Halle Hutchins was the winner of the Cherokee Lake Realty Jefferson County High School Scholarship. Her winning essay is seen here:
An Exploration of Tennessee Lakes
East Tennessee is home to a variety of beautiful lakes that offer quiet, yet captivating and unique experiences. Three of these lakes each have distinct features that set them apart, from their size and recreational purposes to their wildlife and scenery. Norris, Cherokee, and Douglas Lakes are some of the finest in the Tennessee Valley Authority system. By comparing these lakes, they can be better understood and appreciated, realizing what makes each one special and understanding the importance they have on their community and their region’s environment.
Norris Lake, located in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, about 20 miles north of Knoxville, was the Tennessee Valley Authority’s first major dam project. It was created during the Great Depression, between 1933 and 1936, designed for flood control, hydroelectric power, and regional development. This 34,000-acre reservoir is named after Senator George Norris, who was a key figure in the creation of TVA. This lake flooded parts of the Clinch and Powell rivers, forcing relocation for 2,800 families. A few years later, Cherokee Lake was created. This dam, running through the counties of Jefferson, Grainger, Hamblen, and Hawkins, was built within 16 months and was finished in 1941, just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was made to provide crucial hydroelectric power to support World War II efforts, specifically the Oak Ridge Manhattan project. The historic town of Bean Station was immensely inundated by the rising waters, forcing the relocation of 875 families and 51 cemeteries. For reasons like those of Cherokee, Douglas Lake was created to provide crucial hydroelectric power for World War II aluminum production and the Manhattan Project. It was built from February 1942 to February 1943, taking only 12 months and 17 days and setting a world record. This lake lies between Dandridge, Sevierville, and Newport.
The current demographics of these lakes are similar in certain ways, such as the median age, the suburban feel, and the lake-focused communities surrounding them. Norris Lake has approximately 1,500-1,600 residents who are characterized as predominantly white, older, and educated. This area is known for being a great retirement spot because of its quiet and safe feel. Cherokee Lake serves a population of approximately 14,000 residents. This lake is known as a scenic spot and is quite popular for fishing. Douglas Lake serves the largest population, home to nearly 18,000 people. The area provides a quiet, rural feel and is driven by tourism, small businesses, and is popular with retired workers. Because these lakes are close in proximity, they all share demographics largely influenced by the specific roles they play. They all similarly act as recreational hubs which attract retired workers, tourists, and vacation homeowners.
While these lakes are all known for good reasons, each of them has their own pros and cons. On the downside, Norris Lake has drastic water level changes in late summer, and fishing can be very difficult in some areas. However, this lake is known as one of the cleanest lakes in the Tennessee Valley Authority system and it is excellent for boating, tubing, and skiing. It contains numerous restaurants and marinas, making it a very popular destination. A few drawbacks of Cherokee lake include significant winter water level drops and very remote locations. Aside from this, Cherokee lake is known for its beautiful scenery, peaceful environment, excellent fishing, and it is also relatively affordable. Douglas lake has very dramatic seasonal water level fluctuations, strong currents, and limited local amenities. However, fishing, boating, and tubing are excellent here. Because of its proximity to the Smoky Mountains, the views are wonderful and offer a relaxing environment.
Norris, Cherokee, and Douglas Lakes each offer distinct qualities that make them treasured parts of East Tennessee’s natural landscape. Whether it’s Norris Lake’s cleanliness, Cherokee Lake’s amusing recreational opportunities, or Douglas Lake’s beautiful scenery, each of these lakes provides something special that draws locals and visitors in. Perceiving their similarities and differences helps to appreciate the unique beauty and diverse resources these lakes contribute to their region.
