local regulations
Old Hickory Lake, just northeast of Nashville, offers a serene environment for paddleboarders. The calm waters, framed by wooded shoreline and rolling hills, set the scene for a peaceful day on the water.
Enjoy exploring the numerous coves and inlets, appreciating the beauty of this tranquil lake.
#6 Reelfoot Lake
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Reelfoot Lake State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm water, wind can pick up in afternoons
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bluegill, crappie, catfish, variety of bird species
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Cypress trees, aquatic vegetation
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of submerged tree stumps, follow local regulations
Located in the northwest corner of Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake provides a unique paddleboaring experience. Known for its cypress trees and abundant aquatic vegetation, this shallow lake offers a distinct landscape to explore.
As you glide through the calm waters, keep an eye out for the many bird species that call the lake home, as well as various fish species.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Tennessee?
Popular paddle boarding spots in Tennessee include the Tennessee River, Percy Priest Lake, and the Tellico River.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Tennessee?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Tennessee.
When is the best time to paddle board in Tennessee?
The best time to paddle board in Tennessee is typically during the late spring to early fall when weather conditions are warmer.
