Construction of Norris Dam began in 1933, just a few months after the creation of TVA, and was completed in 1936. It has two generating units with a summer net dependable capacity of 126 megawatts. The reservoir area also helped form the backbone of the Tennessee state park system.
Norris Reservoir in east Tennessee extends 73 miles up the Clinch River and 56 miles up the Powell from Norris Dam. It was the first dam TVA built and is named for Senator George Norris of Nebraska, author of the legislation that created TVA.
Norris is a popular tourist and recreation destination. In the 1930s, TVA established demonstration public parks at several locations on Norris Reservoir, including Cove Lake, Big Ridge, and the area around Norris Dam. These parks later became the nucleus of Tennessee's state park system.
Norris features numerous hiking trails. The River Bluff Trail is the longest at 3.1 miles and offers rich pockets of wildflowers. The Songbird Trail is, as the name suggests, a popular area for birding. The Loyston Point trail system is a must-ride destination for mountain bikers.
Water sports at Norris include boating, water skiing, swimming, and excellent fishing. The Tennessee state record brown trout was caught in the Clinch River below Norris Dam.
Learn about TVA's history, the generating facility, and the benefits of TVA's activities to you. View maps of the Tennessee River and tributaries that allow us to provide power, support economic development, and protect natural resources for the 10 million people we serve. You can also talk with TVA retirees about their service and ask questions about what it means to you.
Open the first weekend of April to the last weekend before Thanksgiving in November from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Closed on federal holidays. The restroom is always open, even if the center is closed.
The center is located at 1810 Norris Fwy, Norris, TN 37828 (Google directions).
From Knoxville, Tenn.: Go north on Interstate 75 and take exit 122.