TVA Visitor Centers

Enjoy breathtaking views of the dam and mountains just steps away from the Appalachian Trail. Standing 480 feet high, Fontana Dam is the tallest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s construction during World War II was critical to the war effort and a feat of hard work and engineering. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest surround Fontana, making it a popular destination.

Address:
Located at Fontana Dam, NC 28733 off N.C. Highway 28 or County Road 1245 (Google directions)

Hours:
Open from the first weekend of April to the last weekend of October. From April to August, the center is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from September to October, it's open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on federal holidays. The restroom is closed from the first of November through the end of March. Hikers' showers are open year-round.

Recreation:
Lake levels
Nantahala National Forest
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Fontana Village
Tail of the Dragon, Highway 129
Cherokee, NC – Home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Kentucky Dam stretches 1.5 miles across the Tennessee River, just 22 miles from the confluence with the Ohio River. It is TVA’s largest dam and the last step in providing river navigation for 652 miles from Paducah, Kentucky, to Knoxville, Tennessee. More than 35 million tons of freight pass through the Kentucky Lock each year. The reservoir welcomes boaters and anglers, with numerous state and national public recreation areas on the shores.

Address:
640 Kentucky Dam Rd., Grand Rivers, KY 42045 (Google directions)

Hours: Open first weekend of April to the last Sunday in October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on federal holidays. The restroom is closed first of December through the end of March. Anglers restrooms open year-round.

Recreation:
Lake levels
Water trail guide
Land Between the Lakes
Eagle watching

Construction of Norris Dam on the Clinch River began in 1933, just months after the creation of TVA. A dam of many firsts, Norris Dam continues to provide power to the grid and play a critical role in flood control. Learn about the dam and reservoir, enjoy the nearby trails or spend some time fishing on the Clinch River.

Address:
1810 Norris Hwy., Norris, TN 37828 (Google directions)

Hours:

The center is open from April 5 to November 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. It is closed on federal holidays. The restroom is always open, even if the center is closed.

Recreation:
Lake levels
Recreation release schedule
Norris Dam State Park
Museum of Appalachia

TVA Trails:
Hemlock Bluff, 2.5 miles, moderate
Loyston Point, 23.4 miles, moderate, biking, running or hiking
River Bluff, 3.2 miles, moderate
Songbird, 2 miles, easy

Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Plant is TVA’s largest hydroelectric facility. Working like a giant battery, water is pumped from Nickajack Reservoir when demand for power is low. That water is then released during periods of high demand, generating up to 1,600 megawatts. Enjoy spectacular views of the Tennessee River gorge from the overlook or explore the 30 miles of biking and hiking trails available.

Address:
TVA Access Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37419 (Google directions)

Hours:
The Raccoon Mountain visitors center is open year-round except for major holidays and extreme weather conditions. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April through October and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from November through May.

Recreation:
TVA trails, 28.3 miles total, easy to difficult
Water trail guide
Visit Chattanooga
Nickajack Dam

Construction of Douglas Dam set a record for construction, completed in just 12 months and 17 days. Its completion was critical to World War II efforts to power manufacturing. Located on the French Broad River, Douglas Dam welcomes visitors to enjoy a host of recreational opportunities, including picnicking, swimming, camping, boating and fishing.

Located on the South Holston River, Fort Patrick Henry Dam provides energy and regulates the flow of water on the river. Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbow trout, bluegill, bass and crappie. Enjoy additional recreational opportunities at Warrior’s Path State Park.

The reservoir attracts anglers from across the Southeast, with crappie, bass and bluegill. Below Guntersville Dam, you will find several hiking trails and can enjoy caving. TVA’s river navigation center helped turn Guntersville into a major inland port.

Melton Hill Dam on the Clinch River features year-round camping, sheltered picnic tables, two boat ramps and walking trails. Visitors may also see rowing teams taking advantage of the nationally recognized rowing course. The campground blends natural beauty with high-tech energy efficiency, with solar panels and wind turbine.

The tailwaters below South Holston Dam host a thriving wild brown trout fishery, drawing anglers from around the world. Enjoy scenic views and a wildlife trail and learn how the weir below the dam contributes to the fish habitat.

Built in 1918, Wilson Dam was at the center of TVA’s formation. The visitor center is accessible year-round, sharing information on the struggle between private and public power interests. The reservoir features world-class fishing, camping and boating.