Swim, Hike and Fish Your Way to Bliss

When she moved from New Jersey to Tellico Village, Tennessee, it didn’t take long for Lisa Keenan and her water-loving dog, Max, to find the perfect spot for outdoor adventures.

They settled on Tellico Reservoir, home to Tennessee Valley Authority’s longest point-to-point recreation trail in the seven-state service area.

“Max and I have been here half a dozen times,” Keenan said. “We like to walk and run around to enjoy the view.”

Looking for the perfect beach? Thousands of acres of water surface for fishing, boating and other recreation? How about open spaces and trails aplenty?

Tellico is a ticket to all that and more.

A boat passes along Bussell Island during a fishing tournament in July at Tellico Reservoir.

Two-for-One Deal

For the ultimate water therapy, grab a pole and pick a quiet nook along Tellico’s 357 miles of shoreline.

The reservoir is known for its crappie and bass fishing, including smallmouth, spotted and largemouth.

And as reservoirs go, you might consider Tellico something of a BOGO deal.

On a sunny summer afternoon, if the Tellico fish won’t take to your particular batch of worms, you can steer your boat across a wide canal that cuts under Highway 321 and, inside of 60 seconds, find yourself fishing on Tellico’s sibling reservoir, Fort Loudoun.

Michael Watkins, an avid fisherman who lives nearby, often makes that short journey between the two reservoirs. He’s at either location at least once a week.

His theory on angling these waters: “If it’s sunny, go to Fort Loudoun. If it’s cloudy, go to Tellico.”

On a drizzly July afternoon, Watkins competed in a small fishing tournament organized among friends and locals. Some opted for Tellico, others Fort Loudoun.

“I used to be out here every day,” Watkins said. “I got to where I knew what the fish would do before they did it.”

Bass chase food like threadfin shad and hang around cover such as rocks, docks or brush.

Watkins isn’t out fishing quite as often these days, but his tips hold true: “You just have to find out where they’re at. They like rocky places, or where trees fall into the water.”

The best locations change with the season and the weather.

“If you’re a bass fisherman, you’re going to figure it out,” he said.

Glen Hazel and his grandson, Asher, fish for bluegill along the shoreline near Tellico’s day use area.

Walk, Fish and Swim

With a vast array of trails winding through exposed and covered terrain, Tellico is tailormade for backpacking and hiking. It features the 28.8-mile East Lakeshore Trail, noted as TVA’s longest point-to-point hiking trail.

“It really kind of crosses all types of terrain in that area,” Clay Guerry, TVA’s senior recreation strategist, said. "Having that opportunity for a backpacking experience … is pretty cool. You don't have to drive to the Smokies to go backpacking.”

Looking for fast access to an easy walking path? A long, paved trail passes gently along Tellico’s beach and runs north along the reservoir, offering pleasant views of the water and Tellico Dam.

The day use area has plenty of quiet spots to sit and enjoy the view. It’s situated close to the parking lot, too, making it a perfect stop for lunchtime visits.

On a warm afternoon at the water’s edge near the picnic area, local resident Glen Hazel showed his grandson, Asher, the finer points of fishing bluegill.

“We like the water here because it’s clear,” Hazel said.

A favorite feature for locals is Tellico’s swim beach, one of 12 TVA swim beaches. The marked swimming area is situated at Bussell Island, just next to the day use area.

The clear, clean water at Tellico’s beach is a hit with swimmers, including the four-legged variety.

Stay and Explore

What’s better than a day at the reservoir? A full weekend.

Round up the family to spend a few summer nights under the stars at any one of Tellico’s three TVA Camp-Right Campgrounds – Lotterdale Cove in Greenback and Toqua and Notchy Creek, both in Vonore.

There’s also Yarberry, a Camp-Right Campground just north, at Fort Loudoun Reservoir.

The TVA Camp-Right program recognizes campgrounds on TVA land that are committed to environmentally responsible practices that ensure high-quality camping experiences.

While the reservoir itself merits a days-long visit for hiking, biking, boating, camping and swimming, there’s a wealth of history to discover throughout the Loudon County region, home to more than two dozen sites listed with the National Register of Historic Places.

Farther south is Fort Loudoun Historic State Park and the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum.

If you’re not boating or kayaking on the reservoir, a short road trip is a great way to explore the area.

Start at Lenoir City and head south along the west edge of the reservoir. After enjoying the sights in Tellico Village you’ll soon find yourself in Vonore, where you can stop off at Countryside Restaurant for seasoned catfish or cheese-slathered chicken.

And if it’s your thing, the area also has great golf courses.

Head north along the reservoir’s east side and find narrow, winding roads leading to the shore, where you can catch unforgettable sunsets. Top off the trip with some shopping and ice cream in downtown Lenoir City.

"This is a truly wonderful part of the Valley region to explore, not only because of the recreational offerings and the natural features, but also because it's an area well known for settlement history," TVA historian Pat Ezzell said.

"Fort Loudoun Historic State Park and the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum give great insight as to what life was like in the 18th century, when settlers were moving into the great Valley. It’s absolutely an area that families and history lovers should make time to visit."

Photo Gallery

A paved walking trail along the north side of the reservoir delivers stunning views.

The walking trail will lead visitors to Tellico Dam. 

Tellico’s beach is open year-round, but May to October is always the busy period.  

An exploration of narrow roads along the east side of the reservoir leads to pleasant little surprises, like this boat tucked away in a quiet cove at sunset. 

Clocking in at nearly 29 miles, the East Lakeshore Trail is TVA’s longest point-to-point trail in the seven states. 

Fishermen cast from a boat at Fort Loudoun Dam, just a short hop from Tellico Reservoir.

PHOTO AT TOP OF PAGE: Michael Watkins pulls in a catch during a fishing tournament among friends at Tellico Reservoir.

Explore the Reservoir

Learn more about Tellico’s land and history at the Tellico Reservoir Land Management Plan page, and explore the reservoir’s public lands at this online map.