The 10 Best Things to Do in La Follette, United States

Cove Lake’s 717 acres are situated in a beautiful mountain valley on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau. A paved walking/bike trail provides easy access to all park facilities. Visitors can spend the day fishing or simply sitting back and capturing the picturesque vista Cove Lake offers. In the 1920s, several groups began lobbying state and federal legislators for the construction of a dam at the confluence of the Clinch River and Cove Creek to control flooding and provide electricity to the area. The project was initially known as the Cove Creek Project, but after the Tennessee Valley Authority assumed control of the project in 1933, it became known as the Norris Project. The project was named for Nebraska senator George Norris, who had advocated the creation of TVA in the early 1930s. The construction of Norris Dam began in 1934 and the dam’s gates were closed in 1936, effectively creating the Norris Reservoir. The Tennessee Valley Authority constructed Caryville Dam to protect the town of Caryville from the Norris Reservoir, which would extend for several miles up Cove Creek. Regardless, several of the town’s structures were condemned or moved, and two highways had to be rerouted. TVA planned Cove Lake State Park as one of the Norris Project’s three demonstration recreational areas, the other two being Norris Dam State Park and Big Ridge State Park along the main reservoir to the east. The park has 106 campsites equipped with grills and picnic tables. There are also six large picnic pavilions available for rent.

Norris dam was the first built by the TVA in the late 1930s.

We provide self-guided rentals and discovery class in top of the line watercraft; single, fishing & tandem kayaks, hydrobikes (water bikes), canoes and Stand-Up Paddle Boards, for a 1-2 hour paddle, a 4 hr. 'half day' tour for time to picnic, swim and explore or a full day lake adventure. We welcome individuals of all ages and skill levels, including young children and pets. Our experienced staff can also provide guided excursions.

Anderson County Park is a beautifully maintained park on the shores of Norris Lake. The park offers camping with full RV hook-ups, both a private boat launch for campers and a public launch with parking, a playground area, a designated swimming area, covered pavilions, hiking and biking trails and more!

The Museum of Appalachia is a living history museum--a pioneer mountain farm-village that lends voice to the people of Southern Appalachia through the artifacts and stories they left behind. Roam the 65-acre complex and experience a recreated Appalachian community complete with: -36 authentic log structures (including Mark Twain's Family Cabin) -Farm animals -Over 250,000 artifacts in 3 buildings, with vast collections of folk art, music memorabilia, baskets, quilts, Native American artifacts, and much more. The Museum hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including Sheep Shearing Days, July 4th Anvil Shoot, "Days of the Pioneer" Antique Show, and A Candlelight Christmas.

When Oasis Watersports began, we knew we had to be different. As a true concierge service, we bring the fun to you. You are on Norris Lake to enjoy vacation, so it is our main focus to provide you with the most convenient way to rent a boat. No more long drives and frustrations to get to the boat you want. With Oasis, we meet you at your dock, check you in, and our expert staff will assist you.

An outdoor center offering FUN Watercraft and Bike Rentals on Norris Lake, Clinch River & Norris Watershed. Also have food, drinks, firewood and much more.